🇩🇪 Germany visas for Chinese citizens
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Chinese citizens moving to Germany have 2 main visa routes: EU Blue Card and Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). The fastest is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) at 8–16 weeks. 1 of them needs no job offer. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Compare Germany visas
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Cardwork | 8–20 weeks | $80 | Required | Yes | Yes |
| Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)work | 8–16 weeks | $80 | Not required | No | No |
Germany visa guides for Chinese citizens
EU Blue Card
workGermany's premier route for graduates with a job offer. From 1 January 2026 you need a gross salary of at least €50,700, or €45,934.20 in a shortage occupation such as IT, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, medicine and pharmacy, or if you graduated within the last three years. Your degree must be recognised: check the anabin database first, and obtain a ZAB Statement of Comparability (€208) if anabin does not clearly rate your institution and qualification. Chinese applicants must additionally hold an APS certificate from the Akademische Prüfstelle in Beijing — start this months ahead, because it involves an interview on your actual subject knowledge. Family join immediately with full work rights, and permanent residence comes in 21 months with B1 German or 27 months with A1.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
workA points-based job-seeker visa that lets you move to Germany for up to a year to look for work, with up to 20 hours a week of part-time work and trial employment allowed while you search. You either hold a fully recognised qualification, or score at least six points across recognition status, qualification, work experience, German (A1 and above) and English (B2), age and previous time in Germany. China is the second-largest source country for this route after India. You must prove you can support yourself — a blocked account of roughly €13,000 or a formal sponsorship undertaking — and the APS certificate is required for Chinese applicants. Once you find a qualifying job you switch to the Blue Card or a skilled worker permit from inside Germany.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What is the fastest Germany visa for Chinese citizens?
- The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) typically processes in 8–16 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Chinese citizens move to Germany without a job offer?
- Yes. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) does not require a job offer from a Germany employer.
- What is the cheapest Germany visa for Chinese citizens?
- The EU Blue Card has the lowest government fee at about $80. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which Germany visas let Chinese citizens bring family?
- The EU Blue Card allows accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which Germany visas lead to permanent residency for Chinese citizens?
- The EU Blue Card offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.