MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) from Vietnam: The 6-Point Matrix, ZAB Degree Recognition, and Jobseeker Visa
The Germany Opportunity Card for Vietnamese graduates: 6-point matrix, anabin/ZAB degree recognition, A1-B2 language points, and 20h/week part-time work.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — sourced to §20a AufenthG, BAMF Chancenkarte regulations, and make-it-in-germany.com
Germany's *Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte under §20a AufenthG) allows qualified Vietnamese professionals and university graduates to enter Germany for up to 1 year to seek qualified employment. Unlike traditional work visas, the Chancenkarte does not require an existing job offer from a German employer prior to visa filing. Applicants qualify either through full degree recognition or by scoring at least 6 points* on the official BAMF points matrix.
The 6-Point Matrix for Vietnamese professionals
To qualify under the points system, you must meet the mandatory baseline: (1) A state-recognized Vietnamese vocational certificate (min. 2 years) or university degree; and (2) Basic German (A1) or English (B2). Once the baseline is met, points are awarded as follows:
| Scoring Dimension | Criteria & Requirements | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Degree Equivalence | ZAB assessment confirming partial equivalence (Teilweise Anerkennung) | 4 points |
| *Shortage Occupation (Engpassberuf)* | Degree & experience in IT, Software Engineering, Nursing, Engineering, or Mathematics | 1 point |
| Professional Work Experience | At least 5 years of relevant experience within the past 7 years | 3 points |
| Professional Work Experience | At least 2 years of relevant experience within the past 5 years | 2 points |
| German Language Proficiency | Certified B2 German (Goethe, ÖSD, telc) | 3 points |
| German Language Proficiency | Certified B1 German | 2 points |
| German Language Proficiency | Certified A2 German | 1 point |
| English Language Proficiency | Certified C1 English (IELTS / TOEFL) | 1 point |
| Age at Application | Under 35 years old | 2 points |
| Age at Application | 35 to 39 years old | 1 point |
| Prior German Stay | At least 6 continuous months living in Germany within the past 5 years | 1 point |
Can a Vietnamese engineer with an English B2 certificate qualify for the Chancenkarte?
Yes. English B2 satisfies the mandatory language baseline. However, acquiring an A1 or A2 German certificate (+1 point) or B1 (+2 points) provides crucial score buffers to easily surpass the 6-point threshold.
How do I verify if my Vietnamese Bachelor's degree is recognized in Germany?
Check the official German anabin database (anabin.kmk.org). If your Vietnamese university is listed with H+ status and your degree is equivalent to a German degree, you satisfy the educational baseline. If not directly listed, apply for a Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) from the ZAB.
Can the Chancenkarte be extended beyond 12 months?
The initial Opportunity Card is granted for up to 1 year. It can be extended for up to 2 additional years as a follow-up residence permit if you have secured a qualifying employment contract or binding trial job offer.