GermanyChancenkarte (Opportunity Card)

The route, step by step

The first step is open in full. The rest show cost and timing; what you personally need to do is in the personal map.

1. 01

   Points and degree recognition

   $300·~6 wk

   Baseline: a degree or 2+ years of vocational training, plus German A1 or English B2. Then you need 6 points for recognition, experience, language and age under 35.

2. 02

   Blocked account

   $150·~2 wk

   About €1,091 per month for the card’s term. It is your money, paid out monthly once you are in Germany.

   Step details are in the personal map
3. 03

   Visa at the consulate

   $100·~8 wk

   €75 fee. Appointment queues can run 2–3 months, so we book first and gather documents in parallel.

   Step details are in the personal map
4. 04

   Move and job search

   $3,500·~12 wk

   The card is valid for up to 12 months. You may work up to 20 hours a week and do trial days with employers.

   Step details are in the personal map
5. 05

   Switch of status

   $150·~6 wk

   With a job offer in your field you switch to a Blue Card or skilled-worker permit without leaving Germany.

   Step details are in the personal map

Plus investment: $15,100

Some steps run in parallel, so the total timeline is shorter than the sum of weeks. Data as of September 2026.

Your PDF map arrives within 24 hours of your answers.