Chancenkarte 2026: how the Opportunity Card points system works
Come to Germany for up to a year without a job offer. Who qualifies, how points add up, and the money you must show.
Short answer
6 pointsthe minimum score if your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany
The Chancenkarte lets skilled workers live in Germany for up to a year while they look for a job. You qualify with a fully recognised degree or vocational qualification, or with a qualification recognised in your home country, A1 German or B2 English, and at least 6 points. In 2026 you must show €1,091 a month, and you may work up to 20 hours a week while you search.
Also in
हिंदी
Chancenkarte (अपॉर्चुनिटी कार्ड) से कुशल लोग नौकरी ढूँढने के लिए एक साल तक जर्मनी में रह सकते हैं। इसके लिए जर्मनी में पूरी तरह मान्य डिग्री चाहिए, या अपने देश में मान्य डिग्री/ट्रेनिंग, A1 जर्मन या B2 अंग्रेज़ी और कम से कम 6 पॉइंट। 2026 में €1,091 प्रति माह दिखाने होते हैं, और नौकरी ढूँढते समय आप हफ्ते में 20 घंटे तक काम कर सकते हैं।
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is Germany's job-seeker visa for skilled workers from outside the EU. It does not need a job offer. You come, look for work in person and switch to a work permit once you are hired.
Two ways to qualify
Option 1: full recognition. If your degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you qualify without points.
Option 2: the points system. You need all of the following:
- a university degree or at least two years of vocational training, recognised by the state where you got it
- German at level A1 or English at level B2
- at least 6 points from the table below
The points table
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| 2+ years of professional experience in the last 5 years | 2 |
| 5+ years of professional experience in the last 7 years | 3 |
| German at A2 | 1 |
| German at B1 | 2 |
| German at B2 or higher | 3 |
| English at C1 or native | 1 |
| Aged 35 or under | 2 |
| Aged 36 to 40 | 1 |
| 6+ months of legal stay in Germany in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Partner who also qualifies and applies with you | 1 |
Example: a 29-year-old engineer with six years of experience and German at B1 scores 3 + 2 + 2 = 7 points, enough to qualify.
Money you must show
You must prove you can support yourself: €1,091 net per month in 2026, which is €13,092 for a full year. Most applicants use a blocked account. A formal declaration of commitment from someone in Germany also works, and a signed part-time job contract can count towards it.
Working while you search
- Part-time work up to 20 hours a week
- Trial work of up to two weeks per employer
Once you find a qualified job, you switch to a work permit such as the EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit. The card is valid for up to one year.
How to apply
Apply online through the Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal, then attend the appointment at the German mission responsible for where you live. Have your degree, proof of experience, language certificates and financial proof ready.
Questions people ask
Can I bring my family on a Chancenkarte?
Family reunification is not the purpose of the card. In most cases your family joins once you hold a work permit.
Do I need a job offer for the Chancenkarte?
No. That is its purpose: you come to Germany to look for work in person.
What happens if I do not find a job within the year?
You must leave Germany when the card expires, unless you qualify for another residence permit.
Sources
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card: points table, €1,091 rule, work rules, application
- Expatrio: Chancenkarte requirements 2026: language minimums and financial proof
Information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official source linked above before you act.
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