The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) allows qualified professionals to move to Germany and look for work without a job offer.
New Immigration Law
Your gateway to the German job market.
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is Germany's new residence permit under the Skilled Immigration Act. It allows qualified professionals to enter Germany without a job offer to search for employment for up to one year.
Based on §20a AufenthG under Germany's Skilled Immigration Act – a transparent, law-backed pathway to Germany.
Enter Germany first, then search for suitable employment opportunities that match your skills and experience.
Receive up to 12 months of legal stay in Germany to find a qualified job in your field and convert to a work visa.
Background
Understanding the economic drivers behind the new law.
Germany is facing one of the largest skilled worker shortages in Europe, with over 1.9 million unfilled jobs across essential industries.
To stay competitive and support its growing economy, Germany needs qualified professionals from around the world, particularly from rapidly developing countries like India, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and UAE.
The Opportunity Card was introduced to make immigration simpler, faster, and more transparent for global talent.
Benefits
Transparent scoring based on qualifications, language, age and experience so you know exactly where you stand.
Streamlined process with faster decision times compared to traditional work visa routes.
12 months to find employment in Germany while legally residing in the country.
Once you secure qualified employment and a work permit, you can apply for family reunification.
Your international qualifications can be recognized and valued in the German job market.
A clear route from Opportunity Card → work permit → permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Evolution
Comparing the traditional Jobseeker Visa (Old) with the new Chancenkarte (New).
Market Context
Why the government created this pathway for global professionals.
Germany currently lacks talent in several high-demand sectors:
With a median age of 45.7 years, Germany has one of the oldest populations.
To maintain leadership, Germany must attract experts in:
How to Qualify
Basic requirements include sufficient funds, A1 German or B2 English, and a recognized degree.
Automatic qualification if your degree or vocational training is fully recognized in Germany.
Score at least 6 points based on age, qualifications, experience, language, and other criteria.
Special Focus
Germany has one of Europe’s largest shortages of IT talent.
The Opportunity Card lets software engineers, data experts, and other tech workers move to Germany without a job offer. With more than 140,000 open tech positions, the Chancenkarte gives you the unique chance to search for work onsite and convert to a long-term EU Blue Card.
Who Else Can Apply?
The Opportunity Card is open to skilled talent across multiple industries, not just IT. Germany welcomes qualified workers from engineering, healthcare, trades, logistics, and hospitality.
Germany’s industrial ecosystem urgently needs experts.
Hospitals face a critical worker shortage.
Practical skill-based roles are highly valued.
Rapidly growing tourism sector opportunities.
Long-term stable demand in supply chain.
Meet these basic conditions to be eligible for Germany’s Chancenkarte.
University degree or recognized vocational training (min 2 years).
German (A1 minimum) OR English (B2 level) certified.
Minimum 6 points based on age, qualifications, and experience.
Blocked account (~€1,091/month) or sponsorship letter.
Valid health insurance coverage for Germany from day one.
No criminal background and full compliance with laws.
Interactive Tool
Find out if you qualify in less than a minute.
Step 1 of 4
Your Journey
Buckle up! Your step-by-step itinerary.
Step 1
Gather documents, get qualifications recognized, check points.
Step 2
Submit application with proof of funds and insurance.
Step 3
Wait for review (approx 4–8 weeks).
Step 4
Receive visa, book tickets, move to Germany.
Step 5
You have 12 months to find a qualified job!
Why DEIN Talents
We don't just process visas; we build careers.
Local expertise in both India and Germany ensuring seamless support.
Backed by 25 years of workforce solutions history.
Transparent guidance with no hidden conditions.
From assessment to settlement support.
Answers to Common Questions
There are two main costs:
No, the Opportunity Card is for the primary applicant only. However, once you find a qualified job and convert to a work permit, you can apply for family reunification.
You must secure qualified employment. This means a role related to your degree/training with a suitable salary and a contract with a German employer.
If no suitable job is found, you normally need to leave Germany. Extensions are usually only granted if a specific job offer is pending.
