Route: Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
The Opportunity Card lets you come to Germany to look for a job. It needs no job offer – but it is not a shortcut. You must show money, language and a qualification.
Two ways in
- Route A: your qualification is fully recognised in Germany. No points needed.
- Route B (points): a qualification recognised in China (at least 2 years of vocational training, or a degree), German at A1 or English at B2, and at least 6 points.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition in Germany | 4 |
| German B2 / B1 / A2 | 3 / 2 / 1 |
| English C1 | 1 |
| At least 5 years of experience in the last 7 years | 3 |
| At least 2 years of experience in the last 5 years | 2 |
| Shortage occupation | 1 |
| Age up to 35 / 36 to 40 | 2 / 1 |
| At least 6 months of legal stay in Germany in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Spouse also qualifies and applies | 1 |
Money and documents
- €1,091 a month, about €13,092 for a year: blocked account, declaration of commitment, or a part-time contract. This is the practice of the missions: €992 plus 10 % (Federal Foreign Office, Make it in Germany). The Embassy Beijing checklist (June 2024) still names €1,027; confirm with your mission.
- Health insurance for at least 12 months from entry, CV, a motivation letter naming the companies and fields you are targeting, and proof of accommodation.
- For a degree: anabin printout or ZAB statement. For vocational training: the decision of the German recognition body. Apostille and translations: Documents.
- Processing about 2–3 weeks; fee €75.
Work rights
Up to 20 hours a week, plus trial employment (Probebeschäftigung) of up to two weeks each (§ 20a (2) no. 2). The card lasts up to 1 year; a follow-up card of up to 2 years is possible with a job offer and approval.
Be honest about the arithmetic. Berlin is expensive, 20 hours a week at the minimum wage does not cover rent, and job searches take months. The card works best with good German and a qualification an employer here recognises.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.