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Job search opportunity card

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With the so called Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) you can come to Saxony to find a qualified job or to gain professional recognition or qualifications. The Chancenkarte is initially valid for one year and can be extended under certain conditions. It can also be applied for together with your spouse or registered partner.

Two ways to the opportunity map

Option 1: Recognized degree

For the Chancenkarte you need:

  • a professional qualification obtained in Germany or a fully recognized foreign professional qualification,
  • proof that you are able to support yourself.

No further requirements are necessary.

Read more about Recognition of foreign professional qualifications.

Important

If you are already in Germany, you will need a valid residence permit for training or employment to apply.

Option 2: Points system for foreign qualifications

You can also receive the Chancenkarte without recognition if:

  • Your foreign qualification is recognized by the state in your country of origin,
  • your vocational qualification lasted at least two years,
  • you achieve the required minimum number of points in the points system (at least 6 points).

Points are awarded for language skills, professional experience, age and existing connections to Germany, among other things.

FAQs on the Opportunity Card

Foreign professional qualification (category B)

You have proof of at least two years of state-recognized training in your country of origin.

University degree

You have a recognized university degree from abroad.

AHK qualification (category A)

You have completed vocational training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that meets the requirements of the German Vocational Training Act.

You can obtain further information directly from the AHK where you obtained your qualification. General information can be found at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) offers support with the assessment of foreign qualifications.

You need:

  • German language skills at least at level A1 (CEFR) or
  • English language skills at least at level B2 (CEFR)

You must prove that you can support yourself independently - for example by

  • a blocked account with at least 1,091 euros per month (as of 2025) or
  • a declaration of commitment in accordance with § 68 AufenthG

You must achieve at least 6 points. Points are awarded for the following criteria:

Recognition of qualification

  • 4 points: (Partial) letter of recognition from a German authority

Language skills

  • 1 point: German language skills at level A2
  • 2 points: German language skills at level B1
  • 3 points: German language skills at level B2 or higher
  • 1 point: knowledge of English at level C1 or if English is your mother tongue

Work experience

  • 2 points: At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years
  • 3 points: At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years

Bottleneck profession

  • 1 point: Your degree is in a recognized bottleneck occupation

Age at the time of application

  • 1 point: Age between 35 and 40 years
  • 2 points: Not older than 35 years

Residence in Germany

  • 1 point: You have resided in Germany legally and continuously for at least 6 months in the last 5 years

Spouse/registered partner

  • 1 point: Your spouse or registered partner also fulfills the requirements for an Chancenkarte and submits an application at the same time

With the Chancenkarte you can look for gainful employment in Germany. This means that you can take up a job or become self-employed.

During this time you may

  • Take a part-time job for up to 20 hours per week
  • Work on a trial basis, provided this activity is aimed at qualified employment, training or a qualification measure within the framework of professional recognition.

Once you have found a suitable job or qualification, you can convert your Chancenkarte into another residence permit - for example for work or study. You must apply for this at your immigration office.

The Chancenkarte is initially valid for one year. Under certain conditions, you can get an extension for up to two years (the so-called follow-up Chancenkarte).