Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Germany: Find Work Easier in 2026

· 2026-07-11

The Chancenkarte lets you move to Germany for 12 months to find a job — no offer needed. The points system, money requirements and application steps for 2026.

Since June 2024, Germany has an immigration route that did not exist before: the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). It lets qualified people move to Germany for up to 12 months to look for a job on site — without a job offer, without a German degree, and while working part-time to support themselves. In 2026 it is one of the most realistic paths into the German labour market. Here is how it works and how to know if you qualify.

💡 Check first: our free Chancenkarte points calculator tells you in one minute whether you reach the required 6 points — and what to improve if you don't.

What the Chancenkarte actually gives you

• 12 months in Germany to search for a job (extendable by up to 2 more years in a follow-up permit once you find qualified work)
• Part-time work allowed: up to 20 hours per week from day one, plus 2-week job trials (Probearbeiten) with any employer
• A direct switch to a work permit, EU Blue Card or other residence title once you sign a qualified contract — no need to leave Germany

The two basic requirements

Before any points are counted, you must meet both conditions:

1. A recognised qualification: a university degree OR vocational training of at least 2 years (recognised in the country where you earned it)
2. Language minimum: German at A1 — or English at B2

If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany (or you graduated in Germany), you do not need the points system at all — you count as a skilled worker (Fachkraft) and can use the Chancenkarte without scoring.

The points system: reach 6 points

Two realistic examples: a 29-year-old nurse with B1 German and 3 years' experience scores 2 (age) + 2 (B1) + 2 (experience) + 1 (shortage) = 7 points — eligible. A 41-year-old accountant with A1 German and English C1 scores 0 + 0 + 1 + 2 (experience) = 3 points — not yet. The fastest fixes are usually German A2/B1 (our free A1–C1 lessons get you there) and partial recognition of your qualification, which alone is worth 4 points. See also our detailed guide to how the points system works.

The money requirement

You must prove you can support yourself: about 1,027 € per month, usually via a blocked account of ≈ 12,324 € for 12 months — or an employment contract for a part-time job (up to 20 h/week) in Germany. Calculate your exact budget with the Sperrkonto calculator.

How to apply, step by step

1. Score yourself with the points calculator and fix gaps first — a rejected application costs months.
2. Gather documents: passport, qualification + certified translation, language certificate, proof of experience, proof of funds, CV.
3. Apply at the German embassy in your country (or at the Ausländerbehörde if you are already legally in Germany). Fee: 75 €.
4. After arrival: register your address (Anmeldung), get health insurance, and use the 20 h/week work right while applying.