Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for skilled job seekers 2026

The Opportunity Card is a German residence permit for workers from third countries who want to come to Germany to look for a job, or to look for measures that lead to the recognition of a foreign qualification. It is issued for up to 12 months and is handled by German embassies and consulates through the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office.

There are two ways in. If your degree or vocational qualification was obtained in Germany or is fully recognised there, you count as a skilled worker and only need to show that you can support yourself. Everyone else needs a university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years that is recognised by the state where it was obtained, plus German at level A1 or English at level B2, and must reach the minimum score of a points system. Points are awarded for partial recognition of the qualification, a qualification in a shortage occupation, recent professional experience, language skills, age and earlier legal stays in Germany.

Applicants must prove that they can cover their living costs for the whole stay, for example with a blocked account. While searching, holders may take a part-time job and short trial jobs. Once a qualified job offer comes, the local foreigners authority can issue a follow-up permit for employment.

Applications are accepted at any time, online in the Consular Services Portal or in person at the responsible German mission.