Pathway 05 of 06 · FOR JOB-SEEKERS
Opportunity Card
The Chancenkarte is a points-based visa that lets you come to Germany for up to 12 months to look for work. You can work part-time (20 hours a week) while you search.
- Processing
- 4–8 weeks
- Embassy fee
- €75
- Permanent residence
- Convert to a work visa after finding a job
All figures checked against auswaertiges-amt.de · last updated 12 Aug 2026
Requirements
Updated 12 Aug 2026- Degree or vocational training plus 2 years of experience
- Score 6 points (language, age, professional potential)
- Proof of funds, around €12,324 per year
- Health insurance and a valid passport
- Points come from your degree, German or English level, age under 35, and work experience
Document checklist
Updated 12 Aug 2026- Valid passport (2+ years remaining)
- Degree or vocational qualification certificate
- Language certificates (German and/or English)
- Proof of funds or blocked account
- CV in German or English format
- Health insurance confirmation
- Two biometric photos + completed VIDEX form
Step by step
Updated 12 Aug 202601 · 1 day
Calculate your points
Check that you reach 6 points before you apply, language and age matter most.
02 · 2–4 weeks
Gather proof of qualifications
Degree certificates, language certificates, and work references.
03 · 1–2 weeks
Show proof of funds
A blocked account or declaration showing around €12,324 per year.
04 · book early
Book the embassy appointment
Accra appointments are the bottleneck, book as early as you can.
05 · 1 day
Submit, pay €75, give biometrics
Bring originals and one copy set of everything on the checklist.
06 · 4–8 weeks
Decision, then travel
Register your address within two weeks of arriving in Germany.
What it costs
Updated 12 Aug 2026- Visa fee€75
- Proof of funds (per year)~€12,324
- Document translation, per page€25–40
- Flight, Accra → Frankfurt€550–900
Part-time work (20 hours/week) is allowed from day one to cover living costs.
Mistakes we see weekly
12 Aug 2026- 1.Not reaching 6 points before applying
- 2.Insufficient proof of funds
- 3.Missing language certificates
- 4.Booking a flight before the visa is in the passport
Is this your route?
45 minutes to be sure
Bring your degree, CV and any offer. We confirm the route, or point you to the one that fits better.
€25/ 45 min
Information and application support. Not legal advice.
Other routes
Updated 12 Aug 2026Official sourceAlways cross-check with the German Federal Foreign Office: auswaertiges-amt.de