Overview
Launched in June 2024, the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is a points-based job-search visa that allows qualified foreign nationals to enter Germany for up to 12 months to find employment. You do not need a job offer before applying. Once you find a suitable job in Germany, you convert the visa into a standard work permit.
This visa is designed to attract skilled workers from countries outside the EU/EEA and is particularly relevant for Israeli professionals in tech, engineering, healthcare, and the sciences.
Who qualifies
To apply for the Chancenkarte you must:
- Hold a recognized university degree or vocational qualification equivalent to German standards
- Score at least 6 points on the points system (see below)
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay (approximately €1,000/month)
- Have basic health insurance coverage
You are not eligible if you have previously been refused entry or have an outstanding deportation order from Germany.
The Points System
You need to accumulate 6 points from the following criteria:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Recognized university degree or equivalent vocational qualification | 3 |
| Professional experience of 2+ years (in last 5 years) | 2 |
| Professional experience of 1 year (in last 5 years) | 1 |
| German language skills at B2 level | 1 |
| English language skills at C1 level | 1 |
| Age under 35 at time of application | 1 |
| Previous work or study stay in Germany | 1 |
| Spouse/partner who also qualifies (both apply together) | 1 |
Steps
- Check your points — Use the official BAMF Chancenkarte calculator at make-it-in-germany.com
- Get your degree recognized — Check anabin.kmk.org; if not listed, apply through uni-assist.de (allow 3–6 months)
- Gather documents:
- Recognized foreign degree certificate
- CV demonstrating professional experience
- Language certificates (Goethe Institut for German; Cambridge/IELTS for English)
- Proof of funds (bank statements showing ~€12,000)
- Health insurance confirmation
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
- Apply at the German Embassy in Tel Aviv — Book an appointment at the VIDEX portal; bring all originals and certified translations
- Processing time: 4–12 weeks
- Enter Germany and begin your job search
- Register at Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) within 14 days of arrival
- Find a job — You may work up to 20 hours/week in any role while searching for your target position
- Convert to work permit — Once you have a qualifying job offer, convert to a Skilled Worker Visa or EU Blue Card without leaving Germany
What counts as a qualifying job
Your eventual job must match your qualification level (the role should require the degree or vocational training you used to qualify). You have 12 months from entry to find and start such a role.
Costs
- Visa application fee: €75
- Degree recognition (uni-assist): €150–€200
- Certified translations: €50–€200 per document
- Language certificates: €150–€400
Path to residency
Once you convert to a work permit:
- Skilled Worker Visa → after 4 years of employment and social insurance → permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
- EU Blue Card → after 21–27 months (see EU Blue Card guide)
- Points-based path to German citizenship: 5 years residence with integration achievements
This content is for informational purposes only.