New Job Seeker Visa Germany: The Chancenkarte

Are you a skilled professional dreaming of launching your career in Germany? Look no further! The Chancenkarte, also known as the Job Seeker Visa, is your golden ticket to explore job opportunities in this thriving European nation. Let’s dive into what makes the Chancenkarte so appealing for job seekers abroad.

The Chancenkarte is a revolutionary visa designed specifically for foreign professionals who want to work in Germany. Unlike traditional work visas that require a pre-existing employment contract, the Chancenkarte allows applicants to enter Germany without such a contract. Instead, they can use a points-based system to showcase their qualifications and skills.

Are you Eligible for the Chancenkarte? – Take the Free Test

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Advantages of the Chancenkarte

Fast Entry into Germany: With the Chancenkarte, you don’t need a job offer in advance. Instead, prove your existing qualifications (such as language skills or work experience) through the points system. Say goodbye to complicated paperwork!
Guaranteed 12-Month Stay: The Chancenkarte grants you a 12-month stay in Germany specifically for job hunting. During this time, explore the job market, engage in part-time work (up to 20 hours a week, up to 1000€ per month), and even try out trial jobs.
Path to Permanent Residence: While the initial Chancenkarte is valid for one year, it opens doors to permanent residence. Once you find a suitable job, extend your stay by applying to the competent Foreigners’ Registration Office.

Application Jobseeker Visa Germany

Where & when to Apply:
- Apply for the Chancenkarte at the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany or at the competent German mission abroad (such as the German Embassy or Consulate). Applications are accepted from 01st of June 2024.
- If you’re already in Germany, submit your application locally.
Required Documents:
- Complete the Chancenkarte application form.
- Gather documents proving your qualifications, language skills, and financial stability.
Points System:
- Earn points based on factors like professional experience, language proficiency, and other relevant qualifications.
- You need at least six points to be eligible for work in Germany.
Interview and Approval:
- Attend an interview at the German Embassy or Consulate (if applying from abroad).
- German authorities verify your eligibility.
Duration of Stay:
- Once approved, the Chancenkarte allows a 12-month stay for job hunting.
- Explore the job market, work part-time, and find your dream job.
Path to Permanent Residence:
- Extend your stay by securing employment.
- Apply to the competent Foreigners’ Registration Office for permanent residence.
How long does the process take to obtain a Chancenkarte?
- From the application submission at the responsible foreigner’s office or the German diplomatic mission in your home country to the issuance of the residence permit in Germany with the Chancenkarte, it can take several weeks to months. German authorities are committed to approving the issuance as quickly as possible and to promptly reviewing your documents.

Demystifying the German Job Seeker Chancenkarte Point System

You must achieve a minimum of 6 points across the following criteria. These points demonstrate your qualifications and suitability for working in Germany.

In addition to achieving six points, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

Sufficient German language skills (Level A1) or English proficiency (Level B2)
Minimum two-year vocational training following the rules of the country of origin or university degree (Jump to: How do I prove my two-year vocational training?)
Sufficient financial means, demonstrated, for example, through a work contract for part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week (Jump to:What financial means do I need to demonstrate?)

Recognition and Permits:

Partial recognition of foreign qualification or permission to practice regulated profession: 4 points

Field of Work:

Vocational training in bottleneck occupations: 1 point

Work Experience

Five years’ work experience (past seven years) in learned profession: 3 points
Two years’ work experience + prior vocational training (last five years): 2 points

Age:

Applicants under 40 years: 1 point
Applicants under 35 years: 2 points

Previous Residence in Germany:

Previous residence in Germany (at least six months, documented and not touristic): 1 point (Jump to: How can I prove a 6-month prior stay in Germany?)

Language Proficiency:

Exceptional English proficiency (C1): 1 point
Sufficient German skills (A2): 1 point
Adequate German language skills (B1): 2 points
Proficient German language skills (B2): 3 points

Special Circumstances:

Joint application with spouse: 1 point

Help for Job Seekers in Germany

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FAQ Section:

1) How can I prove a 6-month prior stay in Germany?

To prove your prior stay in Germany, you can use various methods:

Rental Agreement: A rental agreement can serve as proof. Utility bills and employment contracts may also be accepted. Tourist stays, however, are excluded.

2) How do I prove my two-year vocational training?

You can provide evidence of your vocational training through:

Graduation certificates or employer confirmations.
Apprenticeship contract or confirmation from the training company.
State recognition by a body defined by the German government. Efforts are underway to list vocational trainings from selected countries.

3) What financial means do I need to demonstrate?

To demonstrate sufficient financial means, consider the following options:

Bank savings or regular income proofs to sustain your livelihood and potentially that of your family in Germany without relying on public funds.
Since January 1, 2023, the assumed annual requirement for a blocked account is 11,208 euros per person. However, alternative proofs of savings or income may be accepted.
Alternatively, you can secure a job contract with a German employer for at least 20 hours per week prior to applying for the Chancenkarte. The type of job is flexible; for example, working in a restaurant or bakery. The prevailing minimum wage should suffice as proof of financial means.

4) What are bottle neck professions?

Manufacturing managers
Mining managers
Construction managers
Supply, distribution and related managers
Information and communications technology service managers
Childcare services managers
Health services managers
Aged care services managers
Social welfare managers
Education managers
Financial and insurance services branch managers
Professional services managers not elsewhere classified
Physical and earth science professionals
Physicists and astronomers
Meteorologists
Chemists
Geologists und geophysicists
Mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians
Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals
Farming, forestry and fisheries advisers
Environmental protection professionals
Engineering professionals (excluding electrotechnology)
Industrial and production engineers
Civil engineers
Environmental engineers
Mechanical engineers
Chemical engineers
Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals
Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified
Electrotechnology engineers
Electrical engineers
Electronics engineers
Telecommunications engineers
Architects, planners, surveyors and designers
Building architects
Landscape architects
Product and garment designers
Town and traffic planners
Cartographers and surveyors
Graphic and multimedia designers
Generalist medical practitioners
Specialist medical practitioners
Nursing and midwifery professionals
Nursing professionals
Midwifery professionals
Veterinarians
Other health professionals
Dentists
Pharmacists
Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals
Physiotherapists
Dieticians and nutritionists
Audiologists and speech therapists
Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians
Health professionals not elsewhere classified
University and higher education teachers
University and higher education teachers
Vocational education teachers
Vocational education teachers
Secondary education teachers
Secondary education teachers
Primary school and early childhood teachers
Primary school teachers
Early childhood educators
Other teaching professionals
Education methods specialists
Special needs teachers
Other language teachers
Other music teachers
Other arts teachers
Information technology trainers
Teaching professionals not elsewhere classified
Software and applications developers and analysts
Systems analysts
Software developers
Web and multimedia developers
Applications programmers
Software and applications developers and analysts not elsewhere classified
Database designers and administrators
Systems administrators
Computer network professionals
Database and network professionals not elsewhere classified