For individuals seeking employment in Germany without a confirmed employment contract, the German Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is proving how they will support themselves financially during their stay in Germany.

The applicant's possession of a university degree, sufficient professional experience, or achieving a score of 6, 7, or more on the Chancenkarte points system does not negate the financial sufficiency requirement.

Article 20a/4 of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) is extremely clear on this matter:

The Opportunity Card can only be issued if the applicant's Lebensunterhalt, i.e., livelihood, is secure.

As of 2026, if an Opportunity Card applicant proves their income through a blocked account on the German Federal Government's official "Make it in Germany" portal:

Minimum net monthly income of €1,091

It is stated that the amount must be secured.

In terms of a one-year Opportunity Card, this figure is:

1,091 Euros × 12 months = 13,092 Euros

This means...

However, there is a very important point here:

It is not mandatory for every Opportunity Card applicant to open a blocked account with a balance of €13,092.

German authorities allow proof of income to be given through other means as well.

Especially;

Sperrkanto – blocked account,

Verpflichtungserklärung – undertaking to cover expenses

and in certain situations

Income from a side job of up to 20 hours per week in Germany

It can be used to meet the financing requirement.

Therefore, the question "How much money is absolutely necessary in the bank for a German Opportunity Card?" should not be answered simply with a single figure, but according to how the applicant secures their livelihood .

What is the legal basis for the requirement to show cash on the German Discount Card?

The primary legal basis for the Opportunity Card 20a of the AufenthG .

Article 20a/4 of the law clearly stipulates that a Chancenkarte can only be granted if the person's livelihood is secured.

This condition both;

Fachkraft in Germany accepts applications without points based on recognized diplomas or professional qualifications

as well as

Applicants who have accumulated at least 6 points from the points system

This is valid in that respect.

The Federal Government's official Chancenkarte statement also clearly states that financial sufficiency is a fundamental requirement for both application routes .

Therefore;

“My diploma is fully recognized in Germany, so I don’t need to show any money.”

or

"I have 8 points, I don't need to provide a blocked account."

Ideas like these are incorrect.

Scoring points and financial eligibility are separate requirements.

How much is the monthly fee for the 2026 Germany Opportunity Card?

According to the latest official information published by the German Federal Government for 2026, the amount used as proof of livelihood via a blocked account is, as a rule:

Monthly net 1,091 Euros

It is at that level.

This amount is valid for the year 2026.

Therefore, in older internet articles;

1,027 Euros

1,080 Euros

Other figures besides 1,091 Euros

visible.

Since the financing amounts on the Opportunity Card may change over time, the current amount for the year of application should be used.

The amount officially reported in applications for 2026 is €1,091 net per month.

How much does a one-year discount card cost?

According to AufenthG §20a/5, the First Job Seeker Opportunity Card, i.e., Such-Chancenkarte, can initially be issued for a maximum of one year .

If the applicant will cover their entire 12-month living expenses with the blocked account, the amount will be calculated based on the 2026 amount:

1,091 Euros × 12 = 13,092 Euros

is being calculated.

Therefore, the overall account for a full year is:

13,092 Euros

is happening.

However, this figure;

“Everyone applying for a Discount Card must have at least €13,092 in their account.”

That doesn't mean anything.

Because livelihood;

• Verpflichtungserklärung,
• suitable side job income,
• Combination of side job income + blocked account

It can also be met through methods such as these.

Is a blocked account mandatory for the German Opportunity Card?

No.

In the German Opportunity Card, a blocked account is one of the most common ways to demonstrate financial sufficiency, but it is not the only one.

According to the official statement from the Federal Government, the financial terms of the Opportunity Card are as follows:

Sperrkonto

or

Verpflichtungserklärung

It is clearly stated that this can be represented with.

Because;

"I absolutely cannot apply for the Opportunity Card unless I have a blocked account with 13,092 Euros."

The conclusion should not be reached directly.

the applicant can obtain a suitable Verpflichtungserklärung (liability declaration) in Germany, this method may be used instead of a blocked account.

What is Sperrkonto?

Sperrkantois a private bank account, referred to as a blocked account in Turkish.

The applicant deposits the total amount of money required to support themselves in Germany for a specific period into this account.

However, not all the money in the account can be freely used at once.

The account is blocked, allowing the person to withdraw a limited amount of money each month.

The purpose of the Opportunity Card is to prevent a person from spending all their money and becoming unable to make ends meet within a few weeks of arriving in Germany, and to demonstrate that their monthly living expenses are secured to a certain extent.

The monthly financing threshold for the Opportunity Card in 2026 €1,091 net .

The Federal Government also explicitly states that it does not recommend certain blocked account providers or banks due to competition law.

Therefore, when opening a blocked account, it is necessary to check the current methods accepted by the authorized German foreign representation.

Will I definitely get a discount card if I deposit €13,092 into a blocked account?

No.

Meeting the financial eligibility requirements is only one of the conditions for the Opportunity Card.

For example, if the application is made via a points system, the applicant must also;

appropriate academic or professional qualifications,

A1 German or B2 English basic language requirement,

at least 6 points

It must have.

General visa requirements must also be met.

Therefore, in your account;

15,000 Euros

20,000 Euros

or

50,000 Euros

Finding such a person does not automatically grant them the right to a Chancenkarte if they do not meet the other requirements.

Similarly, depositing €13,092 does not guarantee a visa.

Does Showing More Money Earn You Additional Points?

No.

With the Opportunity Card's points system, no additional points are awarded for high bank balances.

Therefore;

The points account of a person showing 13,092 Euros and a person showing 40,000 Euros will not change due to their bank balance.

Points;

professional experience,

language,

age,

partial equivalence

missing profession,

German history

and is calculated based on other criteria in the law.

Financial sufficiency is a prerequisite independent of these scores.

Therefore, two separate questions should be asked on the Opportunity Card:

Do I meet the requirements of the points system?

And

Can I secure my livelihood in Germany?

What is Verpflichtungserklärung?

One of the important alternatives to a blocked account when applying for an Opportunity Card a Verpflichtungserklärung (a).

Roughly speaking in Turkish;

undertaking to cover expenses

It can be expressed as follows.

A person residing in Germany and meeting the necessary financial requirements may formally guarantee to the competent German authorities that they will cover certain expenses of the applicant.

The Federal Government explicitly states in its Opportunity Card application that proof of subsistence must be provided through a Verpflichtungserklärung (declaration of employment)

Therefore, if a suitable undertaking exists, the applicant may not need to open a full-year blocked account in their own name.

Who can issue the Verpflichtungserklärung?

The person providing the undertaking must be based in Germany and demonstrate the necessary financial sufficiency.

This person is the applicant's;

mother,

his father,

brother,

another relative,

friend

or another acquaintance

it could be.

The main issue here is not so much the degree of kinship, but whether the person has sufficient financial means to assume this financial responsibility before the German authorities.

The competent German authority decides whether to accept the commitment and whether the person has sufficient income.

If I know someone in Germany, do I not need to open a blocked account?

It is not enough to have every acquaintance.

Only a person living in Germany;

"I'll cover the expenses."

Giving a written letter in this form does not substitute for the official Verpflichtungserklärung (official declaration of appointment).

A formal undertaking, prepared before the competent authority and having passed a financial adequacy review, is required.

Therefore;

"I have a cousin in Germany."

Knowledge alone does not meet the funding requirements.

The situation is different if your cousin can obtain a Verpflichtungserklärung by fulfilling the necessary requirements .

Does a 20-hour work contract meet the requirement of providing proof of payment?

One of the key advantages of the Opportunity Card is that it allows individuals to work up to an average of 20 hours per week during their job search period.

This right is directly regulated in AufenthG §20a/2.

If the applicant has an employment contract for a side job of up to 20 hours per week before going to Germany, the income from this job may be taken into account in the financing condition.

The Federal Government's current statement for 2026 is quite clear on this matter:

The financial requirements for the Opportunity Card can be met if you earn a net monthly income of at least €1,091 from your side job.

In this case, an additional blocked account may not be required.

This is a significant advantage, especially for those who already have a part-time work connection in Germany.

What happens if I earn less than €1,091 from my side job?

In this case, income from a side job cannot be entirely disregarded.

The Federal Government explicitly states that if net monthly income is below €1,091, the shortfall can be covered by a blocked account .

For example, from the applicant's 20-hour-a-week job in Germany:

Monthly net 800 Euros

Let's assume he will win.

2026 fiscal requirement:

1,091 Euros

Therefore, the monthly difference is:

1,091 – 800 = 291 Euros

will be.

In a hypothetical example where the same income level is assumed for a 12-month period, the difference is:

291 × 12 = 3,492 Euros

It is possible.

Therefore, instead of having a blocked account of 13,092 Euros, it might be possible for the individual to cover only the financial shortfall by considering their side hustle income.

This example is only to illustrate the calculation logic; the specific employment contract and financing document must also be approved by the German authorities.

Sample Financing Calculations

Example 1 – Applicant with No Income

The applicant requests a 12-month Chancenkarte.

He doesn't have a side job in Germany.

There is no Verpflichtungserklärung.

The financing will be entirely covered by a blocked account.

Monthly amount for 2026:

1,091 Euros

Total for 12 months:

13,092 Euros

In this case, a full year's blocked account method comes into play.

Example 2 – Monthly Net Income of 600 Euros from Side Job

2026 financing requirement:

1,091 Euros

Side job income:

600 Euro

Monthly shortfall:

491 Euro

Difference over 12 months:

5,892 Euros

In this case, if a suitable ancillary employment contract is accepted, the shortfall may be covered by a blocked account.

Example 3 – Monthly Net Income from Side Job: €1,091

Side job income:

€1,091 net/month

According to the official statement from the Federal Government, this income is sufficient to meet the financial requirements of the Opportunity Card in 2026. An additional blocked account may not be required.

Example 4 – Verpflichtungserklärung (Personal Information)

The applicant secures their livelihood in Germany with a formal and valid Verpflichtungserklärung (statement of non-liability).

In this case, it may not be mandatory to also show the financing with a blocked account of exactly €13,092. The Federal Government explicitly recognizes the Verpflichtungserklärung as an alternative financing method.

Is showing €13,092 in a regular bank account sufficient?

Attention should be paid here.

The Federal Government's official Opportunity Card statement specifically mentions the following as proof of livelihood during the visa application process:

Sperrkonto

or

Verpflichtungserklärung

It is stated.

Therefore, in a regular current bank account;

"I have 13,092 Euros."

A statement of this type should not be assumed to be an automatic alternative to a blocked account.

The money in the regular account;

It can be used for other purposes

can be withdrawn after application,

This may not necessarily mean that monthly living expenses in Germany are secured in the long term.

Therefore, the applicant should not disregard the requirement for a formal blocked account or undertaking by relying solely on their ordinary bank balance.

The specific application must be based on the current funding requirements of the Consular Services Portal and the competent German foreign representation.

Can I use a dollar or Turkish Lira account?

The key issue here is not in which currency the money is held, but in which method is used that the German authorities will consider to ensure financial stability.

The official benchmark for the Opportunity Card in Euros .

The amount for 2026 €1,091.

Therefore, the value of assets denominated in other currencies may change in relation to the Euro.

However, creating a valid Sperrk account simply by showing a foreign currency or Turkish Lira account number is not the same as a legally binding method of proof

The official rules in effect at the time of application should be checked.

Is it possible to open a blocked account by taking out a loan?

The regulations for the Opportunity Card do not contain a simple general rule stating that the money must be solely the person's past savings.

However, it is important that the funding is real and available.

If the applicant deposits a large sum of money into their account immediately before applying, or if the financing is secured from a loan that creates a repayment obligation, explanations regarding the source and sustainability of the funds may be requested, if necessary.

The financial plan should be further evaluated, especially if high loan installments could reduce a person's actual ability to make ends meet in Germany.

Therefore, incurring debt that exceeds one's financial capacity solely to create a blocked account balance is not always a sound approach for the application process.

Can the money for the Discount Card come from family?

The family can provide financial support, but the method used must be acceptable to the German authorities.

For example, one method could be for family members to transfer money to the applicant and for that money to be used to create an official blocked account.

If the family member living in Germany meets the requirements, Verpflichtungserklärung ( statement of non-compliance with German law) could be another option.

But only;

"My father will cover my expenses."

An unsigned or unofficial statement like this should not be relied upon.

Does the 13,092 Euro figure include the visa fee and airfare?

The figure of 13,092 Euros represents the mathematical equivalent of a monthly cost of living of 1,091 Euros for 12 months in 2026.

This figure;

visa fee

blocked account provider's service fee,

translation,

equivalence,

language exam,

flight ticket

It should not be assumed that the total "Opportunity Card cost" includes all pre-application costs.

In addition to the blocked account amount, the applicant may also have application and preparation expenses.

Therefore, the economic plan;

"If I have 13,092 Euros, the whole process is complete."

It should not be done in this way.

Do I need to set aside extra money for health insurance?

Health insurance is also important in the Opportunity Card process.

Providing for one's livelihood isn't just about covering rent and food costs.

The applicant must have valid health insurance in Germany.

Therefore, the person should only prepare the amount that needs to be in the blocked account;

insurance,

accommodation initial expenses,

transport,

deposit,

telephone,

job search expenses

Leaving no additional resources for other expenses like these could be economically risky.

The minimum funding amount required for an application differs from the total budget actually needed to move to Germany.

Is it really possible to live in Germany on €1,091?

This amount is a financial sufficiency criterion used in visa law.

However, the actual cost of living;

Berlin,

Munich,

Hamburg,

Frankfurt,

Cologne

or it can vary significantly depending on whether you live in a smaller city.

Especially;

rent,

deposit,

health insurance,

transport,

food

Expenses vary from city to city.

Therefore, the fact that €1,091 is the official financial proof criterion for the 2026 Opportunity Card does not mean that everyone can comfortably live on that amount in every city in Germany.

The applicant should plan their real-life life with a more cautious budget.

Does the accommodation expense on the Special Offer Card affect the financing account?

The official monthly financing benchmark for the Opportunity Card system in 2026 has been announced as €1,091.

However, in the real-life plan, a person;

rent,

deposit,

short-term accommodation,

transport

He/She needs to be able to cover his/her expenses.

Especially upon first entering Germany and without having found permanent accommodation, hotel, hostel, or temporary rental costs may be higher than standard long-term rent.

Therefore, it's healthier to create a budget based not just on the legal minimum, but also on the actual cost of moving

Can the Special Offer Card be purchased for a shorter period?

Yes.

The law stipulates that the first Opportunity Card for a maximum of one year .

The term "maximum" does not mean that all applicants will necessarily be granted 12 months.

If the applicant can secure funding for a shorter period, the issuance of the Opportunity Card for a shorter duration may be considered.

Therefore, an applicant who cannot secure full year's worth of funding may be assessed for a shorter application period, depending on their specific financial situation.

However, whether a shorter period for job searching is practically sufficient also needs to be considered.

Can I support myself by working using a Discount Card?

The Opportunity Card provides limited work rights during the job search period.

According to AufenthG §20a/2, the person is:

Maximum total average weekly hours: 20 hours

It can work.

This study;

20 hours at an employer

or multiple side jobs, provided the total limit is not exceeded

It could be in this form.

However, the applicant;

"I'll go to Germany, find a job there and make a living."

It should not be assumed that the financing requirement will be met based on uncertain future income.

Funding must be secured during the visa application process.

If there is a suitable part-time employment contract in place beforehand, this income may be taken into account.

What should I do if I don't have an employment contract yet?

The most common methods in this case are:

blocked account

or

Verpflichtungserklärung

will be.

The purpose of the Opportunity Card is for the person to go to Germany and look for a job.

Therefore, the absence of a prior employment contract does not invalidate the nature of the application.

However, how you will support yourself until you find a job must be demonstrated during the visa application process.

If my credit score is very high, can I declare less money?

No.

For example, an applicant's Chancenkarte score:

10 points

let it be.

Another applicant stated:

6 points

let it be.

Both individuals meet the points requirement.

However, both of them need to secure their livelihood in accordance with §20a/4.

A high score does not substitute for financial sufficiency.

Because;

score calculation

with

financing account

They should not be confused with each other.

What is the most suitable financing method for a Discount Card?

There is no single answer to this question.

A blocked account might be more suitable:

If the applicant has sufficient funds and there is no one in Germany who can issue the Verpflichtungserklärung.

Verpflichtungserklärung might be more appropriate:

In Germany, if there is someone who meets the necessary financial requirements and can officially cover the expenses.

Side job + blocked account might be more suitable:

The applicant has a part-time job offer from Germany for 20 hours, but the net salary is below €1,091 per month.

Income from a side job alone may be sufficient:

If the suitable employment contract provides a net monthly income of at least €1,091.

Therefore, the funding strategy for the case should be determined according to the applicant's personal circumstances.

Sample Strong Opportunity Card Financing File

For example, let's consider a 30-year-old software engineer.

The applicant;

B1 German,

three years of professional experience,

suitable university diploma

It is located.

It meets the required 6 points in the scoring system.

She also has a side job contract with a company in Germany where she will work 20 hours a week.

Monthly net income:

750 Euro

let it be.

2026 financing needs:

1,091 Euros

Monthly difference:

341 Euro

The applicant will create a blocked account for the 12-month difference:

341 × 12 = 4,092 Euros

It could be at that level.

In this example, the person;

Part-time employment contract + blocked account for missing amount

It may be possible to demonstrate financial sufficiency through this combination. The Federal Government explicitly states that if the additional income falls below €1,091, the shortfall can be covered by a blocked account.

Common Mistakes in Opportunity Card Financing

1. Thinking that a score of 6 points eliminates financial sufficiency

That's wrong.

The score requirement and the living wage requirement are different.

2. Thinking that you won't be shown money once you become a professional

That's wrong.

Financial security is sought on both Chancenkarte routes.

3. Using Amounts from 2025 or Earlier

The official amount for 2026 €1,091.

4. Thinking that everyone absolutely needs to open a blocked account with €13,092

A declaration of obligation and appropriate side job income can be an alternative or supplementary method.

5. Automatically Treating a Regular Bank Account as the Same as a Blocked Account

In the official system, the Sperrkonto and Verpflichtungserklärung methods are particularly prominent.

6. Comparing Gross Salary to Net Financial Conditions

The Federal Government has set the 2026 financing threshold €1,091 net . Net income should be used as the basis when evaluating part-time employment contracts.

7. Trusting in the Assumed Future Job

Potential income, which is not yet available, does not automatically substitute for proof of financial support during the visa application process.

8. Not Calculating the Actual Cost of Living in Germany

The legal minimum budget and the actual moving budget are not the same.

Opportunity Card Financial Adequacy Checklist

It is helpful to answer the following questions before applying:

Do I meet the monthly financing requirement of €1,091 for 2026?

How many months' worth of the Special Offer Card should I request?

Should I show the financing as a blocked account?

Is there anyone who can issue a Verflichtungserklärung?

Do I have a 20-hour part-time job contract in Germany?

If there's a side job, what's the net monthly salary?

Did I make up the difference between 1,091 Euros and my side job income using the blocked account?

Do I have a separate budget for health insurance and initial expenses?

Have I considered the difference between a regular bank account and an official blocked account?

Is the financing method I am using compliant with the current document requirements on the Consular Services Portal?

Legal Support for Financial Eligibility on the Opportunity Card

The financing requirement for Opportunity Card applications is only;

"How many Euros do you have in your account?"

It is not limited to the question.

First, it must be determined for what duration the person will be requesting the Chancenkarte and how the financing will be provided.

For example;

12-month fully blocked account,

Verpflichtungserklärung,

20-hour side job,

Side job + partially blocked account

The options require different file preparation processes.

It should also be noted that the financial requirement is independent of the points system.

An applicant having a score above 6 does not compensate for a lack of funding.

Similarly, a high bank balance does not compensate for a missing Chancenkarte score.

In the application file;

proficiency + score/language requirements + financial sufficiency

These must be presented separately and with legally valid documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money will need to be shown for the German Opportunity Card in 2026?

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, in 2026, proof of subsistence using a blocked account will generally be based on a net monthly income of 1,091 Euros .

How much is the total cost for a one-year Opportunity Card?

Calculated as 1,091 Euros x 12 months:

13,092 Euros.

Does €13,092 absolutely have to be in a blocked account?

No. It is available under the appropriate Verfflichtungserklärung or, under certain conditions, as part-time income financing terms.

Is a blocked account mandatory?

No. Verpflichtungserklärung is one of the official alternatives.

Is showing €13,092 in a regular bank account sufficient?

It should not be assumed that a regular bank account automatically replaces a Sperrkonto account. The financing methods used must be those accepted during the official visa application process.

Can my relative in Germany be a sponsor?

If the necessary conditions are met, an official Verpflichtungserklärung can be issued. A regular sponsorship letter is not the same as an official undertaking.

Does a 20-hour work contract meet the requirement of showing proof of income?

Yes, it can be considered. If the monthly net income is at least €1,091 , the 2026 financial requirement can be met.

What happens if I earn 800 Euros from my side job?

A monthly funding deficit of 291 euros remains. According to the Federal Government, the shortfall can be covered by a blocked account.

Is a gross salary of €1,091 sufficient?

The official statement indicates a target net monthly income of €1,091 for 2026. Gross and net wages should not be confused.

If I have 8 points on my Discount Card, can I show less money?

No. Points and livelihood security are independent conditions.

If my diploma is fully recognized in Germany, do I need a blocked account?

Financial sufficiency is still required. The Fachkraft path only provides an advantage in terms of the points system; it does not eliminate the requirement of having a secure livelihood.

Can I show less money for a 6-month Special Offer Card?

Funding requirements may vary depending on the requested amount and the timeframe granted. A Chancenkarte is initially for a maximum of one year .

Does showing a large amount of money guarantee a visa?

No. Diploma/qualification, language skills, scores, and other legal requirements must also be met.

Does showing 50,000 Euros earn extra points?

No. Bank balance is not a separate points item in the Chancenkarte scorecard.

Can I work in Germany with a Special Offer Card?

The Job Search Chancenkarte allows for a maximum total of 20 hours of work per week on average

Is saying "I will work when I go to Germany" sufficient for funding?

No. Instead of expecting to work in an uncertain future, funding needs to be secured at the visa stage.

Conclusion

For the German Opportunity Card, the amount considered for financial sufficiency in 2026 is a net monthly amount of €1,091.

The German Federal Government's official Chancenkarte statement explicitly states this figure as the funding benchmark valid for the year 2026.

If the applicant requests a one-year Opportunity Card and will show its financing entirely through a blocked account, mathematically:

1,091 Euros × 12 months = 13,092 Euros

Financing of this amount is being considered.

However, with the Opportunity Card;

"Everyone must open a blocked account with 13,092 Euros."

There is no such rule.

Livelihood;

Sperrkanto – blocked account,

Verpflichtungserklärung – official undertaking to cover expenses

and in certain situations

Income from a side job, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week

It can be secured through this.

If you earn at least €1,091 net per month from your side job, the financing requirement can be fully met. If your income is less than this, the difference can be covered by a blocked account

However, financial sufficiency is only one requirement for the Opportunity Card.

The applicant must possess €13,092 or more;

the requirement of a diploma or professional qualification,

language requirement,

If a points system is used, the requirement is 6 points

It is not a substitute.

Similarly, having 8 or 10 Chancenkarte points does not eliminate the financial eligibility requirement.

In accordance with AufenthG §20a/4, having a secure livelihood is an independent and essential condition of the Opportunity Card.

Therefore, the most accurate approach when preparing an Opportunity Card application is simply to:

"How much money should I declare at the bank?"

not asking the question;

"By what legally acceptable method and for how many months can I secure my livelihood in Germany?"

The goal is to answer the question.

Depending on the applicant's personal circumstances;

fully blocked account, Verpflichtungserklärung, side job income or side job + partial blocked account

The most suitable financing model should be determined from the available options.