Relocating to Germany can be done on several grounds, and one of them is the “Chance Card”. Find out how easy it is and what you need to do to get a chance to stay in the country.
- What is the «Chance Card»
- Conditions for staying under the program
- Requirements for applicants
- – diploma verification
- – point system
- – money on account
- – insurance
- Program cost
- Registration terms
- Documents for Chancenkarte
- What next?
- Frequent questions
What is the «Chance Card»
The Chancenkarte is also known as the “Opportunity Card”. It is a program designed to attract specialists to find a job within Germany. There are no restrictions on professions or level of education, the conditions are quite simple and transparent, and the financial requirements are considerably lower than those of any European nomad visa.
Conditions for staying under the program
- The visa is issued for a period of 12 months, but under certain conditions can be extended – for example, if a job is found, but there is no possibility to obtain a residence permit, the Chancenkarte will be extended for another two years
- Knowledge of the language is desirable, but not obligatory
- Under this program you can work up to 20 hours per week (40-hour work week requires a residence permit)
- Family relocation under the Chancenkarte is not expected before obtaining a residence permit for work, but there are exceptions, e.g. if the applicant has a minor child.
- The period of stay in Germany with the Chancenkarte does not count towards permanent residence or citizenship.
Requirements for applicants
Highlights:
- A recognized post-secondary degree OR six points
- proof of sufficient funds
- health insurance
In details.
Applicants can be divided into two main categories depending on whether or not they have a university degree and whether or not a university degree is recognized in Germany through the Anabin system. An alternative to this is the point system.
Diploma verification
В случае, если с точки зрения Германии ваш диплом котируется, про баллы можно не думать и переходить к вопросам страховки и денежных средств.
Anabin is the German government’s database of accreditation and recognition of higher education institutions from other countries. You can check whether your university meets the requirements on the website anabin.kmk.org, here are instructions on how to do it. The name of the institution should be marked H+, in this case everything is fine, in the case of H- and H+/- you should choose the method below.
Point system for Chancenkarte
Points are awarded according to the following criteria: language proficiency, education, work experience, connection to Germany, age, as well as the presence of a partner at the time of application and their competence. A minimum of six points is required in total.
Points for language proficiency
- German at level B2 – 3 points
- German at B1 level – 2 points
- German at A2 level – 1 point
- English at C1 level – 1 point
Education and work experience
- Secondary vocational education recognized or partially recognized in Germany – 4 points
- Professional experience of 5 years or more within 7 years – 3 points
- Professional experience of 2 years or more within 5 years – 2 points
- Deficit occupation – 1 point
* The list of shortage occupations can be found in this document of the German Government.
Age
- Up to 35 years of age (until you turn 35) – 2 points
- Between 35 and 40 years of age – 1 point
* After 40 the program is also available, but no points are awarded.
Other points
- Having an eligible partner who is applying together – 1 point
- Staying in Germany for reasons other than tourism (study, language courses or work) for 6 months in the previous 5 years – 1 point.
* You can provide copies of old passports with visas and entry stamps as proof.
You can calculate your points on the special page of the program website.
Financial requirements
In this respect, the “Card of Chances” is very attractive – you don’t need proof of monthly income, savings are enough. But there are nuances.
For 2025 for Chancenkarte it is necessary to show the availability of funds in the amount of 1091 euros per month for the entire period of stay in the country under the program. That is, the annual amount of 13,092 euros must be demonstrated in a blocked account.
If there is no sufficient amount, the program website states that the applicant can be invited by persons residing in Germany by submitting a declaration of commitment to the German immigration authorities.
Insurance
The simplest and most unquestionable item. The policy must be issued in the EU and be valid for the entire intended period of stay in Germany.
Program cost
- D visa fee: €75 (€37.5 for persons under 18 years of age)
- Apostilles and translations: depending on the number of documents
- Opening a blocked account: 89 euros
- Insurance: from 35 euros per month (can be paid monthly)
Rental documents and airline tickets are not required at the application stage, but you should keep these costs in mind.
Registration terms
The time taken to obtain a Chancenkarte consists of the preparation of documents, the recognition procedure, the queue at the consulate and the visa application.
- Preparation of documents: from 2 to 6 weeks
- Diploma recognition: in some cases up to 3 months
- Waiting for the rendezvous at the consulate: depends on the country of application and can take up to 6 months.
- Visa processing: from 1 to 3.5 months, depending on the country of application.
Chancenkarte processing takes from three months to six months depending on the case, set of documents, place of application and workload of consular staff.
Documents for Chancenkarte
Depending on your case, the following items must be present in the application package for a D visa under the “Chance Card”:
- A valid passport with at least two completely clean pages and an expiration date exceeding the program stay by at least 6 months
- Copies of the data pages of the valid passport
- Application form ß 54 AufenthG
- Current photograph for the biometric passport
- A letter of motivation, from which it is clear which fields of work and jobs in Germany interest you.
- Proof of financial independence
- Translated and apostilled education documents
- CV
The documents must be submitted in German or English, or together with a certified German translation.
What next?
You are allowed to work part-time or several times a week, but not more than 20 hours. You may also be placed on a probationary period of no more than two weeks with one employer as part of your job search.
Once a job has been found or there is a desire for self-employment, it is possible to apply for a residence permit on a working basis without leaving Germany.
Some professions require additional activities in Germany. For example, those wishing to work in regulated professions must have a professional license before a residence permit can be issued for the purpose of employment. These are, for example, medical personnel, teachers, architects – a complete list can be found on the federal website on the recognition of professions.
Frequent questions about Chancenkarte
Do I need to know German for the Chancenkarte?
It is not a requirement, but it makes the approval easier.
Can I work in Germany with a Chancenkarte?
Yes, but working hours are limited to 20 hours per week.
Can I get a residence permit in Germany?
Yes, if you successfully find a job, you can get a residence permit without leaving the country.
Can I move my family if my Chancenkarte is approved?
No, each applicant must apply for a visa for himself/herself. Exception – minor children.
Is the period of stay under the program taken into account for permanent residence and citizenship?
No, this period is counted only after obtaining residence permit.
Do I need to apostilize my diploma?
Yes, but if the university is not recognized in Germany, you can apply for a visa without a diploma.
Is there an age limit for participation in the program?
No, but applicants under the age of 40 get more points and applicants under 35 get even more points.
How much money do I need to have in my account for Chancenkarte approval?
1091 euros per month for the duration of the program stay, i.e. 13,092 euros for a year.
What is the cost of participating in the program?
The visa issuance fee is 75 euros, opening a blocked account is 89 euros, and insurance costs from 35 euros per month. The cost of apostilization and translation of documents depends on their quantity.
How long does it take to issue a Chance Card?
Depending on the case, set of documents, place of submission and the workload of the consulate staff, the Chancenkarte takes from three months to six months.
Can the Chancenkarte be extended?
Yes, provided that you have found a job, but for some reason it is not possible to apply for a residence permit.