Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
Points-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Non-EU professionals and recent graduates who want to enter Germany to look for qualified work without an employer sponsor lined up.
Eligibility requirements
- Either full recognition of a foreign degree/qualification, OR at least 6 points on the Chancenkarte scale plus a foreign qualification (university degree or 2+ years of recognised vocational training)
- Points awarded for German (A1-C1), English (B2+), age (most for under 35), work experience, shortage-occupation field, and prior Germany ties
- Minimum German A1 or English B2 to use the points route
- Proof of funds for 12 months: EUR 1,091/month, EUR 13,092 total (blocked account, last 3 months' statements, or a formal sponsorship/commitment declaration)
- Valid health insurance and no qualified job offer required
- May work part-time up to 20 hours/week and do 2-week trial jobs while searching
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Launched 1 June 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act; it has effectively replaced the older Sec 20 job-seeker visa as the main no-offer route. The parallel Western Balkans version opened on 1 June 2025.
Check your points first
Use the free Opportunity Card Points Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other Germany & Europe routes
EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
TemporaryThe EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.
Skilled Worker Visa (Sec 18a / 18b)
TemporaryWork permit for graduates and vocationally trained workers with a job offer.
Germany Recognition Partnership (Sec 16d)
TemporaryGet your foreign qualification fully recognised after you arrive in Germany.
Germany Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card (Sec 19 / 19b)
TemporaryTransfer within your multinational employer to a German branch.