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Chancenkarte

1 storyUpdated 10 October 2026, 03:31 UTC

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Where things stand

DevelopingGermany's Chancenkarte (opportunity card): the points, the rules and how to score six
Germany's Chancenkarte lets people look for work in Germany for up to a year. Skilled workers qualify directly; others need six points.

The minimum score is six points. Gesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice)
Points are awarded per criterion: partial recognition of the qualification 4; German at B2 3, at B1 2, at A2 1; English at C1 1; five years of relevant experience in the last seven 3, or two years in the last five 2; a qualification in a shortage occupation 1; age up to 35 2, or over 35 up to 40 1; six months' legal stay in Germany in the last five years 1; a spouse or registered partner who also qualifies, applies at the same office and enters Germany with the applicant, or intends to, 1. Gesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice), Gesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice)
Applicants must be able to support themselves for the whole stay. The Federal Employment Agency says this usually means "1.091 Euro pro Monat" as of 2026, proven for example with a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment. Gesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice), Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)

1 June 2024The card was created by the Act to Further Develop Skilled Immigration and has been available since 1 June 2024. Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette), Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)

Germany

Developing

Germany's Chancenkarte lets people look for work in Germany for up to a year. Skilled workers qualify directly; others need six points.

Changed: 10 Oct 2026Verified: 10 Oct 2026