Information Guide › Before deciding
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): points and eligibility
One year in Germany to look for qualified work without a job offer — two routes, requirements, the points system, and what you may do while searching.
Reviewed by: Hazem Ibrahim (M. Sc.) · 2026-08-03 Reviewed
The Opportunity Card (§ 20a Residence Act, introduced June 2024) lets qualified non-EU nationals enter Germany to search for skilled employment without a contract in hand. There are two routes: skilled workers with a recognised qualification, and the points route.
- Points systemat least 6 points
- Validity12 months (extension possible)
- Part-time work allowedup to 20 hours per week
- Trial employmentup to two weeks per employer
- Monthly means required (2026)EUR 1,091
- FeeEUR 75
Skilled workers with a German qualification or one fully recognised in Germany do not need any points. The points route additionally requires certain qualification and language prerequisites.
The free self-check on Make it in Germany gives general guidance on both routes — whether your qualification is fully recognised, or whether and with how many points the points route may be open to you. The result is not binding; the competent German mission decides on the application — official self-check.
- Run the official self-check
- Check your degree in anabin
- Prepare language evidence
Official sources
- Make it in Germany — بطاقة الفرصة للبحث عن عمل (Official portal)German Federal Government · 2026-08-03
- BAMF — Federal Office for Migration and RefugeesFederal Office for Migration and Refugees · 2026-08-03
- Residence Act § 20a (Aufenthaltsgesetz)Federal legislation · 2026-08-03
General organisational information — no individual legal advice and no representation in court.