Chancenkarte: How to get your German opportunity card

Learn about Germany's new Chancekarte work visa, also known as the German opportunity card. Get all the info you need for a successful application!

Ellie

5 minute read

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25 Sep 2024

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Moving

Germany has long been a popular destination for internationals seeking new opportunities. With its strong economy, high quality of life, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that many want to make the move. The recently introduced Chancenkarte or German opportunity card aims to simplify the process of moving to Germany for skilled workers and job seekers. In this article, we’ll fill you in on all you need to know about the German opportunity card, from what it is to how to apply.

The Chancenkarte is a German visa that allows non-EU citizens with an academic degree or professional qualification to move to Germany and find a job. Anyone who receives a Chancenkarte can remain in Germany for 12 months to find a job or pursue further studies or training with the intention of finding a job in Germany. You don’t need to have a job offer to move to Germany with a Chancenkarte.

To qualify for a German opportunity card, you’ll need to be recognised as a skilled worker or qualify using the points system designed for the opportunity card. You’ll also need to prove you have a way to support yourself financially during your time in Germany.

The Chancenkarte points system

To get your German opportunity card or Chancenkarte, you’ll need to score at least 6 points on the Chancenkarte points system and meet a few basic requirements.

The basic requirements to be eligible for the German opportunity card are:

• A1 German language skills or B2 English language skills
• At least 2 years of vocational training
• Sufficient financial means (for example, a part-time job contract)

You receive 4 points if:

• You’ve received recognition that your foreign qualification is partially equivalent from the Central Office for Foreign Education
• You’re licensed to practice in a regulated profession (such as teaching, nursing or engineering)

You receive 3 points if:

• You’ve spent 5 of the last 7 years working in your profession and completed at least 2 years of training or studying beforehand in your country of origin
• You’ve got B2-level German language skills

You receive 2 points if:

• You’ve spent 2 of the last 5 years working in your profession and completed at least 2 years of training or studying beforehand in your country of origin
• You’re younger than 35
• You’ve got B1-level German language skills

You receive 1 point if:

• You’re younger than 40
• You’ve lived in Germany previously for at least 6 months
• You’ve got C1-level English language skills
• You’ve got A2-level German language skills
• You’re qualified in an area of labour shortage in Germany
• You apply for the Chancenkarte with your spouse

To apply for your German opportunity card, you’ll need to go to the German embassy or consulate of your country. Here, you'll submit your application and required documents.

If you’re already in Germany, you can submit your application and documents at your local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office).

Most Chancenkarte applications are processed within 2 weeks, so you’ll know pretty quickly if you got it.

Can you apply for the Chancenkarte online?

As the Chancenkarte is a new German work visa, so the processes to apply for it are still adjusting. Currently, residents of about 20 countries can apply for the Chancenkarte online. The best way to know is to check using the application portal online; it’ll tell you whether you can apply online.

What documents are required to apply for the Chancenkarte?

The required documents for your Chancenkarte application will vary from case to case, but here’s an overview of what you should expect:

• A valid passport
• A passport photo
• Language certificates
• Proof of academic qualification or training qualifications
• Your CV
• Proof that you previously lived in Germany (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

You’ll probably need to have your documents professionally translated into German and format your CV accordingly. It’s worth checking directly with your embassy or office about what you should bring before you go.

Learn how to make a winning German CV with the HomeAbroad podcast

How much does the Chancenkarte application cost?

The cost of applying for the German Opportunity Card is €75, which you’ll pay in your local currency if you’re outside of Germany.

There’re a few methods to prove that you have enough money to live in Germany and support yourself while you have the Chancenkarte.

1. Using a blocked bank account You’ll need to have at least €1,027 for each month you plan to stay in Germany in a blocked bank account.
2. With a part-time employment contract If you’ve gotten a part-time job to support yourself financially, you can show your employment contract.
3. With a sponsor You may be able to use a verplichtungseerklärung which is a formal obligation that must be signed by a German resident who is willing to sponsor you and act as your proof of financial means.

The Chancenkarte is valid for 1 year, beginning from the date you enter Germany. You can extend your Chancekarte if you meet the requirements for extension. You must apply for renewal at your local Ausländerbehörde. You might be able to extend up to 2 years, but they’re quite strict on renewing the Chancenkarte, so it’s best to try find a suitable job within the year.

What if your Chancenkarte expires?

If you haven’t found a job during the year validity of your Chancenkarte, you’ll need to either renew the Chancenkarte, leave Germany for good or apply for the Chancenkarte again after 1 year living outside of Germany.

Once you’ve gotten a job that meets the relevant criteria to get a residence permit, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit to continue working and living in Germany. Your qualifications and your role will determine which residence permit you need.

Though your employer will be able to help you in this process, it’s your responsibility to apply for the residence permit to continue working in Germany. After living and working in Germany for a number of years, you’ll be able to apply for permanent residence in Germany.

There’re a few key differences between the Chancenkarte and the job seeker visa. Mainly they differ in terms of minimum qualifications, required language level, duration and eligiblity to work.

Minimum qualifications

The job seeker visa requires a degree or vocational training which is recognised in Germany. The Chancenkarte requires a professional qualification as well as 2+ years of work experience in that field.

Language requirements

The job seeker visa doesn’t have a language requirement for those with degrees, but people applying with vocational training need to have minimum B1-level German language skills. The Chancenkarte requires minimum A1-level German language skills or B2-level German language skills.

Visa duration

The job seeker visa is valid for 6 months and the Chancenkarte is valid for up to 1 year. This will also impact the amount of funding you’re required to have prior to applying. For the job seeker visa, you’ll need to have at least €1,027 per month of your visa duration in a blocked bank account. As you cannot work on a job seeker visa, there’s not many ways to work around having this money in a blocked bank account.

With the Chancenkarte you can prove your funding in a number of ways, so you’re not necessarily required to have €1,027 per month for your visa duration in a blocked bank account. With a Chancenkarte you can prove your finances with a part-time employment contract or a German sponsor.

Eligibility to work

Living in Germany with a job seeker visa doesn’t allow you to work part-time. You can only apply for a fulltime job and then switch to a residence permit.

With a Chancenkarte you can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) for the duration of your visa. This can also be a means to support you financially while you search for work.

There it is! All you need to do now is start gathering your documents and prepare for your Chancenkarte application. If you’re thinking about finding a place before you arrive, renting in Germany is the best option for you. HousingAnywhere helps you find a place to live safely and securely from abroad, that way you can hit the ground running when you get to Germany!

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