MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
Chancenkarte Germany for Vietnam: 6-Point Points Calculator, English/German & Visa (2026)
Chancenkarte Germany for Vietnam: 6-point Opportunity Card matrix, qualification check, €1,091 monthly funds, language points, and VFS visa filing.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — sourced to §20a AufenthG, Make-it-in-Germany, and German Embassy Hanoi consular regulations
The *Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte under §20a AufenthG) allows Vietnamese university graduates and certified vocational professionals to enter Germany for up to 1 year to seek qualified employment. Unlike traditional work visas, the Chancenkarte does not require a pre-existing German employment contract or job offer. Applicants can qualify either through full professional recognition or by scoring at least 6 points* on Germany's statutory points grid.
Two Pathways: Fully Recognized vs Points-Based
There are two routes to securing a Chancenkarte from Vietnam: (1) Direct Fast-Track: If your Vietnamese university degree is recognized as equivalent to a German degree on anabin (H+ institution and equivalent degree), you qualify automatically without calculating points; (2) Points Grid (§20a AufenthG): If you possess a state-recognized Vietnamese degree (minimum 2 years of study) plus basic German (A1) or English (B2), you must score at least 6 points across qualifications, experience, age, and language proficiencies.
The Statutory 6-Point Matrix
| Scoring Category | Criteria & Requirements | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Qualification Recognition | Formal notice of partial recognition (Teilanerkennungsbescheid) from a German state authority. | +4 points |
| *Shortage Occupation (Engpassberufe)* | Qualification in IT, software engineering, nursing, mechatronics, or renewable energy. | +1 point |
| Professional Work Experience | At least 5 years of relevant experience within the last 7 years (matching qualification). | +3 points |
| Professional Work Experience | At least 2 years of relevant experience within the last 5 years. | +2 points |
| German Language Proficiency | CEFR Level B2 German certificate (Goethe, ÖSD, telc). | +3 points |
| German Language Proficiency | CEFR Level B1 German certificate. | +2 points |
| German Language Proficiency | CEFR Level A2 German certificate. | +1 point |
| English Language Proficiency | CEFR Level C1 English (IELTS 7.0–8.0 / TOEFL iBT 95+). | +1 point |
| Age Threshold | Under 35 years of age at the time of application. | +2 points |
| Age Threshold | Between 35 and 40 years of age. | +1 point |
| Previous Stay in Germany | Lawful continuous residence in Germany for >= 6 months (study, language course, work). | +1 point |
Financial Requirements and Part-Time Work Rights
Chancenkarte holders must prove financial subsistence of €1,091 per month (€13,092 for the full 12-month card) via a blocked account or formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung). Cardholders are legally permitted to work in *part-time secondary employment (Nebenbeschäftigung) up to 20 hours per week and engage in trial work (Probearbeit*) with prospective employers for up to 2 weeks per job opportunity.
Where do I submit my Chancenkarte application in Vietnam?
Chancenkarte visa applications for Vietnam are submitted through the Consular Services Portal (`digital.diplo.de`) or booked through the official VFS Global visa application centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City representing the German diplomatic missions.
Can I convert the Chancenkarte into a permanent work visa in Germany?
Yes. As soon as you receive a binding job offer for qualified employment matching your educational background, you can transition directly at the local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) into a Skilled Worker Residence Permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG) or an EU Blue Card (§18g AufenthG) without leaving Germany.