The Chancenkarte, Germany's Opportunity Card, explained for Indian applicants.
The Chancenkarte lets qualified people come to Germany to look for a job, without already holding an offer. It runs on a points system and is valid for up to one year.
It suits people who are ready to move, can support themselves for a while, and want to search from inside the country where interviews are much easier to get.
This page explains the rules in plain language. The final requirements always come from the official German sources listed below.
Who can apply
Four things decide whether the Opportunity Card is realistic for you.
A degree or vocational training
You need either a university degree recognised in Germany, or at least two years of vocational training recognised by the state that issued it.
Language skills
German at A1 level or English at B2 level is the minimum. Better German gives you more points and far better job chances.
Proof of money
You must show you can support yourself, usually through a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment from someone in Germany.
Six points on the scale
If your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany, you need at least six points from the official points system.
How the points work
You need six points if your qualification is only partly recognised. Points come from these areas.
- Partial recognition of your qualification in a shortage occupation.
- Professional experience: two years in the last five, or five years in the last seven.
- German language level above A1, and English above B2.
- Age under 35, with fewer points up to age 40.
- Earlier stays in Germany of at least six months for study or work.
- A spouse or partner who also qualifies and applies with you.
Step by step
- 1
Check your degree on anabin
Look up your Indian university and course in the anabin database to see how Germany grades it. Save screenshots for your file.
- 2
Count your points honestly
Use the official points overview on Make it in Germany. Only count what you can prove with certificates.
- 3
Arrange your funds
Open a blocked account with a provider accepted by the German missions, or arrange a declaration of commitment.
- 4
Book your visa appointment
Apply at the German mission responsible for your state in India. Slots fill early, so book as soon as your documents are ready.
- 5
Use your year in Germany well
The card is valid for up to one year to look for work. You may work 20 hours a week and take trial jobs of up to two weeks.
- 6
Switch to a work permit
Once you have a qualifying offer, you change to an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit from inside Germany.
Helpful official links
Check the current rules on these German government pages before you apply.
- Make it in Germany, Opportunity Card
The official government page on the Chancenkarte, including the points overview.
- anabin
Check how your Indian degree and university are graded in Germany.
- Recognition in Germany
Find out whether your qualification needs recognition and who decides it.
- German Missions in India
Appointment booking and the current document checklist for your visa category.
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit
The official jobs database to use during your search year in Germany.
Looking at work visas with a job offer? See the jobs in Germany overview
Job Starter Pack
A practical PDF with German style CV templates, an application checklist and job portals, useful from your very first week of searching.