Work in Germany: the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
The Chancenkarte lets qualified people go to Germany to look for work for up to a year, without a job offer first. We help you check the points and prepare your file.
Germany’s Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a points-based job-seeker route. If your qualification is fully recognised you may qualify directly. Otherwise you need a degree or two years of vocational training, English at B2 or German at A1, and at least six points.
Who this route suits
- Qualified professionals under 40, who earn extra points for age
- People with recognised or partially recognised qualifications
- Candidates with strong English or some German
- Those with the funds to support a job search period
How the Opportunity Card process works
- Check your qualification and its recognition status in Germany.
- Calculate your points using our free checker and confirm the details with us.
- Prepare funds, language proof and documents.
- Apply for the visa at the German mission, usually after booking an appointment.
- Arrive and search for work, then convert to a work permit when you find a job.
Usual timeline
Appointment waiting times and processing vary by mission, and often total one to three months or more. Plan ahead and do not book travel before approval.
Documents you will usually need
- Passport and photographs
- Degree or vocational certificates and recognition documents
- Language certificates (English B2 or German A1+)
- CV and motivation letter
- Proof of funds, usually a blocked account
- Health insurance
Our free Document Checklist builds a list for your exact situation.
What Nexus Abroad does for you
- An honest check of which permit and route suit you
- CV and cover letter guidance (full support through our job-support package)
- Employer connection where roles are available
- Guidance on where and how to apply
- Help with the permit, visa and documents
- Pre-departure briefing, and family or dependent visas where eligible
Honest note: Rules on points, funds and work during the job search are set by German authorities and change. Germany also offers other routes, such as the EU Blue Card and the skilled worker visa, if you already have a job offer. We tell you honestly which fits. We cannot promise a job offer or visa. Employers and immigration authorities make those decisions.
Questions about Germany
How many points do I need?
Under the points route you need at least 6 points, plus a degree or two years of vocational training and English B2 or German A1.
Do I need a job offer?
Not for the Opportunity Card. You search for work while in Germany.
What funds must I show?
Proof you can support yourself, usually through a blocked account. The amount is set by the authorities and updated, so we confirm it for you.
Last reviewed October 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so we confirm the current position for your case.
Your first consultation is free.
Sit down with us in Dhaka or talk online. We will look at your profile honestly and explain your real options, with no pressure and no promises we cannot keep.