Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for Germany

Germany's innovative Chancenkarte visa allows skilled professionals like you to move here for one year to find a job—even without an employment offer.

Work in Germany, Simplified: The New Opportunity Card

The German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a game-changer. If you are a non-EU citizen with either a university degree or recognized vocational training, this is your direct path into one of the world’s strongest economies. It grants you a full year to live in Germany, attend interviews, and secure a great job in your field. While this opportunity is incredible, the points-based application can be demanding. Sunday Global Consulting specializes in navigating these requirements, ensuring your submission is flawless and positioned for success. Let’s build your future in Germany, together.

Expert Strategy

FROM IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS

Our experts develop a personalized strategy for your case. We analyze your profile against the Chancenkarte points system to ensure your application is built for maximum success from day one.

Flawless Application

FULL-SERVICE DOCUMENT & SUBMISSION SUPPORT

We manage every detail. From compiling and verifying documents to handling the final submission and preparing you for the consular interview, we make the entire process seamless and stress-free.

Personalized Pathways

TO YOUR CAREER IN GERMANY

Your background is unique, and your visa application should be too. We provide one-on-one attention to craft a compelling application that highlights your strengths and perfectly meets Germany’s requirements.

Key Benefits of the German Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is Germany’s modern replacement for the old Job Seeker Visa. It is a more flexible, points-based system designed to welcome skilled professionals like you. This visa acts as your official, one-year entry ticket to network, attend interviews, and secure a full-time job contract after you arrive.

Enter Germany Without a Job Offer: This is the single biggest advantage. Unlike most work visas, the 'Chancenkarte' allows you to move to Germany and settle in before you have an employment contract, giving you the freedom to find the perfect job in person.
Work Part-Time to Cover Costs: While you search for your dream job, your visa gives you permission to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). This is crucial for covering living expenses and allows you to gain German work experience right away.
One Full Year for Your Job Search: The 12-month residence permit provides ample time to explore industries, interview with multiple companies, and negotiate the best possible salary and position without the pressure of a rapidly expiring visa.
A Clear Pathway to Long-Term Residency: Once you receive a qualified job offer, the Opportunity Card is designed for a smooth and straightforward transition to a long-term German work visa, securing your future career and life in Germany.

Who Can Apply for the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?

Am I Eligible? Checking Your Requirements

Eligibility for the Chancenkarte is a clear, two-part process. First, every applicant must meet a few basic, non-negotiable requirements. If you meet these, you then need to score a minimum of 6 points in the points system. Here’s a simple breakdown.

Part 1: The Basic Requirements (Everyone Must Meet These)

Before we even look at points, you must fulfill these two core conditions:

Educational Qualification: You must have either:
- A university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) that is recognized in your home country.
- OR at least two years of formal vocational training that resulted in a state-recognized qualification.
Financial Security: You must prove you can cover your living costs for one year. This is typically done by depositing at least €1,027 per month (approx. €12,324 for the year) into a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto).

Part 2: The Points System (Score at Least 6 Points)

If you meet the basic requirements above, you can proceed. You now need to score 6 or more points from the categories below.

4 Points: For having your professional qualification or degree formally recognized as equivalent in Germany.
3 Points: For having five years of professional experience (in the last 7 years) in your field.
3 Points: For advanced German language skills (C1 level).
2 Points: For being 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
2 Points: For solid German language skills (B2 level).
2 Points: For two years of professional experience (in the last 5 years).
1 Point: For being between 36 and 40 years old.
1 Point: For having prior stays in Germany (at least 6 months, non-tourist).
1 Point: For very good English skills (C1 level), a degree from a German institution, or having a qualification in an official shortage occupation.

Feeling Unsure About Your Points?

This is exactly where our expertise comes in. The points system can be tricky, but we know how to build the strongest possible case.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check

The Points System Explained

How to Score Your 6 Points?

Once you meet the basic eligibility criteria (your qualification and financial proof), the final step is to score at least 6 points based on your personal profile. This system is designed to identify candidates with the highest chance of success in the German job market. Here is a detailed breakdown of every category.

1. Professional Qualification & Recognition (4 Points)

This is the fastest way to gain points. If your university degree or vocational training has been formally recognized as fully equivalent to a German qualification, you receive 4 points. We specialize in managing this complex recognition process for you.

2. Relevant Work Experience (Up to 3 Points)

Your practical experience is highly valued.

3 Points: For five or more years of professional experience in your field within the last seven years.
2 Points: For two to four years of professional experience in your field within the last five years.

3. German Language Skills (Up to 3 Points)

The better your German, the more points you score.

3 Points: For B2 level German proficiency.
2 Points: For B1 level German.
1 Point: For A2 level German.

4. Age at Application (Up to 2 Points)

The system favors younger applicants who can contribute to the economy long-term.

2 Points: If you are 35 years old or younger.
1 Point: If you are between 36 and 40 years old.

5. English Skills & Shortage Occupations (1 Point Each)

You can earn additional, valuable points in these areas.

1 Point: For advanced English skills (C1 level or higher).
1 Point: If your profession is on Germany’s official “shortage occupation” list.

6. Prior Connection to Germany (1 Point)

If you have legally lived in Germany for at least six months in the past (for study or work, not tourism), you earn 1 point.

7. Qualified Spouse/Partner (1 Point)

If you are applying with a spouse or partner who is also eligible for the Opportunity Card, one of you can claim an extra 1 point on your application.

Important Note on Documentation:

Remember, every point you claim must be proven with official documents, such as language certificates, employment letters, and educational transcripts. Our primary role is to ensure your documentation is perfect, complete, and correctly submitted to avoid delays or rejection.

Calculate your Points

Why Partner with Sunday Global Consulting?

Navigating the Chancenkarte process alone can be overwhelming. The difference between a successful application and a rejected one often comes down to expert strategy and flawless execution. That’s where we excel.

Strategic Profile Assessment: We don’t just fill out forms. We analyze your entire profile to build the strongest possible case, ensuring you claim every point you are entitled to.
Complete Document Management: We guide you on exactly which documents you need, how to get them, and verify everything to meet strict German standards, preventing common and costly errors.
Full-Service Application Handling: We manage the entire submission process from start to finish and provide expert coaching for your final visa interview, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Post-Arrival Support: Our relationship doesn’t end when you get your visa. We are here to assist you as you settle in, from finding vocational schools to offering guidance when you need it most.

Real Stories, Real Results: Vocational Training Visa Success Stories

Your Questions Answered: FAQs About the Opportunity Card

Still Have Questions?

Here are mentioned frequently asked questions regarding vocational training in Germany. If your question is not here, simply write us your question here.

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Do I need a job offer before applying for the Opportunity Card?

No. This is the biggest advantage of the Opportunity Card. It is specifically designed to allow you to come to Germany for up to one year to find a job after you arrive. You do not need an employment contract to get this visa.

How much money do I need to show for financial proof?

You must prove you can support yourself for your entire stay. The current requirement is €1,027 per month. For a one-year visa, this means you need to deposit approximately €12,324 into a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) before your visa is granted. (It can change with time!)

Can I work while I am looking for a full-time job?

Yes. The Opportunity Card allows you to take on part-time jobs for a combined total of up to 20 hours per week. This is perfect for covering living expenses and gaining German work experience while you search for a long-term career position. You can also undertake two-week work trials.

Can I bring my family (spouse and children) with me on this visa?

Family reunification is generally not possible during the initial one-year job-seeking period on the Opportunity Card. However, once you secure a qualified job and transition to a long-term residence permit (like a work visa or EU Blue Card), your family will then be eligible to join you in Germany.

What happens if I don't find a job within one year?

The Opportunity Card is issued for a maximum of one year for the initial job search. If you have a qualified job offer but don’t yet meet the criteria for a full residence permit, it can be extended for up to two more years. If you do not secure a qualified job offer, the visa expires, and you would be expected to leave Germany. If you have enough money in your bank account to block, In many cases one can apply for extension in Germany.

What are the minimum language skills required?

To meet the basic requirements, you only need to prove either basic German (A1 level) OR good English (B2 level). You do not need both. However, having higher level German skills will award you more points and significantly increase your chances of finding employment.

What's the difference between this and the old Job Seeker Visa?

The Opportunity Card has officially replaced the old Job Seeker Visa. It is a more flexible, points-based system. The key advantages are the ability to work part-time from day one and a clearer, more structured set of eligibility criteria.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times vary significantly depending on the German embassy or consulate in your home country. On average, you should expect the process to take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks after you have submitted your complete application.

Do I absolutely have to get my degree officially recognized?

Not necessarily, but it is highly recommended. If your degree or vocational qualification is formally recognized as equivalent in Germany, you automatically get 4 points. If you can reach the required 6 points through other categories (like language, age, and experience), you can still be eligible without full recognition. However, recognition makes your application much stronger.

I scored 6 points on the calculator. Does this guarantee I get the visa?

Scoring 6 points makes you eligible to apply, but it is not an automatic guarantee of visa approval. The German authorities still review your entire profile, the authenticity of your documents, and your overall intent. This is why having an expert manage your application to present your case perfectly is so crucial.

Don't Miss Out

ON YOUR OPPORTUNITY CARD

The Opportunity Card offers a unique chance to advance your career in Germany. Time is of the essence. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with your application. Don’t delay – seize this opportunity to build your future in Germany.

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