What is Germany's Chancenkarte and who is it for
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card, §20a) is a visa that lets you go to Germany to look for work for up to 1 year under a points-based system. According to the German government’s Make it in Germany portal, applicants who reach 6 or more points are granted the card to go to Germany and find work matching their skills.
This is a flexible option for those without a job offer: you can go to Germany to look for work directly, take on trial work, and work part-time up to 20 hours per week. The basic requirements are German at A1 level or English at B2 level, along with the ability to support yourself financially.
Want to know whether you have the 6 points? Try the Chancenkarte points calculator or a free profile assessment.
- Go to Germany to find work for up to 1 year, no existing job offer required
- Take on trial work and work part-time up to 20 hours/week
- Requires German at A1 or English at B2
Core requirements of the Chancenkarte
There are two ways to qualify: automatically (with fully recognized qualifications) or through the points system.
Automatic pathway
Fully recognized qualification
If your vocational or university qualification is already fully recognized in Germany, you qualify for the Chancenkarte without needing to score points.
Points pathway
At least 6 points
If not yet fully recognized, you need a vocational/university qualification and must reach at least 6 points across the criteria.
Finances
Proof of self-support
Prove you can support yourself during the job search: income ≥ €1,091/month or a blocked account (Sperrkonto).
How the 6 Chancenkarte points are calculated
Points are accumulated across several criteria. M2W consultants help you optimize your profile to reach the 6-point threshold.
- Qualifications partially recognized in Germany
- German proficiency (A2 and above earns increasing points) or English
- Work experience in your field (2 or 5 years)
- Age (under 35 and under 40 earn different points)
- Previously lived, studied or worked legally in Germany
- Spouse applying jointly and also meeting the requirements
The Chancenkarte application process
The Chancenkarte lets you move to Germany first, find a job afterward, then switch to a long-term work visa.
Step 1 — Score assessment & document preparation
M2W assesses your points against the criteria and prepares your qualification, language and proof-of-funds documents (Sperrkonto if needed).
Step 2 — Submit the Chancenkarte application
Submit your application at the German diplomatic mission, demonstrating at least 6 points or a fully recognized qualification.
Step 3 — Move to Germany to find work
Receive the card and move to Germany to look for work for up to 1 year, with the right to do trial work and part-time work of 20 hours/week.
Step 4 — Switch to a work visa
Once you have a suitable job contract, switch to §18a/§18b or a Blue Card for long-term residence and work, moving toward permanent settlement.
Costs and important notes
The Chancenkarte costs include: qualification recognition fees (if applicable), translation/notarization fees, the visa application fee, proof of funds (a Sperrkonto roughly covering one year) and service fees. See the cost structure on the pricing page; M2W provides specific figures after reviewing your case.
Important note: the Chancenkarte is a JOB-SEEKER visa, not a long-term work visa. To stay and move toward permanent settlement, you must find a suitable job and switch to §18a/§18b or a Blue Card before the card expires.
Frequently asked questions about the Chancenkarte
How many points does the Chancenkarte require?
A minimum of 6 points under the scoring system (qualification recognition, language, experience, age, ties to Germany, spouse filing jointly). If your qualification is already fully recognized, you are eligible without needing a points calculation.
What level of German is required?
The basic requirement is German at A1 level or English at B2 level. The higher your German, the more points you earn and the easier it is to find work.
How much do I need to prove financially?
You must prove you can support yourself while looking for work: income of at least €1,091/month (2026 rate) or a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for the shortfall.
Can I work while holding a Chancenkarte?
You may do trial work and up to 20 hours/week of side work while seeking formal employment.
What happens after I get a job?
You transition to an §18a/§18b work visa or a Blue Card to stay and work long-term, and from there work toward settlement (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
Do you have the 6 points for the Chancenkarte yet?
The Chancenkarte opens the way to Germany to look for work even without a job offer. Let M2W consultants assess your points and advise on your job-search strategy and transition to a long-term work visa.
