Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Points Calculator 2026
Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets qualified workers move to Germany for up to a year to look for a job — no job offer needed. You must meet two basic requirements (a recognised qualification and basic language ability), then score at least 6 points across experience, language, age and connection criteria. Answer the questions below to see your score instantly.
You also need proof of funds — a blocked account of roughly €13,092/year (2026) or a part-time work contract.
Points follow the published Chancenkarte criteria (Skilled Immigration Act). Immigration rules change — verify with the German mission in your country or make-it-in-germany.com before applying.
How to use this tool
- Answer the qualification question first — a degree or 2-year vocational training is a hard requirement.
- Select your German and English levels (certificates like Goethe/telc/IELTS are needed as proof later).
- Add your experience, age and any bonus criteria.
- Press Check — you'll see your points, the pass verdict, and what would raise your score.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chancenkarte and how long is it valid?
The Opportunity Card is a German job-seeker visa introduced in June 2024. It lets you live in Germany for up to 12 months to find work, with part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) and trial jobs allowed while you search. Once you find a qualifying job, you switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No — that is the whole point of the card. You need a recognised qualification, basic language skills (German A1 or English B2), enough points (6+), and proof you can support yourself, typically a blocked account of about €13,092 for the year (2026 level).
What counts as a shortage occupation for the bonus point?
Germany's official shortage list includes IT specialists, engineers, doctors, nurses and care workers, teachers, and many skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, metalwork). If your qualification falls in these fields you get an extra point — and your job hunt will also be much easier.
My degree isn't recognised in Germany — can I still apply?
Yes, that's exactly who the points system is for. Your foreign degree must simply be state-recognised in the country where you earned it (check the anabin database). Full German recognition isn't needed for the Chancenkarte — with it, you'd qualify directly without points.
Can my family come with me on the Chancenkarte?
The Opportunity Card itself does not include family reunification — spouses can only join if they qualify for their own permit (including their own Chancenkarte, which even earns you a bonus point). Family reunification becomes available once you convert to a full work permit or Blue Card.