Germany’s Chancenkarte

Germany’s Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card”, was introduced in 2024 to make it easier for skilled workers to come to Germany even before securing a job offer. It allows applicants to enter the country for up to a year, search for employment, and if successful, transition to a longer-term residence permit. For many applicants, one of the first points of confusion comes when filling out the visa form on digital.diplo.de. The system asks for the “intended length of stay in Germany.” So what should you write?

The One-Year Rule

The law (§ 20a AufenthG) is clear: the first residence title issued under the Chancenkarte is valid for a maximum of 12 months.

This applies both when:

• Applying from abroad for a national visa (type D), or
• Applying inside Germany for a residence title (Aufenthaltstitel).

In practice, if you apply for the Chancenkarte, you should set your intended stay as one year from the planned date of entry. Requesting a longer duration won’t help, since the authorities are not allowed to issue a first Chancenkarte for more than 12 months.

Can the Chancenkarte Be Extended?

Yes. Once you are in Germany, an extension may be possible, usually if you can show that you are actively searching for work or already employed. But this is a second step, the initial permit is always capped at one year.

Who Can Apply for the Chancenkarte?

The Chancenkarte is aimed at qualified professionals from outside the EU. To apply, you must either:

• Have a recognized professional qualification or university degree, or
• Collect enough points under Germany’s new evaluation system.

Points are awarded for factors such as:

• Level and recognition of education or training
• German or English language skills
• Relevant professional experience
• Age (younger applicants can earn more points)
• Connection to Germany (previous stays, family ties)

A minimum of six points is required if you don’t already have full recognition of your qualifications.

Why Accuracy Matters

When completing the application, it’s important to provide details that reflect the law. Entering an intended stay longer than one year could slow down your case, as the embassy or immigration office would need to adjust or clarify the request. The Chancenkarte opens a new route to the German labor market, but the first step is straightforward: when asked how long you intend to stay, the answer is one year. After that, you may be able to extend, depending on your circumstances and progress in Germany.