🇩🇪 Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Also known as: Chancenkarte, job seeker visa
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the Germany Opportunity Card?
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 overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
Germany Opportunity Card requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $80–$87 |
| Processing time | 6–20 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | $14,000–$15,200 |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Depends on nationality |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Brazilians, Chinese citizens, Indians, and Nigerians.
Germany Opportunity Card cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷 Brazilians | $87 | 6–12 weeks | — | $15,200 |
| 🇨🇳 Chinese citizens | $80 | 8–16 weeks | — | $14,000 |
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $87 | 6–12 weeks | — | $15,200 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigerians | $80 | 10–20 weeks | — | $14,000 |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Germany Opportunity Card
- Score yourself on the points system
- Degree or vocational qualification proof
- Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto)
- Language certificates (German A1+ or English B2)
- Valid passport + biometric photos
- Health insurance for the stay
- Submit VIDEX application & book appointment
- Attend appointment & submit biometrics
- Register address & start the job search
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Opportunity Card right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Germany Opportunity Card?
- The requirements we have on record are: savings of about $14,000–$15,200. No job offer is needed. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Brazilians, Chinese citizens, Indians, and Nigerians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Germany Opportunity Card cost?
- The government fee is about $87 for Brazilians and Indians and $80 for Chinese citizens and Nigerians (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Germany Opportunity Card processing time?
- Typical processing takes 6–12 weeks for Brazilians and Indians, 8–16 weeks for Chinese citizens, and 10–20 weeks for Nigerians after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- How much savings do I need for the Germany Opportunity Card?
- Plan for savings of about $15,200 for Brazilians and Indians and $14,000 for Chinese citizens and Nigerians (USD equivalent).
- Do I need a job offer for the Germany Opportunity Card?
- No. The Germany Opportunity Card does not require a job offer from an employer in Germany.
- Can family members join on the Germany Opportunity Card?
- It does not directly cover accompanying family members.
- Does the Germany Opportunity Card lead to permanent residency?
- No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Is the Chancenkarte the same as the Germany Opportunity Card?
- Yes. Chancenkarte and job seeker visa are other names people use for the Germany Opportunity Card.
Germany Opportunity Card guides by nationality
Other Germany visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: make-it-in-germany.com. This guide is general information, not legal advice.