Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)
The Chancenkarte is Germany’s job search visa, introduced in June 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act. It allows qualified non-EU professionals to enter Germany for up to 12 months to search for employment without needing a job offer in advance. Applicants need EUR 13,092 in a blocked bank account and either A1 German or B2 English. Part-time work up to 20 hours per week is permitted during the job search.
Requirements
The Opportunity Card (Section 20a, Residence Act) has two qualification routes:
Route 1 – Direct (no points needed):
1) Foreign qualification fully recognised in Germany, OR a degree/vocational training completed in Germany
2) No language requirement for this route
Route 2 – Points system (minimum 6 points):
1) State-recognised qualification from the country where it was obtained (minimum 2 years training for vocational qualifications)
2) Language: A1 German OR B2 English (certificate required even for native English speakers)
3) Points awarded for: partial recognition of qualification (4 points), shortage occupation (1 point), work experience 2+ years (2 points) or 5+ years (3 points), age under 35 (2 points), previous stay in Germany (1 point), spouse also qualifies (1 point)
Financial requirement:
1) Blocked bank account with at least EUR 1,091 per month (EUR 13,092 for 12 months) as of 2026
2) OR a part-time employment contract earning at least EUR 1,091 net per month
3) OR a Declaration of Commitment from a German sponsor
Key conditions:
1) Valid for 12 months, extendable up to 2 years total
2) Part-time work permitted up to 20 hours per week
3) Trial work placements allowed (maximum 2 weeks per employer)
4) Health insurance required
5) Self-employment is NOT permitted on the Chancenkarte
Fees: Visa application EUR 75. Residence permit up to EUR 100
Process and Procedure
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks via Germany’s digital visa portal (2026).
Step 1: Use the official Self-Check tool on make-it-in-germany.com to assess eligibility
Step 2: Open a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) with at least EUR 13,092 for the 12-month period
Step 3: Apply online via the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. Prepare passport, proof of qualification, recognition documents, language certificate, proof of financial means, and health insurance
Step 4: Attend visa appointment at the German embassy or consulate. Visa fee: EUR 75
Step 5: Upon arrival in Germany, register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 14 days
Step 6: Begin job search. Use platforms such as Make it in Germany, LinkedIn, StepStone, and XING
Step 7: Once you secure qualified employment, convert to a long-term work permit at the local Foreigners Authority (Auslaenderbehorde). Options include the EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa
MA Consultants will guide you through the entire process from eligibility assessment to visa issuance.
Citizenship
Under Germany’s modernised Citizenship Law (StARModG, effective 27 June 2024):
Standard naturalisation after 5 years:
1) 5 years of lawful residence in Germany (reduced from 8 years under the 2024 reform). The 3-year fast-track for exceptional integration has been abolished – standard 5 years now applies to all
2) B1 German language proficiency minimum
3) Einbuergerungstest (naturalisation test) – 33 multiple-choice questions on German history, law, and society. Pass mark: 17/33. Fee: EUR 25
4) Financial self-sufficiency – no ongoing social welfare (Buergergeld) receipt
5) Clean criminal record – convictions above 90 daily rates or 3 months suspended sentence will disqualify
6) Commitment to the free democratic basic order of Germany
Dual citizenship: Fully permitted since June 2024. No requirement to renounce your original nationality
Fees: EUR 255 per adult, EUR 51 per child
Passport strength: A German passport provides visa-free access to 190+ countries – consistently ranked among the top 3 most powerful passports globally
