Chancenkarte: come to look for qualified work in Germany
In short: the opportunity card (Chancenkarte) lets you come to Germany for up to a year to look for qualified work, with no offer to start. Admission runs on a points system, six points minimum.
What it is
A visa to look for work on the spot
Introduced in June 2024, the Chancenkarte is for qualified people who don't yet have an employer in Germany.
Up to a year on the spot
You come to look for qualified work directly in Germany, with the right to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) to support yourself.
No job offer to start
Unlike the skilled worker visa, you don't need a signed contract before you leave.
On a points basis
Admission depends on a points system that rewards your qualification, experience, language level and age.
The basic requirements
What you need before the points even apply
Three conditions must be met first. Only then does the points system come into play.
A qualification
A university degree recognised in your country, or vocational training of at least two years.
A language level
German A1 minimum, or English B2. At Karriere Fähre we take you beyond that, up to B2 in German.
Means to support yourself
You must prove you can fund yourself during the search, for example through part-time work (up to 20 hours a week).
The points system
How to reach the six points
Six points minimum are required. Each criterion earns points, with one caveat: some don't stack, for language, for instance, the highest level is the one that counts.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification, or permission to practise a regulated profession | 4 |
| Five years of qualified experience (within the last seven years) | 3 |
| German level B2 | 3 |
| Two years of qualified experience (within the last five years) | 2 |
| Under 35 | 2 |
| German level B1 | 2 |
| Between 35 and 40 | 1 |
| A prior stay of at least six months in Germany | 1 |
| English level C1 | 1 |
| German level A2 | 1 |
| Training in a shortage occupation (Engpassberuf) | 1 |
| Joint application with your spouse | 1 |
Source: official criteria under § 20a AufenthG (the Chancenkarte points system), in force since June 2024. The system may change; we check your actual score during the assessment.
Our role
We work out your points and build the file
The points system looks simple on paper, but each criterion has its conditions. We assess your real situation, spot the points you're missing, often the language, and build the file with you.
ApplyThese criteria are German law (§ 20a AufenthG), provided for information and subject to change. Only the German authorities decide on granting the Chancenkarte; we help you put forward the strongest possible file.
Is the Chancenkarte right for you?
Gather the points, prepare your file and apply: we support you from the Chancenkarte all the way to the job.
ApplyGerman, the key to your project
A good level of German opens the doors to your career.
Whether you aim for an Ausbildung, skilled employment or the Chancenkarte, language is decisive. Discover our German courses tailored to your goal, from beginner to professional level.