Germany Job Seeker Visa in 2026: it's now the Opportunity Card
Germany's classic 6-month job seeker visa was replaced in June 2024 by the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) - same purpose, better terms: up to 12 months to search, 20 hours/week of work allowed, and eligibility for vocational qualifications, not just degrees. Here's exactly what changed and how to qualify.
Old job seeker visa vs. the Opportunity Card
Every change favours the applicant - the reform exists because Germany needs roughly 400,000 skilled immigrants a year.
| Aspect | Job seeker visa (until 2024) | Opportunity Card (now) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | University graduates with a recognised degree only | Degree holders AND people with 2-year vocational training |
| Job offer needed | No | No |
| Points system | None - degree recognition was all-or-nothing | 6 points across language, experience, age, recognition (skip entirely if fully recognised) |
| Duration | 6 months | Up to 12 months, extendable up to 2 more years with a qualified job offer |
| Working while searching | Not allowed (trial work only) | 20 hours/week allowed + 2-week trial work per employer |
| Language requirement | None formally (German expected in practice) | German A1 or English B2 minimum (points from A2/B1/B2 and English C1) |
| Proof of funds (2026) | ~€947/month at the end | €1,091/month - €13,092 for 12 months in a blocked account |
12 months goes fast. Land interviews before you land in Germany.
Qarera matches your resume against live English-speaking jobs in Germany, builds the German-format CV recruiters expect, and tracks every application - free, no credit card.