Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator

The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) uses a points-based scoring system to determine eligibility. You need a minimum of 6 points to qualify. Use this guide to calculate your score before applying.

How the Points System Works

Points are awarded across four categories: qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and personal factors. The table below shows the exact points for each criterion.

Points Breakdown

Example Score Calculations

IT Engineer, 4 years experience, B1 German, B2 English, age 28:
Degree (1) + shortage occupation (1) + German A2 (1) + English B2 (1) + 2+ yrs experience (1) + age under 35 (1) = 6 points ✓ Eligible

Commerce Graduate, 1 year experience, A1 German, no English cert, age 32:
Degree (1) + German A1 (1) = 2 points ✗ Not eligible

What Happens After You Have 6+ Points?

The Opportunity Card is a job-seeker visa — it allows you to enter Germany and search for a job for up to 1 year. You are allowed to trial work for up to 20 hours per week. Once you find a qualifying job, you convert the Opportunity Card to a full work permit or the EU Blue Card (if your salary meets the threshold).

Financial Requirement

Even if you have 6+ points, you must also prove you can financially support yourself during your job search in Germany. You need to show blocked funds of currently €1,091 per month (12 months = €13,092/year) in a German blocked account (Sperrkonto) or equivalent financial guarantee. This figure updates annually, so confirm the current amount before you apply. (Last reviewed: September 2026)

Is the Opportunity Card Right for You?

The Opportunity Card suits professionals who have qualifications and experience but don't yet have a German job offer. If you already have a job offer with a salary above €45,934–€50,700, the EU Blue Card is a faster and more direct route.