Germany Chancenkarte — Opportunity Card (§20a AufenthG)for 🇬🇧 British citizens travelling to 🇩🇪 Germany
British citizens are required to obtain a Germany Chancenkarte — Opportunity Card (§20a AufenthG) before travelling to Germany. You must submit a formal application at the Germany embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre in your country. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
📋Required Documents7
- ✓Proof of health insurance
- ✓National (D) Opportunity Card visa application form (VIDEX)
- ✓Either a fully recognised qualification, or evidence scoring at least 6 points
Points from qualification, language, experience, age under 35 and ties to Germany.
- ✓Valid passport and biometric passport photos
- ✓Recognised vocational or academic qualification (at least 2 years)
- ✓CV and evidence of relevant work experience
- ✓Proof of funds to support yourself (blocked account or part-time work plan)
About €1,091/month.
ℹ️What to Expect
To apply for a Germany Chancenkarte — Opportunity Card (§20a AufenthG), book an appointment at the nearest Germany embassy or visa application centre in your country. Submit the required documents in person or via a designated courier service. Processing takes approximately 30 days. The government fee is EUR 75.00. Plan well ahead of your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any additional document requests from the consulate. Always verify current requirements with the Germany embassy or official government website before booking travel.
📎Supporting Documents (may strengthen your application)
- ○Proof of German (A1+) or English (B2) language ability
Contributes to the points score. (if applicable)
🌐Why British passport holders need a visa for Germany
British citizens require a visa to enter Germany based on the current immigration requirements set by Germany's government. British passport holders must apply through the Germany embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre before travelling. Requirements are subject to change, so always verify at the official government portal.
⚠️Common Reasons Germany Chancenkarte — Opportunity Card (§20a AufenthG) Applications Are Refused6
- !Fewer than the required six points under the Opportunity Card points system, and the applicant does not otherwise qualify as a fully recognised skilled worker.
- !The foreign qualification cannot be verified or assessed as comparable to a German university degree or qualified vocational qualification of the required level.
- !Insufficient proof of means of subsistence for the whole stay — the required blocked-account or income evidence (about €1,091 per month) is missing or unverifiable.
- !The claimed professional experience or language ability (German A1 / English B2) is not adequately evidenced.
- !Incomplete or inconsistent documents, a passport with insufficient validity, or doubts that the card would genuinely be used for the qualified job search it permits.
- !A relevant criminal record, a prior overstay or immigration violation, or false statements or forged documents in the application.
Refusal grounds are at the discretion of the deciding officer and can change. This list is informational — always verify current requirements at the official government portal.
Requirements last reviewed: June 2026 · Source: official government portal
🔗More Germany Visa Options
- Germany Job Seeker Visa (§20 AufenthG) →
- Germany Schengen Type C Visa (up to 90 days) →
- Germany Skilled Worker Visa (§18a/§18b AufenthG) / EU Blue Card →
- Germany Student Visa (§16b AufenthG) →