How to Apply for Germany’s Chancenkarte Visa (Opportunity Card)
Guide from Transparent Hiring
With the Chancenkarte visa (Germany’s Opportunity Card), you can stay in Germany for up to 1 year to search for a qualified job. In this guide, we explain who qualifies, how the Chancenkarte application works and how Transparent Hiring can support you at every step.
This page is for non‑EU professionals who want to understand how to apply for the Chancenkarte visa, what documents they need and how many points they can score.

What are you chances of getting the Opportunity Card?
What is the Chancenkarte visa?
Chancenkarte is a specialised visa for job seekers in Germany, offering significant advantages over previous options. Stay up to 1 year and work 20 hours per week, making your job search more effective.
With Chancenkarte, you can:
Stay in Germany for up to 1 year while actively job hunting
Attend interviews in person
Take language courses alongside your job search
Explore different regions of Germany

Unlock Your Career Potential with Chancenkarte
Chancenkarte not only simplifies your job search in Germany but also makes you more attractive to employers. By having a legal basis to stay and the ability to convert your visa into a work permit swiftly, you stand out as a valuable candidate.
Make sure to highlight your Chancenkarte in your CV to showcase your readiness for immediate employment.
Chancenkarte eligibility and points system
Points allocation:
Age
- Under 35 years old – 2 points
- 35 to 40 years old – 1 point
Language proficiency
- German B2 level or higher – 3 points
- German B1 level – 2 points
- German A2 level or English C1 level and above – 1 point
Qualification and experience
- Academic degree or equivalent to a German qualification – 4 points
- Authorization to work within regulated professions (e.g., doctors, teachers, lawyers) – 4 points
- Relevant work experience of 2 to 5 years within the last 7 years – additional points up to 3
- Representing a shortage occupation (e.g., mathematicians, architects, IT specialists) – 1 point
Connection to Germany
- Resided in Germany for at least 6 consecutive months in the last 5 years – 1 point
Relocating with spouse
- Joint application with spouse for Chancenkarte – 1 point
To apply, you need to accumulate at least 6 points and submit your application at the German Embassy or Consulate.
Chancenkarte visa application package with Transparent Hiring
Chancenkarte relocation package
Opportunity Card extension — 690 EUR
If you are already in Germany on an Opportunity Card and your visa is about to expire, but you haven’t found a job yet, we can help you extend your Opportunity Card and stay in Germany to continue your job search.
The service includes:
- Video consultation on documents required for extending your Opportunity Card
- Support in preparing all necessary documents
- Review of the application and all documents before submission to the immigration office
You can learn more about the details during a consultation with our specialist.
Benefits of applying for Chancenkarte with Transparent Hiring
Templates for all required letters and documents in German
Resume and cover letter assistance in German
Dedicated specialist support throughout your relocation
Document preparation tailored to embassy requirements
Assistance in minimizing relocation costs
Support with German bank account setup for potential tax benefits
Key considerations for Chancenkarte application
You can work up to 20 hours per week during your job search period (compared to 10 hours with a standard job seeker visa)
You must demonstrate qualifications or an academic degree requiring at least two years of preparation or education
Financial guarantees covering your entire stay in Germany are necessary
Comprehensive health insurance for the entire stay is mandatory
Family members cannot accompany you on this visa
Frequently asked questions about the Chancenkarte visa
What is the Chancenkarte visa in Germany?
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is a 12‑month residence permit for non‑EU skilled workers who want to come to Germany and search for a qualified job without having a job offer in advance. It also allows part‑time work up to 20 hours per week and short trial jobs.
Who is eligible for the Chancenkarte visa?
You either qualify as a recognised skilled worker (with a German or recognised foreign qualification), or you must score at least 6 points in the Chancenkarte points system based on your education, work experience, language skills, age, and previous stay in Germany.
How do I apply for the Chancenkarte visa?
You calculate your points, collect all required documents (passport, diplomas, language certificates, proof of funds, health insurance, CV etc.) and then apply for the Chancenkarte at the German embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
How much money do I need for a Chancenkarte blocked account?
Applicants must prove funds for 6-12 months of living costs in Germany via a blocked account or a part‑time job/financial sponsorship. The exact amount (around 13,000 € per year as of 2025) is sometimes revised by the German authorities, so check the current criteria on a website of the consulate where you plan to apply.
Can my family come with me on the Chancenkarte visa?
The Chancenkarte is primarily for the main applicant. Spouses can usually apply for their own Chancenkarte if they meet the requirements.
Testimonials
Clients we helped with visas and Chancenkarte applications say:
I wanted to express my sincerest gratitude to Transparent Hiring for helping me find the right job and making the transition as smooth as possible, which truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I first spoke with you, I could sense your genuine concern for my career goals and your commitment to finding me a position that was the best fit for me. I was particularly impressed by your assistance with my relocation. Your guidance and support made the process seamless and stress-free, and for that, I am truly thankful, especially for being available all the time and answering every question I had. I am thrilled with my new job and have met the team in person now, they seem to be a right fit and very supportive as well. I couldn’t have done it without your help. Kindly do let me know if I can be of any help from my side e.g. sharing any new talent with you out of the trusted circle I have. Once again, thank you for all that you have done for me. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with you.
I had a career consultation with Transparent Hiring, and then they shared a very interesting position with me. The company is large, stable, with cool projects, and overall, you can’t wish for a better job opportunity. And then it started: several interview stages, during which Transparent Hiring specialists stayed in touch with me, helped as much as possible, and supported me. And, after a couple of months, I got an offer! Then the relocation started – and again, they carefully helped me with all the documents, suggested solutions, explained everything, they even contacted the migration service and the embassy on my behalf. Not to mention the numerous pieces of advice I received: which bank and insurance to choose, where to go and what to buy. They shared useful links, helped me to find temporary accommodation, and to apply for a visa. Long-term appartment search is still ahead, as well as the registration for a residence permit – but they can do that too! I was very worried before the relocation: nothing was clear, I did not know where to run, which appointments to arrange… But the specialists from Transparent Hiring definitely saved a couple of kilograms of my nerve cells. Only those who don’t just work in their business but live with it show this type of care for their clients. If you want to find a job in Germany and move here, be sure to contact them – you’ll save a lot of time and energy.
My story with Transparent Hiring started when I applied for one of the open positions on their website. At that time, my English level was not high enough. After a couple of months of hard work, when I improved my language skills, this position had already been filled, and I requested a career consultation. Inessa gave me some interview insights (what I need to say, and what is a no-go), helped me correct my resume, and explained where and how to search for positions. When I was applying for jobs myself, there were very few responses, but after Inessa’s corrections, the situation became much better, and the initiative came from the recruiters, and I only responded. When I received an offer, I had no doubts about contacting Transparent Hiring again – this time for a relocation package. They provided me with comprehensive assistance in preparing documents for both me and my children: everything was thoroughly checked, additional letters were requested from the employer, and they told me about the approximate deadlines so that I could inform the company about them. There was also an additional consultation on the first steps in Germany, which was very helpful. Thank you very much for your work and professional approach!
I wanted to find a job with Transparent Hiring from the moment I learned about this company. I submitted an application, and as soon as a suitable position appeared, the company wrote to me. The specialists helped me prepare my CV and motivation letter. I was also warmly supported during the interview process. They made me feel really special: I was “the boy who made it,” since no one got beyond the first stage of the interview for this position. This gave me confidence both in the next stages and in general. Then there was an amazing job of the relocation specialists. Here I would like to express my gratitude for their patience and understanding, as well as for an excellent expertise in my atypical case. They cheered for me and kept their fingers crossed, and with their help, support and valuable instructions, I received a visa. I am absolutely sure that I would never have managed it on my own. I would like to thank the entire Transparent Hiring company and Inessa personally for helping me make my dream come true (there is no exaggeration here – I have wanted to move to Germany since 2018). We are settling in, there are still many difficulties ahead, but thanks to Transparent Hiring, my wife and I can make plans for the future again, and this is such a nice feeling!
Transparent Hiring accompanied me from searching for a job until registration and solving basic issues on-site. The nuances of an interview, communication with the employer, visa issues, and much more – all this in one place. Transparent Hiring does not follow a template but takes into account your specific situation. Even if problems arise, they will not leave you alone and will provide everything you need to obtain visas for you and your family. Moreover, they help with additional steps. Be sure that not a single question of yours will be left unanswered (in my case, the correspondence already exceeds 100 letters). I was amazed at how thoroughly and clearly they answered me, every nuance was covered, and I learned a lot of new things. The company also posts a lot of useful videos on YouTube channel and develops a community on Telegram, which greatly helps to find answers to any questions and find new friends.
This summer I received an offer from one of the IT companies in Berlin and, accordingly, I needed a visa to Germany. After reading a lot of instructions on how to submit papers for a visa application, I decided to turn to professionals and made the right decision. Transparent Hiring and personally Inessa helped me with all the necessary documents, filled out a huge pile of necessary forms in German, and also checked those that I filled out on my own. I was accompanied throughout the entire process of moving – from signing a contract with the employer to registering at the place of residence in Berlin. Top quality service from professionals who know their job, I recommend them.
I would like to express my gratitude to Inessa, she offered me a great job in a large German company. After going through several stages of interviews, I received an offer from them. At the same time, Inessa accompanied the whole process, helped in the choice (at that moment I had another offer from another company), was always in touch, gave practical advice and told me a lot not only about work, but also about life in Germany: about insurance, tax classes, and other details. It’s priceless to feel such support in a new country! Thank you!
I am very glad that I stumbled upon Transparent Hiring, and Inessa in particular. The company accompanied me in everything from preparing my resume to helping me choose a SIM card. I felt how many problems the company helped me avoid, without this company I would have drawn up documents several times longer.
I am grateful to Inessa and Transparent Hiring for helping me find a job in Germany and accompanying me through the entire relocation process. Firstly, I was lucky that through Inessa my resume got into the company of my dreams, I am extremely glad that I got into this team! And secondly, thanks to detailed consultations, the preparation of documents and obtaining a visa for my husband and I passed without unnecessary difficulties. In addition, Inessa helped to translate and understand the details of the employment contract, gave recommendations on finding housing and very clear instructions on the first steps after the move. I am very glad that I went all this way, accompanied by a professional with great practical experience!
Inessa is a great professional. Thanks to her, I managed to get an offer from a large IT company in Munich. Moreover, the amount in the contract turned out to be much higher than expected 🙂
Inessa assists at all stages. From useful tips on how to behave and what to look for in technical interviews, to useful links and life hacks for finding accommodation.
And this was surprising for me, because earlier I thought that the work of recruiters ends after the offer is signed.
I think that I was very lucky that I met Inessa at one time. I recommend everyone who is looking for a job in Germany to contact her. You will receive invaluable help and knowledge from a person who is well-versed in this.
I consider it a great success that my relocation journey to Germany began with Transparent Hiring. Thank you for preparing for the interview and selecting interesting vacancies, as well as for advice on preparing documents for a visa and detailed instructions on what to do upon arrival in Germany. Thank you for your work, it was a pleasure to cooperate!
I don’t know how to write reviews and never wrote them, but here it is.
Documents for visa/insurance 10 out of 10.
Job search support 10 out of 10.
Responsiveness and friendliness 10 out of 10.
I moved with my wife to Germany a little over a year ago. I learned about Transparent Hiring on the recommendation of friends. We were both looking for a job in the same city and wanted to find a job at the same time. Actually, everything turned out in the best way, Inessa immediately suggested an option that interested us. We successfully passed the interviews and got an offer. Further, the whole process of issuing a blue card was led by Inessa, we didn’t really know anything, all the work with the documents was done for us and we just had to sign. It was a very simple process. The housing issue was also resolved by Inessa. When people ask me how difficult the relocation was, I tell my story, and everyone says that we were very lucky. Every luck has a name, and in our case its name is Inessa Tikonov.
Transparent Hiring specialists will be happy to assist you in obtaining Chancenkarte!
Fill out the form and make the first step towards your relocation

