Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Points System Explained

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is Germany's new points-based visa that allows skilled workers to move to the country for up to 12 months to search for a job — no upfront job offer required.

However, understanding the eligibility criteria can be tricky. Here is a clear breakdown of exactly how the points system works.

Do You Even Need Points?

Before calculating your points, check if you bypass the system entirely: If your university degree or vocational qualification is fully recognized in Germany, you do not need to score points. You qualify automatically for the Opportunity Card (provided you can prove financial self-sufficiency).

You only need to use the points system if your foreign qualification is only partially recognized in Germany.

How the Points System Works

If you fall into the points-based category, you must score a minimum of 6 points.

1. Professional Experience Your experience must be relevant to your qualification and acquired within the last 5 to 7 years. - 3 points: At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years. - 2 points: At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years.

2. Language Skills You need a baseline of either A1 German or B2 English to even apply. Points are awarded for exceeding the baseline. - 3 points: German language skills at level B2. - 2 points: German language skills at level B1. - 1 point: German language skills at level A2. - 1 point: English language skills at level C1 (or native speaker).

3. Qualifications - 4 points: If you hold a professional qualification in a designated "shortage occupation" (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare). - 1 point: If you applied for recognition of your foreign qualification and the German authority confirmed partial equivalence.

4. Age Germany wants to attract young talent who will contribute to the pension system long-term. - 2 points: If you are under 35 years old. - 1 point: If you are between 35 and 40 years old.

5. Previous Stays in Germany - 1 point: If you have previously lived legally in Germany for an uninterrupted period of at least 6 months within the last 5 years (e.g., as a student or on a previous work visa. Tourist stays do not count).

Example Scenario

Meet Rahul, a 32-year-old software developer from India. His degree is partially recognized.

He is under 35 (+2 points).
He has 3 years of experience (+2 points).
He speaks fluent C1 English (+1 point).
His profession (IT) is a shortage occupation (+4 points).

Total Score: 9 points. Rahul easily exceeds the 6-point threshold and can apply for the Opportunity Card.

Read our comparison of the Opportunity Card vs the EU Blue Card →

TL;DR

Do You Even Need Points?

How the Points System Works

1. Professional Experience Your experience must be relevant to your qualification and acquired within the last 5 to 7 years. - 3 points: At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years. - 2 points: At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years.

3. Qualifications - 4 points: If you hold a professional qualification in a designated "shortage occupation" (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare). - 1 point: If you applied for recognition of your foreign qualification and the German authority confirmed partial equivalence.

4. Age Germany wants to attract young talent who will contribute to the pension system long-term. - 2 points: If you are under 35 years old. - 1 point: If you are between 35 and 40 years old.

5. Previous Stays in Germany - 1 point: If you have previously lived legally in Germany for an uninterrupted period of at least 6 months within the last 5 years (e.g., as a student or on a previous work visa. Tourist stays do not count).

Example Scenario

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need for the Chancenkarte?

Ready to make the move?

TL;DR

Do You Even Need Points?

How the Points System Works

1. Professional Experience Your experience must be relevant to your qualification and acquired within the last 5 to 7 years. - **3 points:** At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years. - **2 points:** At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years.

3. Qualifications - **4 points:** If you hold a professional qualification in a designated "shortage occupation" (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare). - **1 point:** If you applied for recognition of your foreign qualification and the German authority confirmed partial equivalence.

4. Age Germany wants to attract young talent who will contribute to the pension system long-term. - **2 points:** If you are under 35 years old. - **1 point:** If you are between 35 and 40 years old.

5. Previous Stays in Germany - **1 point:** If you have previously lived legally in Germany for an uninterrupted period of at least 6 months within the last 5 years (e.g., as a student or on a previous work visa. Tourist stays do not count).

Example Scenario

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need for the Chancenkarte?

Ready to make the move?

1. Professional Experience Your experience must be relevant to your qualification and acquired within the last 5 to 7 years. - 3 points: At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years. - 2 points: At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years.

3. Qualifications - 4 points: If you hold a professional qualification in a designated "shortage occupation" (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare). - 1 point: If you applied for recognition of your foreign qualification and the German authority confirmed partial equivalence.

4. Age Germany wants to attract young talent who will contribute to the pension system long-term. - 2 points: If you are under 35 years old. - 1 point: If you are between 35 and 40 years old.

5. Previous Stays in Germany - 1 point: If you have previously lived legally in Germany for an uninterrupted period of at least 6 months within the last 5 years (e.g., as a student or on a previous work visa. Tourist stays do not count).