You must submit the opportunity card to your German diplomatic mission abroad i.e. the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. You can find out which one this is using the consulate finder of the Federal Foreign Office to find out.
If you are already in Germany, you must apply for the Chancenkarte at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. immigration office where you live.
The points system does not apply to skilled workers. They therefore do not need a minimum number of points to obtain an opportunity card. According to Section 18 (3) AufenthG, a skilled worker is someone who has completed vocational training or a course of study either in Germany or has obtained such a qualification abroad, provided that the foreign qualification is recognized in Germany or is considered equivalent or comparable.
Yes, that's why we have developed our free points calculator. It allows you to quickly and easily understand the points system of the Opportunity Card. If you would like to use our calculator to find out whether you are eligible for an opportunity card, click here.
In order to receive a Chancenkarte, you must have at least basic German language skills (level A1) or English language skills at level B2 level. An exception to this only applies to skilled workers within the meaning of § Section 18 (3) AufenthGi.e. persons with a foreign university degree recognized in Germany, a university or vocational training qualification obtained in Germany, or a foreign training or university degree that is comparable or equivalent to a German qualification.
If you have particularly good language skills, you will receive points in the points system of the opportunity card more points. For German language skills at the level B2 or better is awarded 3 pointsfor German language skills at level B1 is awarded 2 pointsand 1 point for knowledge of German at level A2. For knowledge of English at the level C1 or better, you will also receive 1 point.
Anyone wishing to obtain an opportunity card must be able to prove that their livelihood and, under certain circumstances, that of their close family is secure. This proof can be provided, for example, by means of a so-called blocked account from which you are only allowed to withdraw a certain amount each month. In 2025, you must deposit 1,091 euros there for each month, i.e. a total of 13,092 euros for one year. A declaration of commitment can also serve as proof of your livelihood.
If you want to pursue a part-time job during your job search with the opportunity card and have already signed an employment contract , you can also use this to prove that you have sufficient income.
The Chancenkarte entitles you to look for a job in Germany. But how long is the Chancenkarte valid for? In principle, an opportunity card can be issued for up to one year. However, how long you can stay in Germany with your card depends solely on the expiration date of your own Chancenkarte. If your job search in Germany was successful, you can apply for another residence permit for gainful employment in order to stay in Germany for longer.
In order to obtain a settlement permit in accordance with § 9 AufenthG, you must have resided in Germany for a certain minimum period, generally five years. However, the time during which you have held a job search opportunity card does not count towards this period. This is regulated by § 20a Para. 6 AufenthG. However, the situation is different with the so-called follow-up opportunity card: Any periods of residence with this residence permit can be fully counted towards a settlement permit.
