Chancenkarte · 2026 points system
Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator
Check whether you reach the 6-point threshold for Germany’s Opportunity Card — using the official criteria of the Skilled Immigration Act.
Your points
Based on your answers you meet the 6-point threshold and the baseline requirements. You appear eligible to apply for the Opportunity Card.
How your points add up
- Partial recognition of qualification+4
- Aged 35 or under+2
Want to know if a real German job is within reach?
The Opportunity Card gets you in the door — landing the job is the harder part. Get your free Readiness Score.
Check my Readiness Score →The Opportunity Card, explained
Germany’s Chancenkarte lets qualified non-EU professionals come to Germany for up to a year to find work, without a job offer in hand. You either qualify directly as a recognised skilled worker, or you collect at least 6 points across qualification, language, experience, age and ties to Germany.
Got the card sorted? Plan the money side with the blocked-account calculator, estimate your take-home pay with the Brutto-Netto calculator, or see if the job market is realistic for you with the free Readiness Score.
Frequently asked
What is the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?+
The Chancenkarte is a residence permit that lets skilled non-EU nationals move to Germany for up to one year to look for a job, without needing an offer first. It launched on 1 June 2024 as part of the Skilled Immigration Act and works on a points system.
How many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?+
You need at least 6 points, on top of meeting the mandatory baseline: a university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years, German at A1 or English at B2, and proof you can cover your living costs.
How are the points awarded?+
Points come from partial recognition of your qualification (+4), a shortage occupation (+1), work experience (+2 or +3), German language (A2 +1, B1 +2, B2+ +3), English C1 (+1), age (35 or under +2, 36–40 +1), a previous stay in Germany (+1), and a partner who also qualifies (+1). German-language points are not cumulative — only your highest level counts.
Do I always need the points system?+
No. If your foreign qualification is fully recognised in Germany and you meet the language baseline, you already qualify as a skilled worker and can usually take the standard skilled-worker route instead — often faster than the points-based card.
How much money do I need to prove?+
For 2026 you must show about €1,091 per month (€13,092 per year), typically via a blocked account, a formal sponsorship declaration, or a part-time employment contract. Use our blocked-account calculator to plan the deposit.
Is this calculator official?+
No. It mirrors the official points criteria to help you estimate eligibility, but only the German authorities (and the official Make it in Germany self-check) can confirm your case. Treat this as planning guidance, not a legal decision.