Apply for an Opportunity Card
Apply for the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) and search for a suitable job in Germany.
At a glance
What is the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)?
You would like to search for a job in Germany or for measures to have your foreign professional qualification recognised? Then you can apply for a Chancenkarte. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis.
The Chancenkarte is generally issued as a job-seeking Chancenkarte for one year. With it, you may work up to 20 hours per week. Trial employment for up to two weeks at a time is also permitted. The trial employment must be either a qualified position, aimed at vocational training, or suitable for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications under Section 16d of the Residence Act. Self-employment is not permitted with the job-seeking Chancenkarte.
Note: Have you just completed your studies, vocational training, professional recognition or research activity in Germany? Then a residence permit for job-seeking following a stay in Germany is more advantageous for you. This is generally issued for 18 months and also permits self-employment.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You entered Germany with a national D visa for the purpose of job-seeking or you already hold a residence permit for employment under Section 18a, 18b, 18d, 18f or 18g of the Residence Act or an EU Blue Card. A job-seeking Chancenkarte cannot be issued after a visa-free entry.
Additional requirements
- Your livelihood must be secured -- through your own income, sufficient savings or financial support from third parties. You need adequate health insurance in Germany (statutory or comparable private).
- There must be no indications of a threat to public safety or order. Even fines can prevent the issuance. During an ongoing investigation, the application must not be processed.
- You must have your main residence in Berlin, provide a current email address and agree to the electronic payment method (credit card or PayPal).
How to apply
Gather all required documents and have them ready in PDF format if possible
Complete the online application and pay the fee by credit card or PayPal
Save the confirmation of your application and print it if possible
Wait for the review by the State Office for Immigration (LEA). If necessary, the LEA will request further documents
Receive either an appointment or a letter from the LEA
Done! You may receive your Chancenkarte. The authority decides on a case-by-case basis
Issuance after entry with a national D visa
- Issuance when switching from an EU Blue Card or residence permit for employment98,00 EUR
- Turkish nationals up to age 2422,80 EUR
- Turkish nationals from age 2437,00 EUR
Good to know
With a search Chancenkarte (opportunity card), you cannot receive a settlement permit. This is only possible with a follow-up Chancenkarte. You must meet the general requirements for this.
Aus einem Aufenthalt unmittelbar aufgrund einer Such-Chancenkarte heraus kann nicht in eine Niederlassungserlaubnis gewechselt werden. Der Ausschluss gilt allerdings nicht für § 20a Absatz 5 Satz 2, sodass Inhaber einer Folge-Chancenkarte bei Vorliegen der Voraussetzungen eine Niederlassungserlaubnis erhalten können.
VAB A.20a, S. 242-245
If you apply for a follow-up Chancenkarte (opportunity card), you may continue to work. The Fiktionswirkung (continuation effect) protects you until the decision is made. However, you may only carry out the intended employment.
Nach Satz 4 gilt die Fiktionswirkung des § 81 Absatz 4 für die Verlängerung als Folge-Chancenkarte und die zukünftige Beschäftigung bis zur Entscheidung darüber mit der Maßgabe, dass nur die Ausübung der angestrebten Beschäftigung nach Absatz 5 Satz 2 erlaubt ist.
VAB A.20a, S. 242-245
You can switch between different types of trial employment. This also applies with the same employer. You are not limited to one type.
Zwischen verschiedenen Arten der Probebeschäftigung kann, auch bei einem Arbeitgeber, innerhalb desselben Aufenthalts gewechselt werden.
VAB A.20a, S. 242-245
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Apply for an Opportunity Card
If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment. An Opportunity Card as a sticker can be issued on site at the appointment. If issued as an electronic residence title (eAT), it takes 4 to 6 weeks until it can be collected.