Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for Nigerians (2026): Points, Funds, Fees and How to Apply
Last updated: 9 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
In brief: Germany’s Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets qualified non-EU professionals, including Nigerians, enter Germany for up to a year to look for work without a job offer. If your foreign qualification is fully recognised you can apply directly. Otherwise you need at least 6 points on a points system, proof you can support yourself, health insurance and basic language skills. This guide explains the points, the money you must show, the fees, the steps and the mistakes to avoid.
Figures below come from the official Make it in Germany service and recent guides, using the 2026 amounts. Rules and amounts change, and some missions use service providers with extra charges, so confirm with the German embassy or consulate responsible for Nigeria before you pay for anything.
What is the Opportunity Card?
According to Make it in Germany, the card is for qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries who want to travel to Germany to look for a job without having one yet. It is usually issued for a maximum of one year. You may look for qualified employment or work towards self-employment, and you must be able to support yourself while you search.
Who can apply?
- You have a university degree, or at least two years of state-recognised vocational training.
- Either your qualification is recognised in Germany as equivalent, or you score at least 6 points.
- You have basic language skills: German at A1 or English at B2 is the usual minimum.
- You can show enough money for your stay, have health insurance for the whole period and have no security concerns.
You can check whether your degree is recognised in the anabin database run by the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education (KMK), or get a Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
The points system
If your qualification is not fully recognised, you need 6 points. These are the main categories as summarised by recent guides. Only the highest level in each category counts.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of your qualification | 4 |
| Work experience: 5 of last 7 years in your field | 3 |
| Work experience: 2 of last 5 years in your field | 2 |
| German B2 or higher / B1 / A2 | 3 / 2 / 1 |
| English C1 or higher (or native) | 1 |
| Shortage occupation | 1 |
| Age up to 35 / 35 to 40 | 2 / 1 |
| At least 6 months lawful residence in Germany in last 5 years | 1 |
| Partner who also qualifies and travels with you | 1 |
Example: a 31-year-old nurse with 5 years of experience (3), a partially recognised qualification (4) and German A2 (1) scores 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 for age = 10, comfortably above the minimum. Use the official Self-Check tool on Make it in Germany to test your own score.
How much money do you need?
For 2026, guides report that you must show about €1,091 per month of planned stay, which is €13,092 for a full 12 months. You can prove this with a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a declaration of commitment from a sponsor in Germany, or a part-time work contract. One source quotes a different figure for the minimum 91 days than the monthly rate implies, so ask your mission for the exact amount before opening a blocked account.
Visa fee and other costs
- Visa fee: €75, paid in local currency.
- Certified translations of documents, often €20 to €50 each.
- Language test, qualification assessment, blocked-account fees and health insurance, which vary by provider.
- Possible service-provider charges at some missions.
Currency rates move, so convert to naira with a live rate on the day you pay.
What can you do on the card?
- Work up to 20 hours a week in any job to support your search.
- Do trial employment of up to two weeks per employer, aimed at a qualified job or a recognition measure.
- Convert to a work permit once you find a qualified job. If you find a job but cannot yet get a standard permit, a follow-up card of up to two years may be possible with Federal Employment Agency approval.
Step-by-step application
- Check your route and points using the official Self-Check.
- Prove your qualification (anabin, ZAB or recognition).
- Take a language test if needed. Results should be recent, usually within 12 months of applying. Our IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL guide can help you pick an English test.
- Arrange funds with a blocked account, sponsor declaration or contract.
- Buy health insurance covering the full period.
- Apply online through the Federal Foreign Office portal, then book the in-person appointment where your biometrics are taken and the fee is paid.
- Wait for the decision. Some missions quote about two months or longer, so apply early.
- Travel and register your address after you arrive.
Documents you will usually need
- Passport and signed application form
- Biometric photos
- CV with no gaps and a short motivation letter in German or English
- Proof of qualification and language certificate
- Proof of funds and health insurance
- Evidence for any points you claim
Common mistakes and scams
- Opening a blocked account for the wrong amount.
- Claiming points you cannot prove.
- Paying an agent ‘guaranteed visa’ fees. Nobody can guarantee approval, and the application is made on the official portal.
- Fake job offers asking for money. Read our advice on recruitment agencies and scams and the wider Japa guide.
If you are weighing destinations, compare Germany with other routes in easiest work visas for Nigerians and best countries to move to for work.
Related guide (updated 9 November 2026)
Thinking about Germany? Read our step-by-step guide: How to Study in Germany for Free as a Nigerian (2026): Costs, Visa, Blocked Account and Steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians apply for the Opportunity Card?
Yes, if they meet the requirements. Nigerians apply through the German mission responsible for them, so check that mission’s website for appointments and fees.
How many points do I need?
Six, unless your qualification is fully recognised, in which case you can apply as a skilled worker without points.
Do I need to speak German?
You need at least German A1 or English B2. Higher German earns more points.
How much does the Opportunity Card cost?
The visa fee is €75, plus costs such as translations, tests, insurance and proof of funds.
How long is it valid?
Up to 12 months, with a possible follow-up card of up to two years if you find a qualified job.
Can I work on the card?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week, plus trial work of up to two weeks per employer.
Can my family come?
A partner who also qualifies can add a point if they travel with you. Rules for other family members differ, so ask your mission.
Disclaimer: general information, not legal advice. Check official German government sources for current rules.
Join the discussion
Have you tried this, or do you have a question we did not answer? 1 reader has already shared their view. Naijatipsland members help each other with real, first-hand experience.
Before you open a blocked account, confirm the exact amount with the German mission that handles your application, because guides quote slightly different figures. Ask your questions below. – Ade Adeniyi