- Points route
- German A1 or English B2 baseline
- Proof-of-funds included
"Recognised" means Germany treats your qualification as equal to a German one. For a degree, check the free anabin database: if BOTH your university and your degree are rated "H+", it's comparable (regulated jobs like doctor/nurse/teacher/lawyer also need approval from the responsible authority). Bachelor's, master's and a foreign Ausbildung (≥2 years) all count the same here: pick by your German recognition status, not the type. If it's already fully recognised/comparable, you likely qualify for a skilled-worker visa directly (§18b degree / §18a Ausbildung) and don't need this points route.
English B2 meets the language baseline but earns no points; only C1 or above earns a point (alongside German).
You need a qualifying degree or vocational training
Pass mark: 6 (you need 6 more)
How points are earned here: a partial-recognition notice (adaptation measures required) scores 4.
How points are earned here: 2 of the last 5 years scores 2; 5 of the last 7 years scores 3.
How points are earned here: each CEFR level up to B2 adds points (A2 +1, B1 +2, B2 +3).
How points are earned here: only C1 or above adds a point (+1); B2 meets the baseline but scores 0.
How points are earned here: being on the shortage-occupation list adds +1.
How points are earned here: under 35 scores +2; 35 to 40 scores +1.
How points are earned here: at least 6 months in the last 5 years adds +1.
How points are earned here: if your partner also meets the Chancenkarte requirements, that's +1.
Fastest way to qualify
Raise German language level from None to B2 or higher (+3) — meets the language baseline; then Raise Qualification & recognition from No degree, or vocational training under 2 years to Partly recognised in Germany (you have a recognition / adaptation-measures notice) (+4) — reaching the 6-point pass mark.
What the Opportunity Card lets you do
- Live in Germany for up to 1 year to look for qualified work.
- Work part-time up to 20 hours/week (and trial jobs) while you search.
- Switch to a skilled-worker residence permit once you have a qualifying job offer.
Your next steps
Some links are partner links — if you sign up we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
How this is calculated
The Opportunity Card's points route needs at least 6 points, plus a language baseline of German A1 or English B2.
Points come from your qualification, recent work experience, German and English levels, age, and any previous stay in Germany. This tool adds up the option you pick in each category.
For the full points table, the language-baseline rules, and how the funds requirement works, read the Opportunity Card points guide.
Assumptions & notes
- 2026 points table: partial recognition 4; experience 2 (2/5 yrs) or 3 (5/7 yrs); German A2/B1/B2 = 1/2/3; English C1+ = 1; shortage occupation 1; age ≤35 = 2, 35–40 = 1; prior stay 1; partner 1. Pass mark is 6. Owner to re-confirm against BAMF before launch.
- You must also hold a qualifying qualification and meet the language baseline: German A1 or English B2, regardless of total points.
- Proof of funds for 2026 is €1,091 net per month (€13,092 for a year).
- The points route applies when your qualification is not yet fully recognised in Germany; full recognition usually routes to a skilled-worker visa directly.
- Journey block (validity ~1 year, part-time/trial work ≤20h/week, conversion to a skilled-worker permit once a qualifying job offer exists) is DRAFT: owner to re-confirm exact wording against BAMF/§20a AufenthG before launch.
Official sources
- BAMF: Opportunity Card
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card
- § 20a AufenthG: Opportunity Card
- Envoy Global: Opportunity Card overview (validity, work hours, conversion)
- Handbook Germany: Opportunity Card for Jobseekers
- Anerkennung in Deutschland: assessing higher-education qualifications (anabin / recognition)
- ZAB: Statement of Comparability
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)? +
It's a German residence permit that lets qualified non-EU professionals live in Germany for up to a year to look for a job matching their skills. If your foreign qualification isn't fully recognised, you can still qualify through a points system.
How many points do I need? +
You need at least 6 points on the points route, and you must also meet a language baseline of German A1 or English B2. This calculator estimates both.
How are the points awarded? +
Points come from your qualification, recent skilled work experience, German and English language levels, age, and any previous qualifying stay in Germany. Select each option above to see your total.
How much money do I need to show? +
You must prove you can support yourself during the job search: roughly €1,091 per month, about €13,092 for a 12-month stay. A blocked account is a common way to show this. Always check the current figure with the authorities.
Is this an official eligibility decision? +
No. This is a free estimate to help you understand the points route. Only the German authorities can decide your application. Treat this as guidance, not legal or immigration advice, and verify details with BAMF or Make-it-in-Germany.
Related calculators
- EU Blue Card checkerA qualifying salary may get you in faster than the points route.
- German net-salary calculatorTurn a gross job offer into your monthly take-home pay.
- Blocked-account calculatorWork out the proof-of-funds you must show for the visa.
- Find your visa routeNot sure which permit fits? Start here.