The Chancenkarte is aimed at Non-EU nationals who hold an academic degree or a professional qualification. It will enable holders to remain in Germany for a period of 12 months in order to find appropriate employment or to pursue additional qualifications with a view to finding employment.

There are two different pathways for the Chancenkarte:

1. skilled professionals pathway, for which you must have a foreign professional or academic qualification that is fully recognised in Germany

2. points-based pathway, which provides a separate option for individuals holding an academic or professional qualification that is not deemed comparable or has not (yet) been fully recognised.

You can find more detailed information about the Chancenkarte on the following website: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/job-search-opportunity-card

Documents:

Please prepare all of the following documents in the given order. Please bring your original certificates and translations if applicable. Please DO NOT staple any documents.

All documents that are not in German or English need to be submitted with a certified translation into German.

Incomplete documentation may result in the rejection of your application.

• VIDEX Application form fully completed including declaration Section 54 (2) 8, duly signed and printed with barcodes
• Valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months after arriving in Germany with at least two empty pages, signed by the holder + 1 copy of the biodata page
• Irish residence permit card + 1 copy
• 1 biometric passport photo (35x45mm), not older than six months with a bright background and frontal view of the face. Digitally altered passport pictures will not be accepted.
• If available: any additional evidence of further preparations for finding a job in Germany (i.e. correspondence with prospective employers, job offers, agency enquiries etc.)
• Confirmation of health insurance cover - private health insurance (usually called 'incoming insurance') valid throughout the Schengen area, minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire period of stay (must be proven at the latest when collecting the visa!)
• Proof of sufficient financial means, at least €1,027 per month, which is a total of €12,324 for a period of 12 months (2024 requirement, subject to change). Accepted evidence of funds are:
  • Own funds in a bank account: Recent German or Irish bank statements (at least from the past 3 months) for an account in your name showing that you hold a continuous and sustainable balance equalling EUR 12,324
  • OR blocked account holding minimum holding minimum EUR 1,027/ month (for 12 months)
  • OR formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) by a sponsor resident in Germany.
  • OR Part-time employment: If you already have a (prospective) part-time job in Germany, you can prove this with an employment contract or a binding job offer that shows the weekly working hours and monthly earnings.
  • OR a combination of the above

1. Additional documents for skilled professionals pathway:

• Academic degree (original + copy) with
  • “Anabin” database printout showing that both the qualification and the academic institution are listed as comparable - you can find out if your foreign degree compares to German qualifications through the online database “Anabin” (in German)
  • OR “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications”, issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
• OR proof of professional qualification (original certificate + copy) with
  • Copy of the formal assessment notice by the competent body in Germany confirming that your qualification has been recognised.
  • Detailed CV (up to date, with information on occupational career including the city, province or territory of the employer or educational institution and a list of certificates and diplomas)
    

2. Additional documents for points-based pathway:

• Academic degree or evidence of professional qualification (original + copy) with a copy of the confirmation that your degree/qualification has been assessed by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
• Detailed CV (up to date, with information on occupational career including the city, province or territory of the employer or educational institution and a list of certificates and diplomas)
• Language proficiency (certificate may not be older than one year):
  • German language certificate (at least level A1) issued by any institution testing in accordance with the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) OR
  • English language certificate (at least level B2) - IELTS or TOEFL certificate or a certificate issued by any institution testing in accordance with the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).
• If applicable: Evidence of professional experience in relation to your formal qualification within the last 7 years – confirmation in writing by your previous employer/s confirming the dates of employment as well as providing a description of the responsibilities.

• If applicable: Evidence of previous residence in Germany within the last 5 years - Confirmation of registration (Meldebescheinigung), rental agreements, employment contracts and/or similar

• Self-addressed envelope (An Post only), 9,50 Euros stamp
• Or Envelope and stamps can be purchased for 12 Euros at the Embassy
• Visa fee 75,- Euros

Please note that the German Embassy Dublin reserves the right to ask for additional documents at any time during processing. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted.