Last reviewed: 13 September 2026
Some figures in this guide are not yet officially confirmed for the current year and are marked as such; always check the linked official source (BAMF / Make-it-in-Germany) before you rely on them.
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets qualified non-EU professionals move to Germany for up to a year to look for skilled work, with no job offer needed. If your qualification isn't yet recognised in Germany, a points system decides whether you're in.
This guide breaks that down into what actually decides eligibility, how each point is scored, and what it costs. To check your own total, use the Opportunity Card points calculator; this guide explains the why behind the number it gives you.
What decides your eligibility
Three things must all be true. Think of it as an AND gate: miss any one and the card is out of reach:
⚠️ Points alone are not enough
You must meet both baselines no matter how many points you score: a qualifying qualification and German A1 or English B2. Miss either and you're ineligible even with ten points.
The points route is for qualifications that are genuine but not yet fully recognised in Germany. If yours is already recognised, you usually skip this route and go straight to a skilled-worker visa (§18b for a degree, §18a for vocational training).
How points are scored
The pass mark is 6 points. Take the highest option that applies in each category and add them up.
| Category | What earns points | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification & recognition | Partial recognition (you hold an adaptation-measures notice) | 4 |
| Recent skilled work experience | 2 of the last 5 years | 2 |
| Recent skilled work experience | 5 of the last 7 years | 3 |
| German language | A2 / B1 / B2 or higher | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English language | C1 or above (B2 meets the baseline but scores 0) | 1 |
| Shortage occupation (Engpassberuf) | Your job is on the official list | 1 |
| Age | Under 35 / 35 to 40 | 2 / 1 |
| Previous stay in Germany | At least 6 months in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Partner joining you | Your partner also meets the requirements | 1 |
Money you must show
💶 Proof of funds (2026)
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the usual way to prove it. Our blocked-account calculator shows the current amount and how the account works.
What the card lets you do
✅ Once granted
- Live in Germany for up to a year to look for qualified work.
- Work part-time up to 20 hours a week, plus trial jobs, while you search.
- Switch to a skilled-worker residence permit once you have a qualifying job offer; the card is a bridge, not a destination.
If you already have a strong salary offer, check whether the EU Blue Card gets you in faster: a qualifying salary can bypass the points route entirely.
Short of 6 points? The fastest ways to close the gap
- Get partial recognition of your qualification (+4) The single biggest jump on the card. A recognition notice requiring adaptation measures scores 4; start via the anabin database or a formal assessment.
- Raise your German level (+1 to +3) A2, B1 and B2 score 1, 2 and 3 points; usually the fastest points you can add.
- Check the shortage-occupation list (+1) If your job is on the Engpassberuf list, that's an easy extra point.
The calculator does this for you: enter what you have and it shows exactly how far you are from six, and which upgrades get you there quickest.
Before you rely on this
The Opportunity Card is defined in law (§20a AufenthG), and the points table, funds figure and conditions are reviewed periodically. Only the German authorities can decide your application; treat this as planning guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm the current details against a primary source:
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are general in nature and may not reflect your circumstances. Verify against official sources or a qualified adviser before making decisions.