
If you’re considering working in Germany but don’t yet have a job offer, the German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) provides a way to enter the country and search for employment. This visa operates on a points-based system, allowing skilled professionals to qualify based on specific criteria.
To be eligible, applicants need a minimum of six points. The selection criteria include education, professional experience, language proficiency, and age, with higher scores improving the chances of approval. Understanding how to maximize your points can increase the likelihood of obtaining the Opportunity Card and starting a career in Germany.
Criteria of Evaluation To Qualify for Chancenkarte in 2025 | Points Awarded |
---|---|
1# Educational Qualification | |
Recognized University Degree | 6 |
Vocational Qualification (2 years or more) | 5 |
Partial Qualification (non-recognized) | 3 |
2# Work Experience | |
5+ years of work experience in your field | 3 |
2-5 years of work experience in your field | 2 |
3# German Language Proficiency | |
B2 or higher in German (CEFR) | 3 |
B1 German (CEFR) | 2 |
A2 German (CEFR) | 1 |
4# English Language Proficiency | |
B2 or higher in English | 1 |
5# Age | |
Below 35 years old | 2 |
Between 35-40 years old | 1 |
Over 40 years old | 0 |
6# Previous Stay in Germany | |
Studied, worked, or lived in Germany before | 1 |
7# Spouse Qualification | |
Spouse meets eligibility criteria (degree & language skills) | 1 |
Do You Qualify? Calculate Your Points!
Now, it’s time for an interactive check! Add up your points based on the table above. If you reach at least 6 points, you are eligible to apply for the German Opportunity Card!
Example Scenarios
Let’s take a look at a few scenarios to see how people qualify:
Scenario 1: Anna, a software developer from India
-
- Recognized University Degree (6 points)
- 3 years of work experience (2 points)
- B1 German (2 points)
- Total: 10 points
(Eligible!).
Scenario 2: David, an electrician from Brazil
-
- Vocational Qualification (5 points)
- 6 years of work experience (3 points)
- A2 German (1 point)
- Total: 9 points
(Eligible!).
Scenario 3: Sophia, a marketing specialist from Nigeria
-
- Partial Qualification (3 points)
- 4 years of work experience (2 points)
- B2 English (1 point)
- Total: 6 points
(Eligible!).
How to Increase Your Chancenkarte Score?
If you’re close but not quite at 6 points, here’s how to improve your chances:
- Improve your German: Learning German up to B1 or B2 can add crucial points.
- Gain More Experience: If you have less than 2 years of experience, working a bit longer can push your score up.
- Upgrade Your Education: If your qualification is non-recognized, consider getting it officially recognized in Germany.
- Consider Spouse Points: If your spouse qualifies, you can earn an additional point.