The Chancenkarte in Germany 2026: A Points-Based Card for Job-Seeking and How Ukrainians Use It

The Chancenkarte (opportunity card) is a German residence permit that allows skilled professionals from non-EU countries to come to Germany for up to 12 months to look for work, even if there is no signed employment contract at the time of entry. The card was introduced on 1 June 2024 as part of the reform of the Skilled Immigration Act. As of 2026 the rules remain in force without structural changes, and the legal basis is §§ 20a and 20b of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

Two routes to obtain the Chancenkarte

There are two ways to qualify:

• The direct route (without points) — if your foreign qualification has already been fully recognised as equivalent to the German one, you receive the card as a «skilled professional» and there is no need to count points. It is enough to prove financial means.
• The points system — if there is no full recognition, you need to have a foreign higher-education diploma or a professional qualification of at least two years' duration (recognised by the state in the country of study), basic language skills and to score at least 6 points.

How points are awarded

For the points route the mandatory condition is at least German at level A1 or English at level B2 (CEFR). Points are added in the following categories:

• Recognition of qualification — up to 4 points (for example, partial recognition) plus 1 point for a shortage occupation;
• Professional experience — 2 points for 2 years of experience in the last 5 years or 3 points for at least 5 years of experience in the last 7 years;
• Language skills — German A2 = 1 point, B1 = 2 points, B2 and above = 3 points; English at level C1 adds 1 more point;
• Age — 2 points if under 35, 1 point at the age of 35–40;
• Previous stay in Germany — 1 point for legal stay of more than 6 months;
• Joint application with a spouse/partner — 1 point.

Financial proof in 2026

The applicant must prove that they will be able to support themselves during the job search. For 2026 the minimum amount is €1,091 per month, that is €13,092 per year for a 12-month card. This can be proven in one of the following ways:

• a blocked account (Sperrkonto) at a German bank, from which €1,091 is unblocked each month;
• a contract for part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week with a net income from €1,091, concluded before entry;
• a formal sponsor's undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung) executed at the foreigners' authority.

What the card permits and how long it is valid

The Chancenkarte is issued for a maximum of one year. During this time you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, as well as to undertake trial employment of up to two weeks with an employer to check suitability. If during the year you have found an offer of skilled work, but it cannot yet be immediately converted into a work permit, an extended Anschluss-Chancenkarte (§ 20a) is possible — for up to two additional years, with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. The approximate processing time for a visa/card application is roughly 6–12 weeks.

What this means for Ukrainians

For Ukrainians under temporary protection (§ 24 AufenthG) the Chancenkarte is one of the options for switching to a more stable status oriented towards work rather than protection. Important: there is no urgent pressure — temporary protection permits valid as of 1 February 2026 have been automatically extended to 4 March 2027 (the extension takes place automatically, without a visit to the foreigners' authority). So a change of status can be calmly planned.

Before applying, it is worth realistically assessing your points, checking recognition of your diploma (through the qualifications recognition portal) and preparing a language certificate. A change from §24 to another permit, including the Chancenkarte, is possible while §24 is in effect; if processing takes longer, a certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) is issued, which preserves legal stay and the right to work. For many Ukrainians the EU Blue Card or a permit under §19c may also be alternatives — they are worth comparing with the opportunity card.

Always verify the exact conditions and the list of documents on official resources: Make it in Germany and the pages of the German Embassy/Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt).