Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for Brazilians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 6–12 weeks
- Government fee
- about $87
- Start preparing
- about 4 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 6–12 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Points-based job-seeker permit: live in Germany for up to a year to find work, no job offer needed. Requires a recognized degree or 2-year vocational qualification plus proof of funds of €13,092 (blocked account of €1,091/month, or a part-time work contract). Trial work up to 2 days/week while searching.
This page covers Brazilians. For every nationality we track, see the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) overview.
Requirements for Brazilians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $15,200 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 6–12 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $87. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Score yourself on the points systemPoints cover qualification, German/English levels, age and ties to Germany, using the Chancenkarte calculator.
- Degree or vocational qualification proofDegree certificate and transcripts with sworn German translations; check Anabin recognition.
- Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto)Deposit EUR 13,092 (12 x EUR 1,091) with a provider such as Expatrio or Fintiba.
- Language certificatesGerman A1+ (Goethe/telc) or English B2 (IELTS/TOEFL), recognised certificates only.
- Health insurance for the stayIncoming/expat insurance covering the full job-search period.
- Submit VIDEX application & book appointmentThe VIDEX form plus an appointment at the German mission for your Brazilian consular district.
- Attend appointment & submit biometricsBring originals plus copies; the fee is EUR 75.
- Register address & start the job searchAnmeldung within 14 days; the card allows trial work up to 2 days a week.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) takes about 4 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) take for Brazilians?
- Typical processing time is 6–12 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $87. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Brazilians need a job offer for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
- No. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) does not require a job offer from a Germany employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Germany visas for Brazilians
Other destinations for Brazilians
Germany visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.