German for Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

A one-year job-search visa. You need a qualification and German A1 or English B2, then 6 points.

German level: A1, A2, B1, B2

Exams that count: Goethe-Zertifikat, telc Deutsch, ÖSD, DTZ

Rules for this route

Last checked 2026-09-30

Meets the language minimum for the points route of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). English B2 also counts.

A vocational qualification of at least two years, a degree, or a qualification from a German chamber of commerce abroad (AHK), recognised in the country where you got it
Not required if Germany has already partially recognised your qualification
German A1 or English B2
At least 6 points
Enough money to live on during your stay (about €1,091 a month, for example in a blocked account)

With a qualification obtained or fully recognised in Germany you are a skilled worker (Fachkraft) and need no points.
The Chancenkarte is valid for up to one year for your job search.
Embassies usually still want a language certificate, even if German or English is your first language.

Last checked 2026-09-30

1 point towards the 6 you need for the Opportunity Card.

Last checked 2026-09-30

2 points towards the 6 you need for the Opportunity Card.

Last checked 2026-09-30

3 points towards the 6 you need, the most German can give.

Chancenkarte: language minimum

Meets the language minimum for the points route of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). English B2 also counts. Last checked 2026-09-30

Chancenkarte: 1 point for German A2

1 point towards the 6 you need for the Opportunity Card. Last checked 2026-09-30

Chancenkarte: 2 points for German B1

2 points towards the 6 you need for the Opportunity Card. Last checked 2026-09-30

Chancenkarte: 3 points for German B2 or higher

3 points towards the 6 you need, the most German can give. Last checked 2026-09-30