Check whether your qualification is already fully recognized. If it is, you skip the points. If not, count your points with the official Opportunity Card self-check on Make it in Germany. Prepare your money proof and your health insurance. Complete PEOS and secure your OEC before you travel.

Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) for Filipinos

The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) lets you go to Germany to look for a job without a job offer. It is valid for up to one year. To qualify you need a recognized qualification and basic language skills, and if your qualification is not fully recognized, at least 6 of 15 points.

This guide explains the rules in plain words, using the law and official embassy information. Each point links to its source so you can check it yourself. Amounts change over time, so confirm them on the official page before you apply.

Who it is for

It is a job-search visa for people who do not yet have a qualified job offer. You can stay up to one year, and you may do trial work or side work of up to 20 hours a week while you look. It is not meant for finding a university place or a training place. If you already have a job offer, a work visa may be faster; see the guide to working in Germany.

Two ways to qualify

Route 1: no points needed

You qualify directly if you have a German vocational or university qualification, or a foreign vocational or university qualification that Germany has fully recognized as equivalent.

Route 2: at least 6 of 15 points

You need a foreign vocational qualification of at least 2 years that is state-recognized in the country where you earned it, or a state-recognized foreign university degree. You also need German at level A1 or English at level B2. Then you need at least 6 points from this table:

Partial recognition of your qualification determined: 4 points
Qualification in a shortage occupation: 1 point
Work experience: 2 points for at least 2 years in the last 5 years, or 3 points for at least 5 years in the last 7 years
German: A2 gives 1 point, B1 gives 2 points, B2 or higher gives 3 points
English: 1 extra point for level C1 or higher, or native speakers
Age: 2 points if you are 35 or younger, 1 point if you are 35 to 40
Earlier stay in Germany: 1 point for at least 6 continuous months of lawful residence in the last 5 years (tourist and visit stays do not count)
Partner: 1 point if your spouse or registered partner comes with you and also qualifies for the Opportunity Card

Money and insurance

You must show that you can support yourself: EUR 1,091 a month per person, EUR 13,092 for the standard 12 months. You can prove this with bank statements or a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a sponsor declaration, or arranged side-employment income.
You need private health insurance valid across the Schengen area with at least EUR 30,000 cover for the whole period.

The money figure comes from the German Federal Foreign Office and was checked against several embassy information sheets. It is adjusted periodically, so confirm the current amount with the German embassy before you rely on it.

The Philippine side: OEC and PEOS

Filipinos who leave to work abroad also need papers from the Philippine government, separate from the German visa.

Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). It is your exit clearance at Philippine immigration and exempts you from travel tax and the airport terminal fee. The Philippine Embassy in Berlin, through MWO-Berlin, helps with OEC and employment-contract verification for Germany.
Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS), a free online DMW seminar. If this is your first time working abroad, you must complete it before you can get your OEC. Workers who have worked abroad before do not need it.

Where do I start?

Check whether your qualification is already fully recognized. If it is, you skip the points.
If not, count your points with the official Opportunity Card self-check on Make it in Germany.
Prepare your money proof and your health insurance.
Complete PEOS and secure your OEC before you travel.

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Official sources

Last checked: September 20, 2026. This is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Figures change, so confirm them on the official pages.