Chancenkarte: one year to find a job in Germany
With the Chancenkarte, skilled workers from non-EU countries can come to Germany for up to a year to look for work on site. Time is short, so a CV that fits the German market from day one matters. Below are the rules (as of 2026) and tips for the search.
1. Who can get the Chancenkarte?
There are two routes:
- With a recognised qualification: if your vocational or university qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you get the Chancenkarte without points.
- Via the points system: you need a university degree or vocational training of at least two years recognised by the state in the country where you obtained it, plus German at least A1 or English at least B2, and at least 6 points.
In both cases you must prove you can support yourself, for example with a blocked account (Sperrkonto, in 2026 at least €1,091 per month) or a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung).
2. How to reach 6 points
- Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany: 4 points
- Work experience: 3 points for 5+ years within the last 7 years, 2 points for 2+ years within the last 5 years
- German: B2 or higher 3 points, B1 2, A2 1; English C1 one more point
- Age: under 35 2 points, 35–39 1 point
- Qualification in a shortage occupation: 1 point
- At least 6 months of continuous legal stay in Germany within the last 5 years (not tourism): 1 point
- Spouse or partner also meets the requirements: 1 point
Language skills are proven with a certificate. You can check whether you have enough points with the official self-check on make-it-in-germany.com.
3. What you may do with the Chancenkarte
- Look for work in Germany for up to a year
- Work part-time, up to 20 hours a week in total
- Trial work (Probebeschäftigung) of up to two weeks per employer for qualified work, training or recognition measures
- Once you have found a suitable job, apply for the right residence permit in Germany, for example the Blue Card or a skilled-worker permit
Amounts and rules may change. The information on make-it-in-germany.com and at the German consulate where you apply is binding. This page is not legal advice.
4. Using the year: apply from day one
- Create your CV before you arrive. A clearly structured German CV saves weeks.
- State your status briefly. Employers wonder whether they can hire you. One line helps: “Chancenkarte, gültig bis 08/2027, Arbeitsaufnahme sofort möglich”.
- Start recognition in parallel. In regulated professions such as care it takes time; an ongoing recognition makes you predictable for employers.
- Use trial work. Two weeks on site often convince more than any cover letter.
- Keep learning German. Every new level noticeably widens the choice of jobs.
More on recognition in our recognition guide.
5. Good to know
- Have your CV ready before you arrive
- State your residence status in the CV header
- Choose part-time work that leaves time for the job search
- State your German level with a certificate
Describe your experience in your language.
cvfix turns this into a German CV you can apply with from day one of your Chancenkarte, and invents nothing.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for the Chancenkarte?
At least 6 if your qualification is not fully recognised. Points are given, among other things, for partial recognition (4), work experience (up to 3), German (up to 3), English C1 (1), age (up to 2), a shortage occupation (1), a previous stay in Germany (1) and your partner (1). With a fully recognised qualification you do not need points.
How much money do I need for the Chancenkarte?
You must prove funds for the whole period. In 2026 this is in principle at least €1,091 per month, for example in a blocked account or through a declaration of commitment. Part-time work of up to 20 hours a week can be taken into account.
Can I work with the Chancenkarte?
Yes: part-time up to 20 hours a week and trial work of up to two weeks per employer. For a permanent full-time job, as soon as you find one, you apply for a suitable residence permit.
How long is the Chancenkarte valid?
The Chancenkarte for job search is issued for up to one year. If you find qualified work and no other residence permit applies, it can be extended for up to two more years (Folge-Chancenkarte).
Should I mention the Chancenkarte in my CV?
Yes, briefly in the header or profile, for example “Chancenkarte, gültig bis 08/2027, Arbeitsaufnahme sofort möglich”. This shows the employer right away that you are in Germany and can start work.
As of October 2026 · More guides: Nursing (Pflege) · IT · Skilled trades (Handwerk) · Recognition of qualifications · DE · RU · UK · PL · RO · ES · IT · FR · TR · AR · FA · About cvfix · Impressum · Datenschutz