🇩🇪 Work & Earn Abroad
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) from Kenya (2026)
The pain: You want to work in Germany but think you need a job offer first — and don't understand the points system.
The outcome: You know if you qualify (recognised qualification or 6 points), the funds you need, and how to apply from Nairobi.
The Opportunity Card is a job-SEEKER residence permit — it lets qualified non-EU nationals enter Germany to look for a job. You don't need an offer first.
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Two routes in
- Route 1 — Fully recognised skilled worker: a German/fully-recognised foreign university degree OR a fully-recognised vocational qualification qualifies you automatically — the points system doesn't apply.
- Route 2 — Points system (need ≥6 points): first meet the basics — a recognised degree or 2+ year vocational qualification; basic German (A1) OR basic English (B2); and proof of funds (~€1,091 net/month via blocked account, part-time income, or a sponsor's Declaration).
How points are awarded (verify current)
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification assessed partially equivalent | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| Work experience ≥2 yrs (last 5) / ≥5 yrs (last 7) | 2 / 3 |
| German A2 / B1 / B2+ | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English C1 or native | 1 |
| Age ≤35 / 36–40 | 2 / 1 |
⚠️ Valid up to 12 months to search (extendable up to 2 years). Work part-time up to 20 hrs/week while searching. Visa fee €75, applied via the German mission in Nairobi.
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Questions people ask
Do I need a job offer for the Germany Opportunity Card?
No. The Opportunity Card is a job-seeker residence permit that lets qualified non-EU nationals enter Germany to look for a job, so you don't need an offer first.
How many points do I need for the Germany Opportunity Card?
You need at least 6 points under the points system (Route 2). But if you have a fully recognised degree or vocational qualification (Route 1), you qualify automatically and the points system doesn't apply.
How much money do I need for the Germany Opportunity Card?
You need to show proof of funds of around 1,091 euros net per month, through a blocked account, part-time income, or a sponsor's Declaration. The visa fee itself is 75 euros, applied via the German mission in Nairobi.
Keep it current: Point values, the 6-point threshold and the funds figure change — confirm on the official Self-Check tool before relying on them. The card does NOT guarantee a job; fake blocked-account or language certificates cause permanent bans.
Official sources
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