Germany — Work (Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for job search)

Main requirements

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, §20a) lets you live in Germany for up to one year to look for work (or pursue recognition). If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany (Fachkraft), you only need proof of funds, no points. Everyone else needs: a university degree or at least two-year vocational qualification state-recognised in the issuing country (ZAB confirmation; not needed if the university is H+ in anabin and the degree is 'entspricht' or 'bedingt vergleichbar'); German at least A1 or English at least B2; and at least 6 points.

Documents

The Tehran embassy has not published a document list for this visa. Based on the German Embassy Yerevan list (same visa): VIDEX form; biometric photo; passport; proof of funds (blocked-account bank confirmation stating total and monthly amounts, or declaration of commitment); health insurance for the whole period with EUR 30,000 cover; degree and recognition/evaluation; language certificate; evidence for points (work experience etc.). Tehran documents need German translations certified by the Iranian MFA.

Language

At least German A1 or English B2 (per the official IELTS–CEFR figure, B2 is roughly IELTS 5.5–6.5 and C1 roughly 7–8). Points per the Federal Employment Agency: German B2 3 points, B1 2, A2 1; English C1 1 point.

Costs and proof of funds

Per the Federal Employment Agency (2026), typically EUR 1,091 per month for the whole stay, i.e. EUR 13,092 for 12 months, via blocked account or declaration of commitment; per the Yerevan embassy a concrete side job can also count. Visa EUR 75, ZAB EUR 208 if needed.

Steps and timeline

Points per the law (§20b and its annex table): partial recognition 4; German B2 3, B1 2, A2 1; English C1 1; related work experience after the qualification: at least 5 years within the last 7 years 3, or at least 2 years within the last 5 years 2; qualification in a shortage occupation 1; age 35 or younger 2, 36 to 40 1; at least 6 months' previous stay in Germany 1; spouse applying too 1. The main problem now: per the Tehran embassy (2026-10-14), the Chancenkarte falls under 'NEW National visa Other' and the embassy says it is 'not yet foreseeable' when appointments will be issued for that list. Applications in neighbouring countries are not accepted for Iran residents.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Until the Tehran embassy issues appointments for the 'Other' list this route is effectively closed; only registration is possible. The EUR 13,092 funds and blocked-account difficulties for Iranians are another real barrier. If you can get a job offer from Iran, the Blue Card or skilled-worker visa are the more active routes now.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to permanent residence)

With the card you may work part-time up to 20 hours per week on average and do trial work of up to two weeks each. If you find qualified work you switch to a skilled-worker permit/Blue Card, or, if you don't meet those requirements, get a follow-up Opportunity Card for up to two years. A new search card is only issued after spending at least as long outside Germany as the previous stay.