Germany has taken a revolutionary step to close its skilled labor gap. You no longer need to have signed a job contract in advance to go to Germany. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) grants talented professionals who meet certain criteria the right to live in Germany for 1 year and search for a job on-site.
At Rona Legal, we manage the entire process from point calculation to recognition procedures; we prepare the file so the points calculation and recognition steps are settled before you apply.
What is the Chancenkarte and What Does It Provide?
The Opportunity Card is a points-based residence permit that allows qualified workers from outside the EU to come to Germany and search for a job.
No Job Offer Required
You can get a visa without having a contract in hand.
Work Permit
While searching for a job, you can work up to 20 hours per week to support yourself.
Trial Period
When you agree with an employer, you can do a 2-week "trial work" (Probearbeit).
Permanent Residence
When you find a qualified job, you can convert your status to EU Blue Card.
Who Can Apply? (Entry Criteria)
Before entering the points system, there are 2 basic prerequisites that every candidate must meet:
Education
Have a university degree OR at least a 2-year vocational training certificate recognized by the government in your own country.
💡 Your diploma does not need to be "fully equivalent" in Germany, being recognized is sufficient.
Language Skills
Know at least A1 level German OR B2 level English.
Points System: 6 Points to Qualify
Candidates who meet the above prerequisites must collect at least 6 points from the following criteria. Rona Legal experts prepare your file strategically to avoid losing points.
Full Recognition
If your vocational or university degree is fully recognized in Germany.
(In this case, we usually redirect to EU Blue Card)
Work Experience
• 2 years of experience in your field in the last 5-7 years → 2 Points
• 5 years of experience in your field in the last 5-7 years → 3 Points
Language Skills
• German B1 → 2 Points
• German B2 → 3 Points
• English C1 → 1 Point
• Under 35 years → 2 Points
• Between 35-40 years → 1 Point
Germany Connection
Having legally resided in Germany for at least 6 months in the last 5 years.
Spouse Advantage
If your spouse is also applying for the Opportunity Card.
Total from the above criteria
2026 Financial Eligibility (Blocked Account)
To get a visa, you must prove that you can support yourself during the job search period in Germany.
As of 2026, the monthly average is ~€1,097 (approximately €13,164 annually).
💡 Important: With the Chancenkarte, you have the right to work 20 hours a week, so if you find a part-time job, you can live without touching this amount.
How Does the Application Process Work with Rona Legal?
The Opportunity Card application is not just about filling out a simple form. Your points must be "provable".
Are Your Points Sufficient for Germany?
Use our free point calculation tool now or consult with our experts to assess your chances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chancenkarte?
A points-based residence permit that lets qualified workers from outside the EU come to Germany to look for work without holding a signed employment contract first.
How are the points awarded?
Across criteria such as qualification and its recognition, professional experience, German and English language ability, age and any previous connection to Germany. The threshold and the weighting are set by regulation, so the calculation is done against the current rules rather than an older table.
Can I work while looking for a job?
Yes, up to a limited number of hours per week to support yourself, and you may also take a short trial period with a prospective employer before agreeing terms.
Is recognition of my qualification required?
Recognition is central both to the points and to what you may then do. For regulated professions it is a precondition of practising at all; for others it affects the score and the employer's willingness. Starting the recognition procedure early is usually the single most useful step.
What happens when I find a job?
The Chancenkarte is a search permit, so on taking employment you move to the residence title that matches the work — which has its own conditions on salary, qualification and, in some cases, approval. Planning that transition before signing avoids a gap.
Does it lead to permanent residence?
Not directly. Permanent residence in Germany is reached through the employment-based title that follows, on its own conditions of contribution periods, language and secure livelihood. The search permit is a bridge, not a destination.
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