Visahjelp

Jobseeker visa for recognised skilled workers (Chancenkarte)

National (long-stay) visa for jobseeking by persons whose foreign qualification is already recognised in Germany (residence title for jobseeking under the Chancenkarte provisions of the Residence Act, introduced by the 2024 Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform). The Chancenkarte allows entry to Germany to look for employment or vocational training, provided you have either an academic qualification with an ANABIN entry of 'H+' for both your degree and the university, or a vocational qualification with a formal recognition decision (Anerkennungsbescheid) from the competent body in Germany. During the stay, light trial employment as well as part-time employment in the qualified field is generally permitted; the main purpose of the Chancenkarte remains jobseeking.

From Auswärtiges Amt

“The visa decision is made by the German consular post in Vietnam. Note: applicants aged 45 and over must show evidence of adequate retirement provision. Provide suitable proof of retirement security at the time of application (e.g. real estate, securities, insurance).”
— Federal Foreign Office of Germany · German diplomatic missions

What you need

  • You must show a self-written motivation letter (areas of interest, applications, planned accommodation); proof of qualification matching your training — either the academic degree certificate with ANABIN extracts for the degree and the university (each rated 'H+', degree listed under the university) or a vocational training certificate with a recognition decision (Anerkennungsbescheid) from the competent body in Germany — and proof of financing (a blocked account with €1,091/month, a formal sponsor's declaration with proof of financial standing and the purpose 'jobseeking', or a concrete part-time job). In addition: a tabular CV, a passport, biometric photos, and private medical-insurance cover throughout the Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for the entire validity of the Chancenkarte. Proof of language skills is not mandatory but increases the plausibility of the application.

Checklist

13
01

Antragsformular und Ausweisdokumente

  • Application form for national visas, completely filled out and signed by the applicant (online application form via VIDEX) *
  • Two recent biometric passport photos (45 mm x 35 mm) (photo specifications template). Please glue only one photo onto the application form and bring the second loose *
  • Valid passport (or a recognised substitute travel document) *
02

Lebenslauf und Motivation

  • Tabular and complete CV. In particular setting out your prior education and employment *
  • Self-written motivation letter. A self-written letter that should set out which fields of work and positions you are interested in, where you want to apply or have already applied, and what accommodation you will use during your stay in Germany *
03

Qualifikationsnachweise

a) Mit akademischer Ausbildung

  • Proof of qualification — academic. Degree certificate and ANABIN database extracts (degree and university separately; both must be listed as 'H+', and the degree must be listed under the university) and, where applicable, proof of prior professional experience

b) Mit Berufsausbildung

  • Proof of qualification — vocational. Your training certificate and a recognition decision (Anerkennungsbescheid) from the competent body in Germany, and, where applicable, proof of prior professional experience. You can find the competent body and further information about the recognition procedure here: www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
04

Sprachkenntnisse

  • (Optional) Language certificate. Proof of relevant language skills in German or English is not mandatory, but it increases the plausibility of the visa application
05

Nachweis der Finanzierung

Sperrkonto

  • Blocked account with a monthly balance of €1,091 for the planned duration of your stay. Further information on the blocked account: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/sperrkonto/375488

Verpflichtungserklärung

  • Formal sponsor's declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung) by a sponsor in Germany. The declaration must be filed with the foreigners-authority at the sponsor's place of residence and must clearly identify the purpose of stay as 'jobseeking' (Arbeitsplatzsuche). Only declarations bearing the note 'Bonität nachgewiesen' (financial standing proven) are accepted

Konkrete Nebenbeschäftigung

  • If you already have a concrete part-time job (Nebenbeschäftigung) in Germany in prospect, you can show this through an employment contract or a binding job offer that sets out the weekly working hours and monthly earnings
06

Krankenversicherung

  • Medical insurance. Private medical-insurance cover from the day of entry, valid throughout the Schengen area; minimum coverage €30,000; valid for the entire validity of the Chancenkarte *
07

Weitere Vorbereitung (optional)

  • (Optional) Further evidence of preparation for jobseeking or training-place seeking already undertaken, e.g. invitations to job interviews

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