With the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) system it has introduced to close the skilled labor gap, Germany, as of 2026, grants international professionals the opportunity to come to Germany and search for a job without yet having an employment contract.
Application Requirements
Those Who Qualify Directly
If your university diploma or vocational training certificate is fully recognized (H+) by the German authorities, you do not need to enter the scoring system.
Those Who Qualify Through the Points System
- There is an obligation to collect at least 6 points.
- Language: An A2 German or B2 English certificate is required.
- Professional Basis: 2 years of vocational training or a recognized university diploma.
- Financial: Blocked account (~12,500 € per year).
2026 Point Distribution Table
| Criterion | Points | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Recognition | 4 | Teilweise Anerkennung |
| Professional Experience | 2-3 | 2 years: 2p, 5 years: 3p |
| Language Competence | 1-2 | B1 German: 2p, A2 German / C1 English: 1p |
| Age Factor | 1-2 | Under 35: 2p, 35-40: 1p |
| Spouse Potential | 1 | The spouse also meeting the Opportunity Card criteria |
| Connection to Germany | 1 | At least 6 months of legal residence in the last 5 years |
Work Rights
- Legal work permit for up to 20 hours per week (~1,000 € — 1,200 € monthly).
- The right to a 2-week trial work (Probearbeit).
- Transition to Blue Card or standard work permit status after finding an employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend the Opportunity Card from within Germany?+
The card is valid for 1 year. If you receive a qualified job offer at the end of the period, you can convert your visa directly to a Work Permit or Blue Card status.
Can my spouse and children come with me?+
Yes, family reunification rights are available. However, the blocked account amount increases for each family member, and there is an obligation to show a home of appropriate size (Wohnraumnachweis).
Can I get this card without knowing German?+
If your English is B2 and you collect the 6-point threshold from the other criteria, yes. However, since it will increase your speed of finding a job in Germany by 200%, we recommend you target at least A2/B1 German.
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