Updated: May 19, 2026 · Chancenkarte
Is your Spanish or Portuguese residence permit expiring? Consider Germany's job seeker visa
Your residence permit expires in a few months and the grounds for renewal are uncertain. You have already invested time and money in moving, built a life and want to keep the option of living in Europe.
Or you have applied for a renewal, but there is still no decision. The uncertainty forces you to postpone trips, job changes and family plans.
Perhaps you are ready to move to another country but haven't received a job offer yet. You have the education and experience, but no employment contract that would get you a work permit.
We have discussed situations like these in our consultations. For those ready to move to Germany, one solution may be the Chancenkarte, or Opportunity Card.
What is the Chancenkarte
It is a residence permit for looking for skilled work in Germany. If you apply from abroad, you submit an application for a German national visa.
No employment contract is required. You can come to Germany, attend interviews, meet employers and look for a suitable vacancy on the spot.
The initial term is up to one year. The duration also depends on how long you can prove your financing for.
While job hunting, you may work up to 20 hours a week in total. Trial employment of up to two weeks per employer is also possible, subject to the applicable conditions.
Once you receive a suitable offer, you can apply for a work permit or EU Blue Card directly in Germany, provided you meet the requirements for that permit.
Who this option suits
The Chancenkarte is worth considering if you:
- live in Spain or Portugal and are looking for an alternative to renewing your current permit;
- are ready to move to Germany and work there;
- have a suitable qualification but haven't found an employer yet;
- can prove you have funds to live on while looking for work.
It is especially useful if you are already browsing German vacancies and know which positions you can apply for. According to Eurostat, Germany issued 108,091 residence permits for employment to non-EU citizens in 2025, placing it among the top four EU countries. It is one of Europe's major labour markets and worth considering if you plan to relocate through employment.
Requirements
There are two main ways to get the Opportunity Card.
Through a qualification recognised in Germany. If your education meets the requirements for a skilled worker, you don't need points. No proof of language skills is required for this route either. The vast majority of applicants use this route.
Through the points system. You need a qualification recognised in the country where it was obtained, German at A1 or English at B2, and at least six points. For vocational training, a programme of at least two years is usually required. Points are awarded for work experience, age and language skills, among other things.
Holding a Spanish or Portuguese residence permit does not exempt you from these conditions.
How much money you need
In 2026, proving financing via a blocked account requires €1,091 per month, or €13,092 for 12 months.
This money remains yours. You can withdraw a set monthly amount for living costs.
Other forms of proof are possible, such as a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) by a host in Germany. Whether such a document can be used is checked for your individual situation.
Budget separately for documents, insurance, the move, rent and a rental deposit. When choosing a city, calculate a realistic budget in advance: the amount sufficient for visa purposes may not cover your usual standard of living.
Which documents to prepare
The package depends on your education, route and the embassy's requirements. Usually you need:
- Passport, application form and biometric photo.
- Diploma and transcript.
- Proof of qualification: Anabin printout, ZAB evaluation or recognition decision, depending on your case.
- Language certificate, if required.
- Proof of work experience and other grounds for points if you apply under the points system.
- Proof of financing.
- Health insurance that meets visa requirements.
- Proof of residence in the country where you apply.
It's also worth preparing a detailed CV. Depending on the embassy, you may need a motivation letter, a job search plan and additional evidence.
Check your diploma early. The result determines your route, and obtaining the necessary documents can take time. Find out the requirements for translations and certifications before you apply as well.
Can you apply for the Chancenkarte from Spain or Portugal
Yes, you can apply at the German embassy in your country of residence.
In Spain, the German embassy in Madrid accepts applications even with an expired Spanish permit or during a renewal. You must prove that Spain is your habitual residence, usually meaning more than six months of residence. A rental agreement, bank statements, an employment contract and utility bills can serve as evidence.
In Portugal, Chancenkarte applications are submitted via the consular online portal. If your Portuguese permit has already expired, check with the German embassy whether you can apply with your current documents.
Applying for a German visa does not extend your right to stay in Spain or Portugal. So before you start, check your status for the period while you wait for a decision.
What to consider before moving
The Chancenkarte is meant for living and looking for work in Germany. You can't obtain it and continue to live permanently in Spain or Portugal on the basis of the German permit.
Travel to other Schengen countries is allowed within the short-stay rules, usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
If you plan to move with your family, the documents and grounds for your spouse and children need to be reviewed separately.
Where to start
Guides to prepare on your own
- Chancenkarte guide (19 pages, in Russian): both routes, checking your degree in Anabin, the points system, financing, motivation letter, CV, insurance and the full embassy document list.
- Blocked account guide (11 pages, in Russian): opening a Sperrkonto with Fintiba, Expatrio or Coracle, transferring money and unlocking payouts after the move.
- ZAB diploma recognition guide (12 pages, in Russian): if your university or degree isn't in Anabin.
Each guide costs €28. We'll email you the PDF after payment.
I want the Chancenkarte guide →
All guides are in our Guides section.
If your permit is about to expire, first assess the time remaining, whether you can apply from your country of residence and whether you meet the Chancenkarte requirements. Then you can define the document list and budget.
In a consultation we review your current status, education, work experience and family situation, check whether the Opportunity Card suits you, which evidence you need and in what order to prepare the documents.
When booking, tell us which country you live in, when your permit expires and what education you have. This helps us focus straight away on the options that apply to you.
FAQ
How much money do you need for the Chancenkarte?
In 2026, a blocked account has to show €1,091 per month, or €13,092 for 12 months. The money stays yours: you can withdraw a set monthly amount for living costs. Other forms of proof are possible, such as a formal declaration of commitment by a host in Germany.
Do you need German for the Chancenkarte?
It depends on your route. If your qualification is recognised in Germany, you need neither points nor proof of language skills — that is the route the vast majority of applicants use. The points system requires German at A1 or English at B2 plus at least six points.
Can you apply with an expiring or expired Spanish permit?
The German embassy in Madrid accepts applications even with an expired Spanish permit or during a renewal, provided you show that Spain is your habitual residence, usually more than six months. A rental agreement, bank statements, an employment contract and utility bills can serve as evidence. In Portugal, with an expired permit you need to check with the embassy separately.
Can you work while looking for a job?
Yes, you may work up to 20 hours a week in total. Trial employment of up to two weeks per employer is also possible, subject to the applicable conditions. Once you have a suitable offer, you can apply for a work permit or EU Blue Card directly in Germany.