Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)

For the points route (Option2), prove German at least A1 OR English at least B2. Option1 with German/full German-recognised qualification requires no language proof under this route; German remains useful. Prove at least EUR 1,091 net per month for the intended search stay in 2026, for example by blocked account or declaration of commitment. An allowed job of at most 20 hours weekly can finance this: cover any net-income shortfall with a blocked account. Insufficient proof for 12 months can lead to a shorter initial card. Option1: a German qualification or foreign academic/vocational qualification fully recognised in Germany; no points test. Option2: qualification recognised in its country of issue, vocational training at least two years, with the required supporting assessment and language evidence. Only Option2 requires at least six evidenced points, in addition to its qualification and language prerequisites. Option1 with German/full German-recognised qualification bypasses the points system. The initial search card lasts up to one year. While jobseeking, secondary employment totals at most20hours/week; job trials last at most two weeks per employer for qualified employment, training or recognition. Apply for the appropriate residence title when a suitable position is found. Submit a valid passport and health-insurance evidence, generally incoming insurance for the visa period. Use the competent mission’s application procedure; for in-person forms generally complete VIDEX. Check its full checklist for additional documents and translation requirements. Processing and appointment waits vary by mission, case and workload; no universal duration is established by the reviewed federal guide.