If you would like to stay in Germany and work, the Chancenkarte could be your chance. It is a special permit that allows qualified professionals and university graduates to seek work or get their qualifications recognised, while enjoying some flexibility, such as part-time work. In this guide, we'll show you everything you need to know to apply.
What is the Chancekarte?
The Chancenkarte, also known as an opportunity card, is a German residence permit for non-EU citizens that allows them to enter Germany for up to one year to seek employment or have their qualifications recognised.
It requires a recognised university degree or vocational training, financial support (€1027 per month in 2026) and uses a point system (minimum 6 points) to assess language skills, experience and age.
How to apply for the Chancenkarte?
1. Make sure you meet the requirements
To be eligible, you need to meet at least one of these options:
Have a university degree or at least two years of recognised vocational training in Germany, or,
Comply with the requirements of the points system.
2. Prepare the Necessary Documents
You will need to meet the following:
Proof of your academic degree or completed vocational training.
Evidence of language proficiency: German (minimum A1) or English (minimum B2).
Proof that you can support yourself financially (e.g. a blocked account).
3. Check the Points System (if necessary) - more information below.
If your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany, you have to obtain at least 6 points. Points are awarded according to:
Status of recognition of your qualifications in Germany
Proficiency in German and/or English
Professional work experience
Age
Pre-connection with Germany
4. Submit your Application
Register in the Consular Services Portal and submit your application to the German mission in your country of residence via the following link link.
Main features of the Chancenkarte
Validity: Up to 1 year
Work Permit: Part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) and trial jobs for up to two weeks
Purpose: Seeking employment or completing the recognition of your professional qualifications
How much does it cost?
Visa Application Fee: 75 € (standard national visa fee).
Proof of Funds (Blocked Account): Approximately €1,091 per month, which adds up to about €13,092 for a 12-month stay.
Additional costs: Service fees for document processing, certification/translation of documents and travel health insurance.
IMPORTANT: The fee is generally paid in the local currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of application and non-refundable if the visa is refused.
Where can I apply?
Online: Complete your application, upload all necessary documents and verify your eligibility through the Consular Services Portal.
In person: Make an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Through external suppliers: In some countries (e.g. India), the application must be made through services like VFS Global.
While you are in Germany: If you are already in Germany with a valid visa, you can submit your application to the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) local.
Key requirements and points system
If your foreign qualification is not fully recognised in Germany (which would allow direct entry), you need to obtain at least 6 points according to the following criteria:
Partial Recognition (4 points): Your qualification is recognised as partially equivalent to a German qualification.
Language Skills (1-4 points):
1 point for German A2
2 points for German B1
3 points for German B2+
1 point for English C1
Professional experience (2-3 points):
2 points for 2 years of relevant experience in the last 5 years
3 points for 5 years of relevant experience in the last 7 years
Age (1-2 points): 2 points if you are under 35 years old, 1 point if you are between 35 and 40 years old.
Profession in Shortage (1 point): If your occupation is in demand in Germany
Previous stay (1 point): At least 6 months of continuous legal residence in Germany within the last 5 years
Spouse's application (1 point): One additional point if your spouse or partner also qualifies for the Chancenkarte.
Here you can see for yourself if you are eligible for the Chancenkarte.
What documents are required?
Passport: It must have been issued within the last 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after your arrival in Germany and have at least 2 blank pages.
Proof of Residence: This can be a certificate of residence, registration, extract from the residence register or a valid identity document.
Proof of Vocational Training: Certificate from your vocational school or technical college.
Means Test: One of the following options:
Blocked account (1,091 €/month)
Verpflichtungserklärung (declaration of commitment)
Signed part-time employment contract in Germany
Health Insurance: Schengen travel insurance or German health insurance.
Acknowledgement Notice: Required if your qualifications were obtained outside Germany.
Residence Permit: Necessary if you are applying from a country where you are not a citizen.
Language Certificates: German (B2) and/or English (C1), as appropriate.
Job Search Test: E-mails, job offers or correspondence with employment agencies.
Relationship Voucher: Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or an official extract.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for the Chancenkarte, check whether your documents need to be translated. If so, you will also need to submit certified translations of all required documents.
The processing time can vary between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on your request and the local authorities.
Switching from a Working Holiday visa to the Chancenkarte
Are you currently in Germany on a Working Holiday visa and would like to switch to the Chancenkarte? Good news: in many cases it is possible, but it all depends on your specific situation.
Here's how the change works:
1️⃣ Check if you meet the requirements
Before starting the process, make sure that:
You meet the qualification requirements (recognised diploma or at least 6 points in the system).
You have proof of sufficient funds.
You meet the language requirements.
You have valid health insurance.
If you already do all this while you are in Germany with your Working Holiday, you are on the right track.
2️⃣ Apply for a change in the Ausländerbehörde
If you are in Germany with a valid Working Holiday Permit, you can normally apply for the Chancenkarte at your local Chancenkarte. Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) local.
Important:
You must submit the application before your current visa expires.
Appointments are necessary (in some cities the wait can be long).
Bring all required documents.
3️⃣ Legal stay during the process
If you apply for the change before your visa expires, you will generally receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional certificate).
This document allows you to stay legally in Germany while your application is being processed.
4️⃣ Aspects to take into account
Not all visa types can be changed from within Germany, but changing from Working Holiday to Chancenkarte is usually possible if you meet the requirements.
Authorities may interpret the rules slightly differently from city to city.
The process can take several weeks.
Request the Chancenkarte is an excellent first step to living and working in Germany. With the right documents, some planning and this guide at hand, you will be well on your way to exploring job opportunities, getting your qualifications recognised and starting your new life in Germany.
We hope you find this information useful.
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