Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for Chinese citizens
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
A 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.
Requirements for Chinese citizens
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $14,000 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $80. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Score yourself on the points system
- Apply for the APS certificate in Beijing
- Check anabin and obtain ZAB comparability if needed
- Take a German or English test to add points
- Open a blocked account or arrange a sponsorship undertaking
- Book the visa appointment and submit your application
- Arrive, register your address and begin job hunting
- Switch to a Blue Card or skilled worker permit once hired
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) take for Chinese citizens?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $80. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Chinese citizens 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 Chinese citizens
Germany visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.