The Germany Chance Card (Chancenkarte) is a golden opportunity for applicants from non-EU countries who wish to enter the German labor market. By obtaining the Germany Chance Card, individuals no longer need to provide a job contract. Instead, they can stay in Germany for one year under this visa to search for suitable work. It is important to note that applicants are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during their job search to support themselves financially until they find permanent employment.
What is the Germany Chance Card (Chancenkarte)?
As mentioned above, the German government offers the Germany Chance Card to skilled workers and professionals from non-EU countries. This provides a golden opportunity for immigration for work purposes. To qualify for this visa, applicants only need to score at least 6 points. Below, we will explore the requirements and the points system.
Advantages of the Germany Chance Card
- Quick, easy, and legal entry to Germany
- The possibility of part-time employment (20 hours per week) while searching for permanent work
- The ability to obtain a work visa without a job offer from a German employer
- Increased chances of finding a job in Germany due to physical presence
- The possibility of obtaining permanent residency if employed full-time
- Increased chances of securing a job due to the ability to physically visit employers
Main Prerequisites for Obtaining the Germany Chance Card
To apply for the Germany Chance Card, applicants must meet the following essential criteria. These are mandatory requirements and not part of the points system:
- Language proficiency: Applicants must have at least an A1 German certificate or a B2 English certificate.
- Educational qualifications: Applicants must hold a university degree or have completed at least 2 years of vocational training (verification from the ZAB in Germany is required).
- Financial proof: Applicants must provide financial proof showing they can support themselves during their stay in Germany, with an amount of approximately €1,027 per month for one year, totaling €12,324.
Germany Chance Card Points System
Applicants must score a minimum of 6 points to qualify for the Germany Chance Card. Below is the points table:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Professional qualification (e.g., engineering, nursing, teaching, etc.) | 4 points |
| 5 years of relevant work experience within the last 7 years | 3 points |
| German language skills at B2 level | 3 points |
| 2 years of professional experience after vocational training in the last 5 years | 2 points |
| Age 35 or younger | 2 points |
| German language skills at B1 level | 2 points |
| Age between 35-40 years | 1 point |
| At least 6 months of prior stay in Germany (tourist stay does not count) | 1 point |
| Advanced English proficiency (C1) | 1 point |
| German language skills at A2 level | 1 point |
| Your profession is on the list of jobs in demand in Germany | 1 point |
| Your spouse meets the criteria for the Germany Chance Card | 1 point |
Note: This table is based on the latest update from the official Germany Chance Card website, so it may change. It is advisable to check the main source for up-to-date information.
Required Documents for the Germany Chance Card
To apply for the Germany Chance Card, the following documents must be submitted physically to the German Embassy in Tehran:
- Identity documents (e.g., passport)
- Passport-sized photo
- Educational or vocational training certificates with ZAB verification (Germany’s central office for academic recognition)
- Work experience certificates
- Financial proof (showing €12,324 for one year)
- Police clearance certificate
- Language certificate (minimum A1 German or B2 English)
- Visa application form for the Germany Chance Card
- Proof of legal residence in Germany in the last 5 years (if applicable)
Steps for Applying for the Germany Chance Card
If you meet the requirements mentioned above and have earned at least 6 points, follow these steps to apply:
- Book an appointment at the German Embassy in Iran
- Submit the required documents at the Embassy
- Wait for the decision on your visa application
- Travel to Germany if the visa is approved
- Visit different companies and seek job opportunities
- If you find full-time employment, apply to the German immigration office to change your visa from the Chance Card to a long-term work visa
Note: If you do not receive a job offer from a German employer within one year, you must leave Germany and return to your home country.
Summary
The Germany Chance Card provides a quick and easy way for skilled professionals to enter the German job market. It allows you to stay in Germany for one year while looking for a job. If successful in finding employment, you can convert your visa to a work visa and eventually obtain permanent residency in Germany.
To apply, you must meet the three primary requirements:
- Hold a university degree or have 2 years of vocational training
- Have A1 German or B2 English proficiency
- Provide financial proof for one year of living in Germany (around €12,324)
The Germany Chance Card (Chancenkarte) program is one of the most innovative initiatives by Germany to attract skilled professionals from non-EU countries to its labor market. It is designed to make it easier for highly qualified foreign workers to explore employment opportunities in Germany without the immediate need for a job offer. This initiative addresses the country’s demand for skilled workers and aims to fill gaps in various sectors, particularly those where labor shortages are critical. Below is additional detailed information, along with sources to explore more.
More Insights into the Germany Chance Card
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Targeted Professions: The Germany Chance Card targets skilled workers in specific fields. These include engineering, IT, healthcare (e.g., nursing, doctors), teaching, and skilled trades. The program is especially beneficial for people in professions that are in high demand in Germany.
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Work Experience and Opportunities: Besides the education qualifications and language proficiency requirements, having relevant work experience in your field (especially in the last 5 years) can increase your chances of qualifying for the Chance Card. This is also one of the criteria that may earn you points in the application process.
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Language Skills: Though the minimum requirement is A1 German or B2 English, having higher-level German proficiency (e.g., B2 or C1) can improve your score, making you more competitive in the job market. Fluency in the German language will help ease the integration process in both professional and social environments.
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Family Reunification: If your spouse meets the conditions of the Germany Chance Card, they can also apply for it, potentially bringing them with you to Germany. Once you’re employed, you may be able to bring your dependents, including children under 18, under family reunification programs.
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Transition to Permanent Residency: A significant benefit of the Chance Card is the pathway to permanent residency. If you find a full-time job during your one-year stay, you can apply to convert your Chance Card into a long-term work visa, and after a period of 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
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Sector-Specific Initiatives: In addition to the Germany Chance Card, Germany has other visa and immigration programs designed to address shortages in specific sectors. These include the Blue Card EU for highly skilled workers and various other specialized work visas for certain professions (e.g., the Skilled Workers Immigration Act).
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Job Search Support: The Germany Chance Card not only allows you to stay and search for jobs but also gives access to job fairs, networking opportunities, and other resources to enhance your job search while living in Germany. Various cities and organizations offer support for newcomers to integrate into the job market.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
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Job Market Competition: While the Germany Chance Card opens the door to job opportunities, it’s important to remember that competition can be stiff. Securing a job offer in your field may take time, so applicants should be patient and persistent in their search.
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Return Obligation: If applicants are unable to secure a job within the one-year period, they must return to their home country. This means that careful planning, including financial preparation and job-seeking strategies, is essential for maximizing the potential of the Germany Chance Card.
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Visa Processing Time: The processing time for the Germany Chance Card may vary depending on the completeness of the application and individual circumstances. It is recommended to apply well in advance and ensure that all required documents are thoroughly prepared to avoid delays.
Sources and Further Reading
To gather more information and stay updated on the latest developments regarding the Germany Chance Card, you can refer to these official sources:
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German Federal Foreign Office: The official website provides a detailed overview of all visa options for foreign workers, including the Chance Card. Check the visa application process and requirements:
German Federal Foreign Office – Immigration to Germany -
Make it in Germany: This is the official German government portal for skilled workers from abroad. It offers essential information on working and living in Germany, including visa requirements and job opportunities:
Make it in Germany – Official Portal -
ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen): This is the German center for the recognition of foreign qualifications. All foreign applicants must get their academic qualifications verified by ZAB before applying for the Chance Card.
ZAB – German Qualifications Recognition -
German Embassy: For detailed, up-to-date information on the application process, documents, and appointments for the Germany Chance Card, visit the German Embassy in your country.
German Embassy -
Germany’s Skilled Worker Immigration Act: A new policy aimed at attracting skilled professionals to Germany, including pathways similar to the Chance Card. This includes the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers:
Skilled Worker Immigration Act – Germany
