Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for Chinese citizens
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $80
- Start preparing
- about 8 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 8–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
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.
This page covers Chinese citizens. For every nationality we track, see the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) overview.
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 systemSix points are needed, from recognition, experience, language, age and previous stays in Germany.
- Apply for the APS certificate in BeijingDone in Beijing; involves an interview on your subject knowledge.
- Check anabin and obtain ZAB comparability if neededZAB costs €208.
- Take a German or English test to add pointsGerman at A1 or above and English at B2 both score points.
- Open a blocked account or arrange a sponsorship undertakingA blocked account of roughly €13,000, or a formal Verpflichtungserklärung from a sponsor in Germany.
- Book the visa appointment and submit your applicationThe fee is €75; apply at the German mission covering your region.
- Arrive, register your address and begin job huntingYou may work up to 20 hours a week and take trial employment while searching.
- Switch to a Blue Card or skilled worker permit once hiredYou can switch from inside Germany without going home.
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 8 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 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.