Berlin, June 15, 2025 — Germany.
According to data published by the German Economic Institute (IW) in report IW-Kurzbericht No. 96 (November 28, 2025), as of June 15, 2025, German diplomatic missions abroad had issued a total of 11,497 Chancenkarte visas since the program launched on June 1, 2024. India had the highest number of visas, accounting for nearly one-third of the total.
Distribution by Country
Of the 11,497 Chancenkarte visas issued by mid-2025, India accounted for about 3,721 visas, or nearly 32% of the total. This share reflects the high level of interest from Indian skilled workers in the program.
The IW report states that the Chancenkarte is one of the most closely watched new provisions of the Skilled Immigration Act. The Chancenkarte information page on Make it in Germany, along with its self-assessment points tool, is among the five most-visited pages on the portal, with nearly 500,000 views in 2025.
Legal Basis
The legal basis for the Chancenkarte is Sections 20a and 20b of the German Residence Act. Recipients can meet the requirements in one of two ways: proving an equivalent foreign qualification (the skilled worker route), or through the points system with a minimum of 6 points.
If the requirements are met, the competent authority may issue the Chancenkarte for a maximum validity of one year. During this time, cardholders may travel to and stay in Germany to look for work or a training program.
Implementation Challenges
The IW report also notes that implementing the Chancenkarte has encountered some difficulties. The scheme is still not widely known among employers. Interpretation of the legal requirements is inconsistent across residence authorities, creating difficulties when transitioning from the Chancenkarte to a long-term work residence permit.
Frequently asked questions concern the transition from the Chancenkarte to an official work residence permit, as well as the rights and obligations of cardholders. Interested applicants should follow the official BMI and Make it in Germany websites for updates.
References
This article is compiled from government sources. Immigration regulations and figures may change over time; you should check current information on the official website before making a decision.
