Points Calculator for the German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Starting in June 2024, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) will provide a simpler pathway for immigrating to Germany. Use our free points calculator to check if you meet the requirements and achieve the necessary 6 points!

Girl with German flag representing Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Discover if you're eligible for the Opportunity Card!

Just answer a few questions to find out if you meet the requirements.

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What is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?

In June 2024, Germany will introduce the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), a new points-based immigration program designed to attract international talent. This program complements existing immigration pathways.

If you are an international professional seeking to migrate to Germany but struggling to secure a job from abroad, the Opportunity Card could be your gateway.

The Opportunity Card allows you to reside in Germany for up to one year to search for employment. During this period, you must cover your living expenses but can work part-time in any job until you find a full-time position in your field.

To qualify for the Opportunity Card, you need to meet three basic requirements and earn at least 6 points from 8 different categories.

Basic Requirements for the Opportunity Card:

Possess a university degree or have completed at least 2 years of professional/vocational training at an accredited institution.
Prove you can cover your living expenses in Germany – either through sufficient funds in a blocked account or a declaration of commitment from a German resident.
Demonstrate language proficiency in German at level A1 OR English at level B2 – with certificates recognized by German authorities.

How Points are Awarded:

If your university degree or professional/vocational training is already fully recognized in Germany, you will automatically receive 6 points. Otherwise, you need to collect at least 6 points from 8 different categories.

Where to Apply for the Opportunity Card:

Applications can be submitted at the German embassy in your home country, at a German embassy in another country where you have legal residence, or at an immigration office in Germany if your citizenship permits you to apply for long-term residence permits within Germany.

Use our free points calculator to check if you meet the requirements and earn enough points to obtain the Chancenkarte.

Criteria for the Opportunity Card

Qualifications/Graduation

Up to 6 points for a university degree or vocational training + 1 point for shortage occupations.

Age

2 points if you are 34 or younger or 1 point if you are between 35 and 39 years old.

Language skills

Up to 4 points for your German and English language skills.

Experience

Up to 3 points if you have work experience that matches your formal qualifications.

Previous stays in Germany

1 point if you have previously lived in Germany for at least 6 months.

Spouses

1 point if your spouse also meets the requirements for an opportunity card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your Guide to Navigating Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): Answers to Common Questions.

What is qualification-based immigration to Germany?

Qualification-based immigration remains the central element of labor immigration to Germany. It includes the EU Blue Card for foreign university graduates with recognized degrees and the residence permit for foreign skilled workers with recognized qualifications (university degrees or vocational qualifications/Berufsausbildung). Recent changes allow skilled immigrants with recognized qualifications to take up any qualified employment, lower salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card, extend the list of bottleneck professions, and shorten the period for obtaining a settlement permit.

What are the recent changes to the EU Blue Card in Germany?

Recent changes to the EU Blue Card in Germany include: skilled immigrants with recognized qualifications can take up any qualified employment, salary thresholds lowered from 58,320 EUR to 45,300 EUR gross per year, an extended list of bottleneck professions with a lower salary threshold of 41,042 EUR gross per year, shortened settlement permit period from five to three years, easier employer changes for Blue Card holders, and eligibility for experienced IT specialists without formal IT qualifications.

What is experience-based immigration to Germany?

Experience-based immigration allows skilled workers to immigrate to Germany even if their professional qualifications have not been recognized in Germany. To qualify, applicants need a professional qualification of at least two years recognized in their country and two years of professional experience. The employment contract must be in a non-regulated profession, and the salary must meet a certain threshold or be linked to a collective agreement. If the gross annual salary is at least 40,770 EUR (in 2024) or linked to a collective agreement, internationals can work without a recognized degree. If lower, they must obtain full recognition within a specific timeframe.

What are the requirements for experience-based immigration to Germany?

Requirements for experience-based immigration include having a professional qualification of at least two years officially recognized in their country, two years of professional experience, an employment contract in a non-regulated profession, and meeting the salary threshold of 40,770 EUR (in 2024) or linking to a collective agreement. If the salary is lower and not linked to a collective agreement, they must obtain full recognition of their qualifications within a specific timeframe through a recognition partnership with the employer.

What is potential-based immigration to Germany?

Potential-based immigration is intended for immigrants without a job offer in Germany and has been in force since June 1, 2024. It features a points-based system with selection criteria including qualifications, language skills, professional experience, reference to Germany, and age. Applicants must prove they can cover living expenses during their stay. Successful applicants receive an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for job searching, allowing them to work up to 20 hours a week while searching for a qualified full-time job. The Opportunity Card is issued for up to one year and can be extended for up to two years under certain conditions.

How does the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) work for potential-based immigration?

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for potential-based immigration allows successful applicants to search for a job in Germany. Applicants can work up to 20 hours a week while looking for a qualified full-time job. They must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during their stay. The Opportunity Card is initially issued for up to one year and can be extended for up to two years under certain conditions.