§§ 20a, 20b AufenthG
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
A 12-month residence permit to come to Germany and look for a job — without a job offer. You qualify either as a fully recognised skilled worker or via a points system (minimum 6 points). Part-time work up to 20 hours/week and 2-week job trials are allowed.
Last verified: 21 July 2026 · Legal basis: §§ 20a, 20b AufenthG
Duration
12 months
Not extendable as a job-search permit, but a follow-up permit (Anschluss-Chancenkarte) of up to 2 years is possible with a qualified part-time job offer.
Family
No family reunification during the search phase. Your spouse can apply for their own Chancenkarte — and earns you 1 extra point if they qualify.
Permanent residence
The Chancenkarte itself doesn't count toward permanent residence. Once you switch to a skilled-worker permit (§ 18a/18b) or Blue Card, PR is possible after 3 years (or 27/21 months with a Blue Card).
Financial thresholds
| Financial proof (2026) | €1,091
(Source: Auswärtiges Amt (Auslandsvertretung) — Mindestbeträge 2026: 1.091 €/Monat,
Last verified 21 July 2026)
|
Requirements
- Recognised 2-year vocational qualification or university degree The qualification must be state-recognised in the country where it was earned. Full German recognition is NOT required for the points route.
- German A1 or English B2 Baseline requirement before any points are counted.
- At least 6 points on the official grid (unless you are a fully recognised skilled worker) €6 (Source: Anlage zu § 20b Abs. 2 AufenthG, Last verified 21 July 2026)
- Proof of living costs (blocked account or permitted part-time work) €1,091 (Source: Auswärtiges Amt (Auslandsvertretung) — Mindestbeträge 2026: 1.091 €/Monat, Last verified 21 July 2026)
How to apply
- Score yourself Use our points calculator (mirrors the official Anlage zu § 20b table) to check whether you reach 6 points or qualify directly as a skilled worker.
- Gather documents Degree/vocational certificate with recognition evidence (anabin extract or Statement of Comparability), language certificates, CV, proof of funds (blocked account).Official page ↗
- Apply online via the Consular Services Portal Since January 2025 all German missions accept national visa applications digitally; you upload documents online and attend one short biometrics appointment.Official page ↗
- Enter Germany and search Work up to 20h/week on the side, do 2-week trial jobs, network. When you sign a qualifying contract, switch to a skilled-worker permit or Blue Card at the local Ausländerbehörde without leaving Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my family on the Opportunity Card?
Not as dependants. Each partner needs their own Chancenkarte. Once you switch to a work permit or Blue Card, normal family reunification applies.
Do I need my degree recognised in Germany first?
No — for the points route it only has to be state-recognised where you earned it. Check anabin: if your university is 'H+' and the degree comparable, that is usually sufficient evidence.
What happens if I don't find a job within 12 months?
You must leave, but you can reapply after spending as long abroad as you stayed in Germany. With a qualified part-time offer you may get the follow-up Chancenkarte (up to 2 more years).
Is health insurance required?
Yes — you need coverage from day one. Job-seekers can't join public insurance without employment, so an expat/incoming policy is the standard solution until you sign a contract.