Germany · Skilled Worker Visa

Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a AufenthG)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-20 · Our methodology
6.5/10 diff
Challenging

§20a AufenthG (since Nov 2023 FEG reform). Two paths: (1) skilled-worker recognition route; (2) points system ≥6 points.…

Min income
€1,091/mo
Processing
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

§20a AufenthG (since Nov 2023 FEG reform). Two paths: (1) skilled-worker recognition route; (2) points system ≥6 points. 1 year initial, extension up to 2 more years if qualified employment found. | Reclassificado para job_seeker (entrada SEM oferta p/ procurar emprego).

At a Glance

Visa Duration
12 months
Processing Time
Min Income
€1,091/mo
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Requiredvocational
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Language RequiredA1
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Financial Requirements

ItemAmount
Minimum Income€1,091/mo
Minimum Savings€1,091

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Berlin
Single (monthly)€2,200
Family (monthly)€4,100
Rent 1BR (center)€1,232
Groceries€550
Transport pass€132
Munich
Single (monthly)€2,536
Family (monthly)€4,650
Rent 1BR (center)€1,467
Groceries€634
Transport pass€152
Hamburg
Single (monthly)€2,090
Family (monthly)€3,950
Rent 1BR (center)€1,085
Groceries€522
Transport pass€125

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a AufenthG)?

§20a AufenthG (since Nov 2023 FEG reform). Two paths: (1) skilled-worker recognition route; (2) points system ≥6 points. 1 year initial, extension up to 2 more years if qualified employment found. | Reclassificado para job_seeker (entrada SEM oferta p/ procurar emprego).

What are the financial requirements for the Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a AufenthG)?

Applicants need minimum income of €1,091/mo, minimum savings of €1,091. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.

Can the Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a AufenthG) lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Germany?

Yes. Germany offers 7 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Germany country page.

What is the cost of living in Germany?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Berlin: €2,200/mo; Munich: €2,536/mo; Hamburg: €2,090/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-20 · See our methodology

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