Germany Opportunity Card: Points, Rules and Requirements
Vathanakone Prakosay · Updated on
In short: The Germany opportunity card is a residence permit for job search. It is first issued for up to one year, and you need at least six points under the points system. You also need basic German (A1) or English at B2, and your living costs must be secured.
What is the Germany opportunity card?
The opportunity card (German: Chancenkarte) is a residence permit that lets you come to Germany to look for work. The rules are in section 20a and section 20b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and in its Annex. The law texts used here are the versions retrieved on 24 October 2026.
The law issues the card first for a period of up to one year. A follow-up card can extend the stay by up to two years. The exact wording of this extension was not checked line by line, so read section 20a yourself before you plan around it.
How does the opportunity card points system work?
You need at least six points. The Annex to the Residence Act says: the minimum score is six points. Each feature in section 20b gives a fixed number of points.
| Feature | Points | Source note |
|---|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification or a compensation measure | 4 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Good German language skills | 3 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Adequate German language skills | 2 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Lower level of German language skills | 1 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
| English language skills at level C1 | 1 | Section 20b, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Five years of professional experience in the last seven years | 3 | Section 20b, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Two years of professional experience in the last five years | 2 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Experience in an occupational group with a shortage of workers | 1 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Age: not older than 35 | 2 | Section 20b, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Age: 36 to 40 | 1 | Section 20b, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Six months of stay in Germany in the last five years | 1 | Section 20b, as of 24 October 2026 |
| Your spouse or partner meets the requirements and comes with you | 1 | per the Annex to the Residence Act, as of 24 October 2026 |
The Federal Employment Agency lists the German levels as B2 for three points, B1 for two points and A2 for one point (newsletter issue 02/2026, taken from a page summary). The government can change the points by ordinance (section 20b, paragraph 3). Check the Annex again before you apply.
What you need to bring
The law and the Federal Employment Agency name these requirements. No readable official document list was found, so ask the responsible authority for the current list. The Federal Foreign Office has a page on national visas.
- At least six points under the Annex (see the table above).
- Basic German (level A1) or English at level B2 (section 20a, paragraph 4).
- Secured living costs. The law says the card is issued only if the means of living are secured.
- Proof of your money. The Federal Employment Agency says it usually asks for 1,091 euros per month (as of 2026).
Which language level do you need for the opportunity card?
You need simple German skills or English at level B2. The Federal Employment Agency names A1 as the German level. The language rule is separate from the points: German or English skills can also give points, as the table shows.
How much money do you need to show?
Your living costs must be secured. According to the Federal Employment Agency, the authorities usually ask for 1,091 euros per month (as of 2026, source: Federal Employment Agency). This is a usual amount, not a fixed legal sum, so confirm it with the authority that handles your case.
The Federal Foreign Office explains that the amount of a blocked account follows the maximum rate of the student aid law BAföG (page dated 21 October 2024). That page does not mention the opportunity card, so do not treat it as a rule for this card.
Can you work with the opportunity card?
Yes, to a limited degree. You may work up to 20 hours per week on average in a side job (section 20a, paragraph 2). You may also take a trial job. According to the Federal Employment Agency, a trial job may last up to two weeks for each employment.
How is the opportunity card different from the blue card?
The opportunity card is for job search. The EU Blue Card is for people who already have a qualifying job offer with a minimum salary. Read the guide on the Germany Blue Card for the salary rules.
What should you do before you apply?
- Count your points with the table and the Annex.
- Check your language proof: A1 German or B2 English.
- Plan your funds and ask which proof the authority accepts.
- Read the next steps after arrival in the guide to register your address and in the health insurance guide.
The overview of all steps is on the page Moving to Germany.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do you need for the opportunity card?
You need at least six points. The Annex to the Residence Act sets this minimum (version read on 24 October 2026).
How long is the opportunity card valid?
It is first issued for up to one year (section 20a AufenthG). A follow-up card can add up to two years; check the wording of section 20a.
Can you work full time with the opportunity card?
No. The law allows a side job of up to 20 hours per week on average, plus trial jobs of up to two weeks each according to the Federal Employment Agency.
Which language skills do you need?
You need simple German (A1) or English at level B2. Section 20a, paragraph 4 sets this rule.
How much money must you show?
Your living costs must be secured. The Federal Employment Agency says it usually asks for 1,091 euros per month (as of 2026).
Sources
- Section 20a Residence Act (AufenthG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
- Section 20b Residence Act (AufenthG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
- Annex to the Residence Act (points system), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
- Federal Employment Agency, newsletter ISS 02/2026, Chancenkarte, 2026 (As of: Ausgabe 02/2026)
- Federal Foreign Office, blocked account, 2024 (As of: 21.10.2024)
- Federal Foreign Office, national visas, 2025 (As of: 27.06.2025)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the linked official pages before you act.
Author: Vathanakone Prakosay · Updated on October 24, 2026
