Chancenkarte: Full guide for Pakistanis moving to Germany

Moving to Germany is a significant step, and the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) presents new possibilities for many Pakistanis. This article will explain what the Chancenkarte is, how immigration to Germany from Pakistan works, what Pakistanis in Germany should know, and how to get ready if you intend to relocate, regardless of whether your goal is to establish a profession, bring your family, or get residence.

What is the Chancenkarte?

The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is a residence permit for skilled professionals from non-EU countries. Introduced by Germany in mid-2024, the Chancenkarte allows applicants who meet certain criteria to enter Germany, stay for up to 12 months, and look for a qualified job – even without having a job offer in hand. That makes it very appealing for many Pakistanis considering how to move to Germany from Pakistan.

To qualify, you typically need:

• A university degree or at least two years of vocational training.
• Basic German skills (A1) or good English ability (B2).
• Proof of financial ability to support yourself in Germany while job-hunting. This might mean having funds or a part-time job contract.

One helpful tool the Chancenkarte website offers is a points system: you need at least six points based on education, work experience, language, age, connections to Germany etc.

Why the Chancenkarte is important for Pakistanis: Pakistani community in Germany

The Pakistani community in Germany numbers around 140,000 people holding Pakistani citizenship. This includes students, professionals, and families. Many move under student visas, skilled work permits, family reunification, or other routes – but the Chancenkarte creates a somewhat easier, more flexible pathway for Pakistanis with relevant qualifications. It lets you come first, then find your qualified work in Germany.

For those who want to know how to move to Germany from Pakistan but don’t yet have a firm job offer, or whose degrees or vocational training are not yet recognised, this law gives more room to prepare, apply, and settle.

How to apply for Chancenkarte if you are Pakistani – Immigration to Germany from Pakistan

Here are the steps Pakistanis should follow if considering immigration to Germany from Pakistan under the Chancenkarte:

1. Check points eligibility. Use the official points formula: education, work experience, language, age, prior stay or connections to Germany. Make sure you can score at least six points.
2. Gather documents. That means transcripts or certificates of university or vocational training, proof of language abilities (German A1 or English B2), passport, proof of financial means, maybe letters of references. If your qualification is recognised or registered with German recognition authorities, that helps. This is an important point for immigration to Germany.
3. Apply. You can submit your application from Pakistan via the German Embassy or Consulate. If somehow you're already legally in Germany, you might apply via the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde).
4. Pay visa fee and show financial support. There is usually a visa fee (around €75) for the Chancenkarte, though this may vary. You will also need to prove financial means – for example a blocked account or an employment contract for part-time work.
5. Use the 12 months wisely. Once you have the card and arrive in Germany, you get up to one year to live there, job-hunt, do trial work, part-time work up to 20 hours per week, even trial job engagements. If you find a suitable job, you can convert your stay to a residence permit or longer employment title.

What counts toward the required points for immigration to Germany

For immigration to Germany from Pakistan and to meet the six-point threshold, Pakistanis will typically need to show strong credentials in a combination of:

• Education or vocational training (a bachelor’s degree, or recognised vocational qualification)
• Work experience relevant to your field
• Language ability, either German basic (A1) or stronger English (B2)
• Age (younger applicants often gain bonus points)
• Connections to Germany (previous stays, knowledge of German systems, tying ties)

Each case is judged individually based on those criteria. Meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee a job, but it opens the door for immigration to Germany.

More articles for expats from Pakistan:

• Cheapest cities in Germany for expats 2025
• Saving money on transfers to Pakistan
• How to send money to family in Pakistan quickly

What life looks like for Pakistani in Germany after arriving

If all goes well and you get your Chancenkarte, here’s what to expect as part of the Pakistani in Germany experience under this route:

• You’ll be permitted to live in Germany for a year without a job, but with the expectation you’re seeking a qualified job. During this time, part-time work and trial jobs are allowed for Pakistanis in Germany under certain conditions.
• Once you land a suitable job, you can extend or change your residence permit. Over time, you may work toward permanent residency to complete your immigration to Germany from Pakistan.
• Many Pakistanis settle in larger German cities – Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg – where job opportunities are more abundant and communities are larger. The Pakistani community in Germany offers support, social networks, Urdu / Punjabi language groups, cultural associations.
• Cost of living, learning German, adapting to local norms are part of the journey. Knowing enough German (even A1) can help a Pakistani in Germany in daily life, integration, and job searches.

Profee note: supporting you while you settle

If you think about immigration to Germany from Pakistan or are helping a family in Pakistan, there’s one thing that can add stress: sending money back home at reasonable cost. Profee offers a modern, transparent platform for remittances. For example, when you need to exchange euros into Pakistani rupees to help loved ones, our service lets you do that with real-time exchange rates and minimal fees. So while you build your life in Germany, adapt to work culture, and learn the language, Profee is here to make the money side easy, safe, and fair.

FAQ

What is the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)?

It’s a German residence permit that allows non-EU skilled professionals – such as those from Pakistan – to move to Germany without yet having a fixed job offer.

Do I need a job offer before applying?

No, that’s one of the biggest advantages of the Chancenkarte. Unlike older skilled worker visas, you can arrive without a job in hand, use the 12-month period allowed to search for a suitable position.

How many Pakistanis are in Germany?

If we want to know how many Pakistanis are in Germany, statistics show that around 140,000 Pakistani passport holders live in Germany. This counts those with Pakistani citizenship – not including descendants or German citizens of Pakistani descent.

Is the Chancenkarte a route to permanent residence?

Possibly yes. If you find a suitable full-time or qualified job during your one-year Chancenkarte period, you can apply for a longer residence permit. Over time and with requirements met, you may move toward permanent settlement.