The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Section 20a AufenthG) is a points-based route that allows qualified people from abroad to come to Germany for up to one year to look for a permanent job or a qualification measure.

Two routes to the Opportunity Card

The direct route: anyone whose university degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany counts as a skilled worker and receives the card without points. The points route: anyone with a state-recognised vocational qualification of at least two years or a university degree from their home country needs at least six points.

How points are awarded

Points are awarded for partial recognition of your qualification (4 points), work experience (2 points for two years within the last five years, 3 points for five years within the last seven years), German language skills (A2: 1 point, B1: 2 points, B2 or higher: 3 points), English at C1 level (1 point), being under 35 (2 points) or between 35 and 40 (1 point), a shortage occupation (1 point), and for previous stays in Germany and a spouse who also meets the requirements (1 point each). The minimum language requirement is German at A1 or English at B2.

Proof of funds and blocked account

For the visa you must show that you can support yourself: in 2026 this is €1,091 per month for the planned stay, or €13,092 for a year. You can prove this with a blocked account, a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) or an offer of part-time work.

Working while you look for a permanent job

With the Opportunity Card you may work up to 20 hours a week in a secondary job and complete trial employment of up to two weeks with potential employers without needing separate permission.

What to check

  • Show that your vocational qualification is state-recognised in your home country.
  • Take an official language exam in German (Goethe, telc) or English (IELTS, TOEFL).
  • Prepare your proof of funds: in 2026 this is €13,092 for a year, for example in a blocked account.
  • Put together a clear CV in German, for example in the Europass format.

Example situation

A 32-year-old professional (2 points) with four years of work experience within the last five years (2 points) and German at B1 level (2 points) reaches 6 points, the minimum required, and applies for the Opportunity Card at the German mission abroad.

Next step

The Opportunity Card lets you look for work and attend interviews in Germany itself; prepare your proof of funds early.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.