German Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is to find a suitable job.

However, the employer;

"We want to hire you."

Saying that doesn't complete the process.

The Initial Job Seeker Opportunity Card, or Such-Chancenkarte, is essentially a residence permit issued for the purpose of job searching, and the cardholder's regular work entitlement is limited to an average of 20 hours per week. Therefore, if a person is accepted into a permanent job or one exceeding 20 hours, they cannot automatically begin full-time employment with their existing Opportunity Card.

The general timeline for the process as of 2026 is as follows:

Job offer → determination of the appropriate residence permit type → application to the Foreigners' Authority → approval from the Federal Agency for Arbeit (if necessary) → issuance of the new work permit → transition to full work rights

The Federal Government's official Chancenkarte guide also clearly states that after finding a suitable job, the Chancenkarte holder must apply to the competent Ausländerbehörde(foreigners' office) to obtain a suitable work-purpose residence permit.

Depending on the applicant's qualifications and the job they find, especially:

§18a – Qualified employee with vocational training session,

§18b – residence permit for qualified employees with a university degree,

§18g – EU Blue Card,

professionally experienced employee session,

recognition partnership,

vocational training or professional recognition session

and exceptionally

Folge-Chancenkarte

It may come up on the agenda.

So, after finding a job with the Opportunity Card, the real question is:

"Can I start work?"

not;

"Given the job I found and my qualifications, which study session should I move to?"

should be.

What should be the first step after finding a job with a Discount Card?

First, it must be assessed whether the job found is qualified employment – ​​qualifizierte Beschäftigung

According to Section 2/12b of the German Residence Act, qualified employment is work for which knowledge and skills acquired through university education or qualified vocational training are required.

Therefore;

auxiliary jobs,

simple unskilled jobs,

jobs that do not require specialized professional knowledge

As a rule, it is not considered skilled employment.

The Federal Government's Chancenkarte guide also clearly states that auxiliary and semi-skilled jobs do not meet the qualified employment requirement necessary for transitioning to permanent work residency after receiving the Chancenkarte .

Therefore, finding a side job in a cafe or elsewhere using a Favor Card is not the same as finding a qualified job that will lead to permanent employment status in Germany.

Does every job offer provide access to a work session?

No.

It should also be examined which session type the job offer meets the requirements for.

For example, a person working in Germany with a Favor Card might have found a simple helper job for 15 hours a week.

This work can be done within the 20-hour work allowance available on the Opportunity Card.

However, simply because such a job exists, a person cannot automatically receive a qualified worker residence permit under §18a or §18b.

Against this;

engineer,

software specialist

technician,

accounting specialist,

workers requiring specific professional training

Different work sessions may be considered when a qualified position like this becomes available.

Does the Opportunity Card automatically convert to a work visa when you find a full-time job?

No.

The Opportunity Card does not have automatic conversion.

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, if a Chancenkarte holder will be employed permanently or for more than 20 hours a week, an employment residence permit, i.e., another residence permit for work purposes.

Therefore:

Obtaining an employment contract ≠ obtaining a new residence permit

It should be considered in this way.

After reaching an agreement with the employer, the individual must also complete the necessary procedures with the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) for their new residence permit type.

If I find a job with a Discount Card, is it necessary to return to Türkiye?

Generally, no.

One of the key advantages of the Chancenkarte is that, when a suitable job is found, the individual can apply for a suitable work permit through the local Ausländerbehörde while still in Germany

The official guidance from the Federal Government clearly states that after receiving a job offer, an application for the relevant work permit within Germany .

Therefore, a person arriving in Germany from Türkiye with a Chancenkarte;

finding a job

His return to Türkiye

reapplying for a work visa

coming back to Germany

There is no mandatory general procedure in this regard.

The main application is submitted to the competent German immigration authority in the place of residence.

Which Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) should I apply to?

The Ausländerbehörde, the competent authority regarding the person's residential address in Germany, examines the application.

In Germany, each city or region may have its own foreigners' office.

For example, the authority to which a person living in Berlin should apply is not the same as the authority to which a person living in Munich should apply.

Therefore, having the correct Anmeldung, or address registration in Germany, is also important in practice.

The Federal Government states that the residence application following the issuance of the Opportunity Card the competent foreigners authority .

Is a signed employment contract required?

There is a significant ease of implementation in this regard.

According to the Federal Government's current Chancenkarte guidelines, a concrete job offer is required to transition to a work permit.

However, in any case, the employment contract being fully signed by both parties is not the primary requirement for the application.

Completed and signed by the employer:

Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis

well

Declaration Regarding Employment Relationship

The form can be used to prove a concrete job offer. The official guidance clearly states that it is not mandatory for the employment contract to have been signed by both parties at this stage.

This document specifically;

position,

working hours,

fee,

employer,

working conditions

This ensures that information such as this is submitted to the German authorities.

Why is Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis Important?

This form is one of the essential documents for transitioning to a work session.

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, the Ausländerbehörde requests approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Federal Employment Agency – based on this information , if necessary

Therefore, the employer;

"We'll hire you."

Instead of a simple email like that, it is more important to prepare detailed official employment information.

Is it possible to start working 40 hours before the new session is released?

Automatically no.

This is one of the most important things Opportunity Card holders should pay attention to.

Such-Chancenkarte normally:

A maximum of 20 hours total on average per week

It grants the right to work.

For example, the person found a 40-hour engineering job.

Employer:

"Start work on Monday."

he said.

In this case, the mere signing of an employment contract does not automatically remove the 20-hour limit of the existing Chancenkarte.

First, an application must be submitted for a suitable new residence permit, and the person's work authorization must be adapted to the new job.

The Federal Government also explicitly states that Chancenkarte holders must switch to another work-related residence permit for regular employment or employment exceeding 20 hours.

Does applying for a residence permit alone grant the right to work 40 hours?

Particular caution is needed here.

According to §81/4 of the AufenthG Code, if a person applies for another residence permit before the expiry of their current residence permit, as a rule the old residence permit remains valid until the decision of the foreigners' authority.

In this case, if the current residence permit Such-Chancenkarte , it should not be assumed that the old 20-hour work limit has been automatically eliminated simply because a new application has been submitted.

§81/5a allows for the exercise of the right to work as foreseen in a future residence at a specific stage; this must also be indicated on the Fiktionsbescheinigung (document of employment).

Therefore, the safest approach is:

It means not starting full-time employment simply because an application has been submitted, without a new work permit or a document from the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Authority) explicitly authorizing the new job.

What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

A Fiktionsbescheinigungis a temporary document indicating a person's legal status in Germany until their residence permit application is processed.

AufenthG §81/5 provides for the preparation of this document regarding the legal effect of the application.

However, not every Fiktionsbescheinigung (fiction certificate) grants the same right to work.

In the document;

right to work

Continuation of the current session,

leave related to the new job

Records such as these should be carefully examined.

Therefore, only;

"I received my Fiktionsbescheinigung, so I can work full-time in the job I want."

This conclusion should not be reached.

The work authorization stated on the document should be taken as the basis.

§18a What is a Skilled Worker Residence Permit?

AufenthG §18a regulates the work permit for persons with Fachkraft status who have received vocational training

According to the law, to a Fachkraft (a professional with the appropriate qualifications):

Residence permits are granted for the purpose of undertaking any qualified employment.

Therefore, a Chancenkarte holder with a vocational high school diploma, vocational training, or other qualified vocational education can have their work permit assessed under §18a if their qualifications meet the recognition requirements under German immigration law and they find a qualified job.

§18b What is a Work Permit for University Graduates?

AufenthG §18b relates to Fachkrafts with academic training.

According to the law, Fachkraft has academic qualifications:

A work permit can be granted for any qualified employment.

Therefore, when a university graduate holding a Chancenkarte finds a suitable and qualified job, §18b is one of the important transition options.

Does the job I found have to be in the same field as my degree?

With regard to sections 18a and 18b, it now generally applies:

No.

Germany's Skilled Worker Immigration reform has removed the requirement that individuals obtaining skilled worker residency permits can only work in jobs directly related to their field of study.

According to the Federal Government's latest statement, as long as a person whose qualifications are adequately recognized a qualified job, the job does not necessarily have to be directly related to their field of study. Regulated professions are a significant exception to this rule.

For example;

a business graduate in a qualified human resources position,

another academically qualified person in a suitable institutional position

It might work.

However, the job itself must be a qualified business

Is it possible to transition to Section 18a or 18b through unskilled work?

No.

What matters under sections §18a and §18b is that the work is of a qualified nature.

According to the Federal Government's current work visa guidelines, auxiliary roles are not sufficient for a skilled worker residence permit.

For example;

being a university graduate

but to find a purely auxiliary position

It does not automatically grant the person a §18b session.

Both the availability of a qualified diploma holder and the nature of the job offered are examined.

What are the essential requirements for sections 18a and 18b?

AufenthG §18/2 regulates the general conditions for Fachkraft sessions for study purposes.

These include, in particular:

concrete job offer,

Bundesagentur für Arbeit approval where necessary,

Professional practice permits in regulated professions

Recognition of necessary qualifications or academic comparability,

employer and employee must declare that the employment will actually take place

It is located.

Therefore, when obtaining a Chancenkarte, merely possessing a diploma that is considered sufficient for the points system may not automatically suffice for transition to §18a or §18b in all cases.

The recognition requirements for the new session type should also be examined.

Can someone who obtains the Chancenkarte with 6 points automatically move to §18a or §18b?

No.

This is a crucial distinction.

To obtain a Chancenkarte through the points system, the foreign language proficiency requirement is:

recognition by the state in the country where it was received

Other different conditions may apply.

However, the Fachkraft sessions under §18a and §18b, the qualification must meet the recognition or comparability requirements necessary for Germany.

Therefore:

For Chancenkarte, a sufficient diploma ≠ automatically sufficient diploma for §18a/§18b

it could be.

Therefore, the diploma must be re-evaluated from a legal perspective during the transition to a work permit.

Is it possible to switch to the EU Blue Card?

Yes, if the conditions are met.

A Chancenkarte holder with a university degree or equivalent high-level qualifications recognized by law their EU Blue Card application considered under §18g of AufenthG .

Specifically, the EU Blue Card;

highly qualified academic staff,

jobs above a certain salary level,

missing professions,

new graduates

and under certain conditions, IT specialists

This is an important working session in this regard.

What is the EU Blue Card salary cap in 2026?

Gross annual minimum wage for EU Blue Card holders in general occupations in 2026:

50,700 Euros

This has been explained as follows.

For professions with shortages and recent graduates who completed their last higher education degree less than three years ago, the threshold is lower under other necessary conditions:

45,934.20 Euros

It is implemented as follows.

These figures may change annually and should be rechecked for applications in subsequent years.

Should a job diploma be relevant for the EU Blue Card?

Unlike sections 18a and 18b, the link between employment and highly qualified skills is more important for the EU Blue Card.

The Federal Government's updated statement for 2026 includes a job offer for the EU Blue Card:

suitable for academic qualifications

It is stated that this is necessary. Furthermore, the employment contract or offer must stipulate employment for at least six months.

Therefore, not every job that complies with §18b automatically meets the requirements of the EU Blue Card.

Can IT Specialists Obtain an EU Blue Card Without a Diploma?

It is possible under certain conditions.

According to the official regulations of 2026, certain IT specialists can obtain an EU Blue Card even without a formal university degree.

In general, for this purpose;

concrete job offer in a specific IT professional field,

at least six months of work,

Minimum annual gross salary of €45,934.20

And

at least three years of university-level equivalent IT experience within the last seven years

These are some of the conditions required.

Are there any additional requirements for people over 45 when they find a job?

There is an important specific provision regarding §18a and §18b.

According to AufenthG §18/2 no. 5, if the applicant has reached the age of 45 at the time of the first issuance of a §18a or §18b hearing, certain salary or pension security requirements come into play.

According to the Federal Government's updated guidance for 2026, in Germany, a person who will be working for the first time under §18a or §18b and is over 45 years of age must have an annual gross income of at least:

55,770 Euros

They must earn money or prove they have adequate retirement security.

Therefore, this additional criterion must also be checked when Chancenkarte holders over the age of 45 are transitioning to a work permit.

Are the 40-year age limit in the Chancenkarte the same as the 45-year rule in sections §18a/§18b?

No.

These two topics are completely different.

Age criteria in the Chancenkarte points system:

to the points calculation

It is related.

The 45-year age limit in §18/2 no. 5 applies to certain qualified employee sessions:

salary or pension security

It is related.

Therefore, a person may have received their Chancenkarte at age 48, but when moving on to §18b, they may also encounter the financial requirement for employees over 45.

University Graduates Finding Employment: §18b or EU Blue Card?

This should be determined based on the file.

For example, a university graduate;

their diplomas are comparable,

There is a qualified job offer

However, his salary is below the EU Blue Card threshold

However, §18b might be more appropriate.

However, if salary and other conditions are met, §18g might be a more advantageous option for an EU Blue Card.

EU Blue Card;

transition to permanent residency,

Certain mobility rights within the EU,

family reunification

Since they may have specific advantages in areas such as these, suitable candidates should be evaluated separately.

Is there a specific minimum wage for §18a and §18b?

For applicants under 45, there is no single general fixed salary threshold applicable to everyone under sections 18a and 18b, as is the case with the EU Blue Card.

The Federal Government's 2026 financial security table also shows that there is no fixed general salary amount set for §18a and §18b until the age of 45.

However;

suitability of working conditions,

securing livelihood,

Federal Employment Agency assessment

Issues such as these are also important.

For initial applications from individuals over 45 years of age, the special fee/pension rule described above may apply.

Is Bundesagentur für Arbeit Approval Always Required?

No.

This depends on the type of session you're going through.

AufenthG §18/2 generally requires BA approval for working sessions, but also stipulates that exceptions may exist under the law or the Beschäftigungsverordnung.

For example, in some applications under §18g/1 that meet the normal salary threshold for the EU Blue Card, the law without direct BA approval . However, in cases of lower salary thresholds, such as incomplete professions or recent graduates, BA approval may be considered.

Therefore:

"I've found a job, BA approval is absolutely necessary."

or

"Since I bought Chancenkart, BA is no longer active."

Neither of these two generalizations is true.

Can I switch to the Professional Experience Employee Session?

Under certain conditions, yes.

The Federal Government explicitly lists work permits for professionally experienced workers among the permits that a Chancenkarte holder can consider after finding employment

This route is particularly relevant because foreign qualifications are not fully recognized in Germany;

a qualification recognized by the state in a foreign country,

the necessary professional experience,

suitable qualified job

This could be important for the people involved.

In each specific case, the particular circumstances of this session must be examined separately.

Is it possible to transition to a Recognition Partnership?

Yes, if the conditions are met.

The Federal Government includes the recognition partnership option among the possible types of residency permits following the Chancenkarte

Under this system, individuals can pursue the recognition of their foreign professional qualifications while working in Germany, subject to certain conditions.

Especially;

Full equivalence is not yet complete

However, the employer wants to employ the person

However, shared recognition might be a logical next step after Chancenkarte in some cases.

What happens if an apprenticeship is found?

Chancenkarte offers specific opportunities not only for finding jobs but also for finding vocational training places.

a person finds an Ausbildung, or vocational training place, in Germany, they can obtain a residence permit for educational purposes under the appropriate conditions.

The Federal Government states that a Chancenkarte holder can apply for the relevant type of residence permit at the local foreigners' authority once they find concrete employment or training.

Therefore, the outcome of the Chancenkarte does not always have to be directly §18a or §18b.

What happens if a Professional Recognition Program is in place?

The purpose of the Opportunity Card is not solely for job searching.

AufenthG §20a/1 stipulates that a Chancenkarte may also be issued to seek measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.

If a person finds a suitable professional recognition or qualification completion program in Germany, then residency options for recognition purposes under section 16d may become available.

Therefore, especially for those with partial equivalency, it may be more appropriate to go through the recognition session first, rather than directly to the study session from Chancenkarte.

What can someone do who wants to work freelance?

Chancenkarte holders can also explore independent or freelance work opportunities while searching for employment in Germany.

The Federal Government states that if a person decides to work independently, they can apply for one of the available self-employment residence permit types at the local immigration authority.

For permanent freelance work, Chancenkarte itself should not be considered an unlimited freelance work session.

The requirements under AufenthG §21 must be assessed separately depending on the specific activity.

Is it mandatory for the job to be full-time?

In any case, no.

The Federal Government's official Chancenkarte Q&A guide explains that, in terms of the work session following the Chancenkarte or Folge-Chancenkarte, the job does not necessarily have to be full-time for 36–40 hours.

However, it is important that the job provides sufficient income to support oneself.

Income level can be particularly important in cases where family reunification is planned.

Therefore, for example, a skilled 30-hour job might be sufficient in some situations.

The real issue is not just working hours;

The job must be qualified and meet all the requirements of the relevant session type.

What happens if you find a job through a staff leasing company?

There is an important warning about this in the official Chancenkarte guide.

The Federal Government subcontracted employment, where an employee is leased by an agency to another business, is generally not accepted in jobs that will be considered for permanent residency after obtaining an Opportunity Card.

According to the official statement, the company where the employee will actually work must be the counterparty to the employment contract; employment relationships where the employee is loaned to another firm may create problems.

Therefore, in the case of Zeitarbeit/Arbeitnehmerüberlassung type jobs, the type of work assignment needs to be examined specifically.

Is it necessary to have a job with social security coverage?

The Federal Government's statement on skilled employment following the Chancenkarte specifies that the work must be subject to social security contributions in Germany.

In this context, generally speaking;

health insurance,

retirement insurance

unemployment insurance,

accident insurance

Bonuses like these are considered in relation to wages.

Therefore, when transitioning to a work-age position, not only the salary amount but also the legal structure of the employment relationship is important.

Does the duration of the job offer matter?

It depends on the session type.

For example, a concrete job offer for the EU Blue Card:

at least six months old

The study needs to anticipate the outcome.

Under sections §18a and §18b, the duration of the residence permit may be determined according to the duration of the employment relationship.

According to AufenthG §18/4, residence permits under §18a, §18b, §18g and §19c are, as a rule, granted for up to four years; if the employment contract or BA approval is for a shorter period, the residence permit may be granted by adding three months to this period, but not exceeding four years.

How many years is a §18a or §18b sentence granted?

According to the legal regulation, the working sessions are in sections §18a and §18b:

a maximum of four years

It can be given.

If the employment contract is for a shorter period, the session may also be shortened accordingly. §18/4 stipulates that in shorter employment relationships, three months should be added to the contract duration, and the total duration should not exceed four years.

Therefore, it may be possible to upgrade from a one-year Opportunity Card to a qualified work residence permit of up to four years.

What is Folge-Chancenkarte?

If a person has found a qualified job but does not yet meet the requirements of any of the standard work sessions, the Folge-Chancenkarte, or continuation opportunity card, may come into play.

Such-Chancenkarte according to AufenthG §20a/5:

two more years at most

It can be extended to Folge-Chancenkarte.

However, three key elements are important for this:

1. In Germany, there must be an employment contract or a binding job offer for a qualified job.

2. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit must give the necessary approval.

3. The applicant must not meet the requirements for another eligible study session under Section 4 of AufenthG.

Therefore, Folge-Chancenkarte is not the first choice as an alternative to normal study sessions.

First, the possibility of holding other working sessions is assessed.

Can everyone who finds a job receive a Folge-Chancenkarte?

No.

For example, if the conditions for §18b are already fully met by the person;

“I don’t want section 18b, I’ll use Chancenkarte for two more years.”

It is not a general rule that one can choose Folge-Chancenkarte in this way.

The law explicitly stipulates that a Folge-Chancenkarte can only if the person does not meet the requirements of another Section 4 session .

Therefore, the system prioritizes the available normal working session.

Is it possible to obtain a Folge-Chancenkarte with unskilled labor?

No.

The same applies to Folge-Chancenkarte:

qualified employment

It should be.

The Federal Government has made it clear that the Permanent Opportunity Card cannot be issued for simple unskilled or semi-skilled work.

Therefore, simply finding temporary employment does not automatically entitle a person to two years of Folge-Chancenkarte.

Will the 20-hour per week limit remain in effect with Folge-Chancenkarte?

No.

AufenthG §20a/5, as in §20a/2 applicable to Such-Chancenkarte;

20-hour workday

And

two-week Probearbeit

It explicitly stipulates that these limitations do not apply to Folge-Chancenkarte.

Therefore, the work regime of a person awarded a Folge-Chancenkarte for qualified work differs from that of a person who received their initial job search Opportunity Card.

Is it possible to work a new job while the Folge-Chancenkarte application is still pending?

§20a/5 contains a specific provision for this situation.

According to the law, the continuing effect of §81/4 applies to the Folge-Chancenkarte application and future qualified employment, and the performance of the future qualified work referred to in §20a/5 is permitted until a decision is made.

This should not be confused with the general rule that, upon transitioning to the normal §18a/§18b, full-time employment can be commenced simply by submitting an application.

There are specific legal provisions for Folge-Chancenkarte.

Should I apply before the Discount Card expires?

Yes.

This is extremely important.

According to AufenthG §81/4, if another residence permit is requested before the expiry of the current residence permit, the current residence permit generally continues until a decision is made.

Therefore, waiting until the last day of Chancenkarte is extremely risky.

As soon as a job is found;

employer documents,

qualification certificates

wage,

professional license

suitable new session type

The application should be evaluated and submitted before the Opportunity Card expires.

If my Chancenkarte (German passport) expires, can I automatically stay in Germany?

No.

The expiration of a Discount Card alone does not create a new session right.

However, if an application for a suitable new session is made before the deadline, the continuing effect of §81 may come into play.

Therefore, applying on time is extremely important.

Does Family Reunification Become Easier After Finding a Job?

In this regard, there is a significant difference between Chancenkarte and a qualified study session.

According to the Federal Government's current Chancenkarte statement, normal spousal reunification is generally not possible for Such-Chancenkarte holders whose spouses do not possess independent residency rights, due to the provisional nature of the Chancenkarte.

However, family reunification for a spouse may become an issue when the individual starts a qualified job and obtains a more stable work schedule.

Therefore, switching from Chancenkarte to employment statuses such as §18a, §18b or §18g can affect not only working hours but also family reunification opportunities.

Which residency permit is more advantageous after finding a job?

There is no single answer to this question.

The applicant;

academic or professional qualifications,

diploma equivalency,

professional experience,

nature of the job,

annual salary,

age,

whether the profession is regulated

family reunification plan

long-term Germany plan

They should be evaluated together.

For example:

EU Blue Card if possible

This could be a strong option in terms of long-term migration planning.

If Blue Card salary is not provided

§18b Academic Fachkraft session may be possible.

If they are a vocational training graduate

Section 18a may come into play.

If full equivalence is not found

Professional experience or a recognition partnership may be considered.

None of them are possible yet, but if there is a qualified job..

Folge-Chancenkarte may come into play.

Example 1 – University Graduate Engineer Finds a Job

The applicant, Chancenkarte, is in Germany.

Its diploma is comparable to a German university degree.

He received a qualified engineering job from a German company.

Annual gross salary:

48,000 Euros.

This figure may be below the 2026 EU Blue Card threshold of €50,700.

However, if the person meets the requirements, an academic staff residency permit can be assessed under section 18b.

Person:

employer document,

qualification certificates

Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis form

They must prepare the necessary documents and apply to the Ausländerbehörde. Section 18b regulates the granting of residence permits to academic Fachkraft for the purpose of qualified employment.

Example 2 – University Graduate Finds a Job Paying €60,000

The applicant;

suitable academic diploma,

job offer for at least six months

and an annual gross salary of 60,000 Euros

It is located.

With the general EU Blue Card threshold for 2026 being €50,700, the EU Blue Card under §18g could be a strong option if other requirements are also met.

In this situation, since only §18b is possible, instead of automatically resorting to §18b, the advantages of the Blue Card should also be considered.

Example 3 – A 46-Year-Old Finds a Specialist Job

The applicant is 46 years old.

For the first time in Germany, a working session will be held under §18a or §18b.

They have a qualified job, but their annual gross salary is:

48,000 Euros.

In 2026, the special pension level declared by the Federal Government for the first §18a/§18b application for those over 45 €55,770; alternatively, sufficient pension security can be proven.

Therefore, simply finding a qualified job may not be enough.

Age-related additional conditions should be evaluated separately.

Example 4 – A Technician with Vocational Training Finds a Job

The applicant possesses the appropriate professional qualifications.

He found a qualified job as a technician in Germany.

Professional qualifications are considered equivalent to German qualifications.

In this situation:

AufenthG §18a

The qualified employee session within this scope may come up.

It is not a general requirement that the job must be in the exact same field as the vocational training; however, the job must be of a specific nature. For regulated professions, specific rules apply.

Example 5 – Only Auxiliary Job Found

The applicant, Chancenkarte, is in Germany.

He only found an auxiliary job in a warehouse.

This side job can be done within the scope of Chancenkarte, within a limit of 20 hours per week.

However, since the work does not qualify as skilled employment, it may not be possible to qualify for sections §18a, §18b, or Folge-Chancenkarte solely on the basis of this work.

The applicant should continue to search for qualified employment.

Example 6 – Standard Working Session Not Yet Available

The applicant found a qualified job.

However, one of the requirements of §18a, §18b or other standard working sessions is still missing.

The job is qualified.

The employer wants permanent employment.

BA approval can also be obtained.

In this case, within the scope of §20a/5:

Folge-Chancenkarte for a maximum of two years

It can be considered. However, this would require that the conditions for another suitable Section 4 session are not actually met.

Documents You May Need After Finding a Job with a Job Opportunity Card

The document list may vary depending on the specific session type.

However, in general;

valid passport,

current Chancenkarte,

job offer or employment contract,

Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis,

university degree or professional qualification,

Anabin/ZAB or professional equivalency certificates,

If it is a regulated profession, a license or license commitment,

salary and employment duration information,

health insurance,

Residence/Registration documents

It may come up on the agenda.

The competent foreign affairs authority may request additional documents depending on the nature of the case.

What should be done step-by-step after finding a job with the Opportunity Card?

1. Check if the job is qualified

A distinction should be made between simple auxiliary work and qualified employment.

2. Put the job offer in writing

With the employer;

position,

wage,

weekly working hours,

start date,

contract term

This needs to be clarified.

3. Get Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis

Having the employer fill out the official form simplifies the residence permit application. The Federal Government explicitly recommends this as proof of a concrete job offer.

4. Determine the appropriate session type

Section 18a?

Section 18b?

§18g EU Blue Card?

Is this an employee with professional experience?

Recognition Partnership?

Folge-Chancenkarte?

This distinction must be made before applying.

5. Recheck the diploma and its equivalency status

A diploma that was sufficient for entry into the Chancenkarte points system may not be sufficient for the new study session.

6. Check the professional license

In regulated professions such as medicine, a Berufsausubungserlaubnis (certificate of professional license) may also be required. §18/2 explicitly requires this.

7. Check your salary

Salary can be a critical factor, especially in EU Blue Card and §18a/§18b applications for those over 45.

8. Apply to the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde)

The application must be submitted before the Chancenkarte expires.

9. If BA approval is required, wait for the process to be completed

The foreigners' authority can carry out the necessary procedure with BA.

10. Don't start full-time without checking your work authorization

The right to work should be based on the existing Chancenkarte or Fiktionsbescheinigung.

The Most Common Mistakes Made After Finding a Job

1. Thinking that the Opportunity Card automatically converts to a work visa when you find a job

That's wrong.

A new residence permit application is required.

2. Starting to work 40 hours immediately upon signing the contract

Such-Chancenkarte's normal operating limit is 20 hours.

3. Assuming the 20-hour limit is automatically removed when applying for a new residence permit

According to §81, the continuation effect of the previous practice comes into play. The right to work in relation to the new job must also be clearly stated.

4. Believing that every job is a skilled job

Assistant or semi-skilled jobs may not be sufficient for transitioning to permanent employment.

5. Assuming that a diploma accepted for the Chancenkarte automatically suffices for §18a/§18b

The eligibility requirements for the new session should also be examined.

6. Assuming that a university graduate will always receive an EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card includes requirements regarding salary, work-skills linkage, and other conditions.

7. Forgetting the Additional Requirement for Those Over 45 Years Old

In 2026, with the first application of §18a/§18b, an annual gross salary of €55,770 or sufficient pension security may become relevant for people over 45.

8. Assuming Folge-Chancenkarte is an Automatic Extension

No other suitable work session should be available, a qualified job must be found, and BA approval must be obtained.

9. Thinking that Folge-Chancenkarte can be obtained through unskilled labor

The Continuation Opportunity Card is for qualified employment.

10. Planning to Apply After Your Opportunity Card Expires

The new application for residence must be submitted within the validity period of the current residence permit. Timing is important for the protective effect of §81.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do if you find a job with a German Opportunity Card?

A suitable work permit is determined and an application is submitted to the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) in the place of residence.

Should I return to Türkiye once I find a job?

Generally, no. A Chancenkarte holder can apply for a suitable work permit from within Germany.

Can I work 40 hours a day after signing an employment contract?

No. Such-Chancenkarte's standard working hours are an average of 20 hours per week. A suitable new work permit must be obtained.

Can I start working full-time immediately after applying for a residence permit?

Not automatically. The current session and, if applicable, the authorization on the Fiktionsbescheinigung must be checked.

Is an employment contract necessary?

A concrete job offer is required. According to the Federal Government, the "Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis" (Complete Statement on Employment) signed by the employer can be used as proof of a concrete offer; full signing of the contract by both parties is not mandatory in all cases at the initial stage of the application.

Which session can a university graduate take?

Depending on the conditions, there are different options, primarily the §18b skilled worker residence permit or the §18g EU Blue Card.

Which session can a vocational high school or vocational training graduate take?

If the qualifications have been duly recognized, a §18a skilled worker session may be called.

For section 18b, does the job have to be the same as the diploma?

Generally, no. The work needs to be skilled; regulated professions have specific rules.

What is the salary cap for the EU Blue Card in 2026?

The general threshold €50,700. For shortages in certain professions and specific recent graduates, €45,934.20 may apply, subject to certain conditions.

I am over 45 years old, can I move to section 18b?

Yes; however, if this will be your first §18a/§18b residence permit in Germany, the requirement of an annual gross salary of €55,770 or sufficient pension security for 2026 may also come into play.

If I find unskilled work, can I switch to a work permit?

Qualified work is required under §18a/§18b and Folge-Chancenkarte. Simple auxiliary work is not sufficient.

Does the job absolutely have to be 40 hours a day?

No. The Federal Government states that full-time employment is not an absolute requirement. However, financial security and other conditions for the relevant residence permit must be met.

What is Folge-Chancenkarte?

If a suitable job is found but the conditions for another appropriate work permit cannot be met, the Opportunity Card can be extended for a maximum of two years with BA approval and other conditions.

Is there a 20-hour time limit on Folge-Chancenkarte?

According to §20a/5, the 20-hour limitation in §20a/2 for Such-Chancenkarte does not apply to Folge-Chancenkarte.

For how long is the Discount Card valid?

The first Such-Chancenkarte is granted for a maximum of one year.

For how many years can the new work permit be granted?

Sessions such as §18a, §18b and §18g are, as a rule, granted for a maximum of four years; if the employment contract is shorter, they may be granted for a shorter period according to the legal terms.

Conclusion

Finding a job with the German Opportunity Card is not the end of the process, but the beginning of the transition to a work permit.

The primary goal of Such-Chancenkarte is to find employment and secure the right to normal work:

A maximum of 20 hours total on average per week

It is limited to.

Therefore, if a person finds a permanent job with 30, 35, or 40 hours of work, the Opportunity Card does not automatically convert into an unlimited work permit.

The applicant must apply to the competent Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) in Germany to switch to a new type of residence that meets their requirements. The Federal Government specifically states:

EU Blue Card,

qualified employee session,

professionally experienced employee session,

Recognition Partnership

He states that options such as these may come up after Chancenkarte.

For professionally trained Fachkraft (a type of Turkish tradesperson) §18a, while for academically trained Fachkraft, §18b that. Both regulations provide for granting a residence permit for qualified employment to Fachkraft who meet the necessary conditions.

In 2026, the EU Blue Card will also be a significant option for those with academic qualifications. The general annual gross salary threshold is €50,700, while for those with shortages in certain professions and specific recent graduates €45,934.20.

Individuals over 45 years of age who are applying for §18a or §18b for the first time should also check their specific salary/pension requirements. The Federal Government has set this threshold at €55,770 gross per year for 2026 ; proof of sufficient pension security may be an alternative.

The employer's concrete job offer is important. This can be proven the Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis (Explanation for Employment) document, and the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office) can then process the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) procedures if necessary.

The applicant should also not commence full-time employment before the new residence permit is issued. Timely application for a new residence permit may maintain the existing status under §81; however, it should not be assumed that the work restrictions of the old Chancenkarte are automatically eliminated simply due to the application. The work authorization must be clearly verified through the new residence permit or the provisional document issued by the competent authority.

None of the standard work sessions are currently possible, but if the person has received a qualified employment contract or a binding job offer , a Folge-Chancenkarte of up to two years may be considered, subject to BA approval and other §20a/5 requirements . This option is not automatic and can only be used if no other suitable Section 4 session can be obtained.

Therefore, after finding a job through the Opportunity Card, the correct legal steps should be followed in this order:

Determining whether the job is qualified or not

Putting the job offer in writing

Checking the diploma and its equivalency status

Comparison of §18a / §18b / §18g or other session options

Preparation of Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis

Application to the Foreigners' Office

BA approval if required

Confirmation of work authorization

Starting permanent employment through the new application form

, especially for those who have received the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) with a score of 6 points or more, having a foreign diploma that is sufficient for acceptance into the Chancenkarte may not automatically be sufficient for obtaining a new work permit.

In other words, the most important question is:

"I found a job in Germany, can I start working now?"

not;

"Given the job I found and my qualifications, which residence permit is legally the most suitable and advantageous for long-term employment in Germany?"

should be.