Work & Study
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, §20a AufenthG)
For people who want to come to Germany to look for work. Understand the eligibility criteria and what to prepare before you apply.
- Up to 1 yearvalid, with up to 2 more years possible after a qualified job offerSource: Up to 1 year valid, with up to 2 more years possible after a qualified job offer (opens in new tab)
- 20 hoursof work a week on average, plus trial workSource: 20 hours of work a week on average, plus trial work (opens in new tab)
- 6 pointson the points route, unless you're a recognised skilled workerSource: 6 points on the points route, unless you're a recognised skilled worker (opens in new tab)
Your local offices
City not listed? Find your Bürgeramt with the federal service search and your Ausländerbehörde with BAMF-NAvI, or see the guide for your state.
General information summarised from official sources. Rules change and the authorities make every decision. Check with your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified adviser.
General information only, and no outcome is promised. Check with your local Ausländerbehörde before acting.
Your local office: documents, fees, booking and waiting times are set by each Ausländerbehörde and differ from city to city. Pick your situation and city in the step finder to get a direct link to your own office, or see the local office guide for your state. You can also find your office with BAMF-NAvI or the federal service finder.
Who it's for
Qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries who don't have a job offer yet and want to come to Germany to look for work (MIG, checked 2026-11-04). It is a residence permit for seeking work or recognition measures (§20a Abs. 1, checked 2026-11-04).
Requirements
- Either you are a recognised skilled worker (no points needed), or you score enough points, at least 6 (§20a Abs. 3; MIG, checked 2026-11-04).
- Points route: you need a state-recognised foreign qualification (at least 2 years' training) or degree, or an AHK-issued vocational qualification. You also need basic German, or English at B2 or higher (§20a Abs. 4, checked 2026-11-04).
- You must cover your own living costs (§20a Abs. 4, checked 2026-11-04). In the visa process this can be shown with a blocked account holding at least €1,091 net per month (2026 amount) or a declaration of commitment (MIG Chancenkarte requirements, checked 2026-11-04).
- Language: The recognised-skilled-worker route has no language requirement. The points route needs basic German (A1) or English at B2 or higher (§20a Abs. 3–4, checked 2026-11-04; MIG Chancenkarte requirements, checked 2026-11-04).
Rights
- Work up to 20 hours a week on average, plus trial work of up to 2 weeks per job (§20a Abs. 2, checked 2026-11-04).
- Self-employment is not allowed Not yet confirmed.
- Valid for up to 1 year. A follow-up card for up to 2 more years is possible with a qualified job offer and BA approval (§20a Abs. 5, checked 2026-11-04).
- After German studies or training, a §20 job-search permit (18 months, any work allowed) may suit you better Not yet confirmed.
Documents, fees and steps at your local office
Each Ausländerbehörde publishes its own document checklist, fees and booking or online-application process, so this guide doesn't copy one city's list. Pick your situation and city in the step finder for a direct link to your office's page, or open the local office guide for your state. Fees for residence permits are set nationwide in § 45 AufenthV; your office tells you the exact amount.
Processing notes
A label can be issued at the appointment; an eAT usually takes several weeks Not yet confirmed. Embassy wait times vary; check your German mission's website. §20a Abs. 7 allows the federal government to cap the number of cards issued to people abroad (§20a, checked 2026-11-04); check the mission website for current status.