How do I apply for Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) has existed since 01.06.2024. It is a residence permit for looking for a job in Germany (§ 20a of the Residence Act). It is first issued for up to one year. If you have a qualified employment contract or a concrete job offer and the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) approves, it can be extended as a "Folge-Chancenkarte" for up to two years.

#Route 1: Fully recognised skilled worker

If your foreign degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany (Fachkraft), you don't need points.

#Route 2: Points system

Without full recognition, you need all of the following:

• Qualification: a vocational qualification of at least two years or a university degree, recognised by the state where you obtained it (according to the mission, a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) qualification also counts)
• Language: at least basic German (A1 in practice) or at least English B2
• At least 6 points: from criteria such as partial recognition, language skills, work experience, age, previous stays in Germany and the potential of a spouse who comes with you.

#On both routes

• Your livelihood must be secured. Check the required monthly amount and accepted proof with the mission – we don't quote a figure here.
• Work: you may work up to 20 hours per week on average in total, plus trial employment of up to two weeks each time (Probebeschäftigung).

#Applying

From Türkiye you apply online via the Auslandsportal for the German mission and upload the documents on its checklist. If you are already in Germany, you can only get the card while holding a residence permit under Part 3 or 4 of the Residence Act – the § 16b student permit is one of them.

The points table and details can change; check official sources before you apply.

Official information: § 20a AufenthG · tuerkei.diplo.de – employment