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The short answer
To get Germany's Opportunity Card you either hold a fully recognised qualification or score at least 6 points, and you must prove you can support yourself: Make it in Germany cites a blocked account with at least €1,091 net per month in 2026, or a declaration of commitment from a sponsor. The card runs for up to a year and allows part-time work of 20 hours a week.
What the Opportunity Card is
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets people from outside the EU come to Germany to look for qualified work. Make it in Germany says cards are issued initially as job-search cards for a maximum of one year. While you search, you may work part-time up to 20 hours a week and do trial work of up to two weeks per employer, aimed at qualified employment, an apprenticeship or a qualification programme. If you find qualifying work and no other residence title applies, the card can be extended by up to two years.
Two routes in
Route 1: a recognised qualification
If you hold a vocational qualification or academic degree that is fully recognised in Germany, or a German qualification, you do not need the points system.
Route 2: the points system
Without full recognition, you need a formal qualification, the required language skills and at least 6 points:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification partially recognised in Germany | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| At least 2 years' experience in the last 5 | 2 |
| At least 5 years' experience in the last 7 | 3 |
| German A2 / B1 / B2 or above | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English C1 or above, or native speaker | +1 |
| Age up to 35 / 35 to 40 | 2 / 1 |
| Previous legal stay in Germany of 6+ months in the last 5 years (not tourism) | 1 |
| Spouse or partner who also qualifies | 1 |
Worked example only: Ngozi is 31, a software developer with six years' experience, a degree partially recognised in Germany, German at B1 and English at C1. Her points: 4 (partial recognition) + 3 (5 years in the last 7) + 2 (B1) + 1 (English C1) + 2 (age) = 12, comfortably above 6. She still has to meet the financial requirement.
The funds you must show
Make it in Germany says you must prove you can support yourself during the job search, citing a blocked bank account with a minimum of €1,091 net per month, the amount applicable in 2026. A declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor is the alternative it names.
| Length of card | Calculation | Blocked amount at €1,091/month |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 1,091 × 6 | €6,546 |
| 12 months (maximum initial card) | 1,091 × 12 | €13,092 |
The page does not say how many months you must fund; that depends on the length of card you are granted and the mission's practice, so confirm with the German mission handling your application. Many applicants plan for the full year.
What about a part-time job contract?
Some guides say a signed part-time employment contract can count towards the funds. The Make it in Germany page we read does not mention this option; it names the blocked account and the declaration of commitment. If you have a part-time offer, ask the mission in writing whether and how it reduces the blocked amount before relying on it.
Budgeting the search year
The funds rule is a floor, not a budget. €1,091 a month has to cover rent, health insurance, food, transport and the costs of applying for jobs. Rents vary widely between cities, and finding a room can take time. Part-time income helps, but the 20-hour cap and the time a job search takes mean most people should not count on it in the first months. Keep a separate reserve for the deposit on a flat, recognition fees and translations of certificates.
Common gaps in Nigerian applications
- Claiming points for experience without reference letters that show dates, role and duties.
- Claiming language points without a recognised test certificate.
- Assuming a degree is partially recognised without the recognition document.
- Funding the blocked account for fewer months than the card applied for.
Steps for a Nigerian applicant
- Check whether your qualification is fully or partially recognised in Germany, and get the recognition documents.
- Count your points carefully and gather proof for each: certificates, reference letters, language test results.
- Fund a blocked account at €1,091 a month for the period you will apply for, or arrange a declaration of commitment.
- Book with the German mission responsible for Nigeria and follow its checklist.
- Plan how you will live on €1,091 a month while searching; part-time work is capped at 20 hours a week.
See Germany's student blocked account figure for comparison, how to open a blocked account from Nigeria, and our japa savings plan for building the funds.
Where Pryme fits
A blocked account is funded in euros. With Pryme you can hold EUR alongside NGN, convert with Swap when the rate shown suits you, and generate a verifiable statement through VerifyDoc.ai to support your file.
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for Germany Opportunity Card?
Make it in Germany cites a blocked account with at least €1,091 net per month in 2026. For a 12-month card that is €13,092 as a worked example.
How many points do I need for Chancenkarte?
At least 6 points under the points system, unless your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, in which case points are not needed.
Can I work with a Germany Opportunity Card?
Yes, part-time up to 20 hours a week, plus trial work of up to two weeks per employer, according to Make it in Germany.
Can a sponsor replace the blocked account for Opportunity Card?
Make it in Germany names a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) as an alternative to the blocked account.
Sources
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) · accessed Oct 2026
- Make it in Germany: Visa for studying (page dated 19 Oct 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.