Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator 2026 (Chancenkarte)
The Chancenkarte lets you move to Germany for up to 12 months to search for a job — no job offer needed. If your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany, you qualify through a points system: 6 points minimum. Answer the questions below to see your exact score and eligibility instantly.
A degree or 2+ year vocational qualification is the baseline requirement for the points route.
Under 35 = 2 points. Age 35–40 = 1 point.
Baseline needs German A1 OR English B2. English C1+ earns a bonus point.
Chancenkarte Score
EligibleHow the Chancenkarte points system works
Skip the points entirely: if your university degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany (check the Anabin database for degrees), you qualify directly without any points — you only need the language baseline and financial proof.
Baseline requirements (both routes)
- Qualification: university degree or 2+ year vocational training, recognised in the country where you obtained it
- Language: German A1 or English B2 minimum
- Funds (2026): €1,091 per month — €13,092 for the year — via blocked account (Sperrkonto), a German sponsor's Declaration of Commitment, or a part-time job contract
What the Opportunity Card gives you
- Up to 12 months in Germany to search for qualified employment — no job offer needed to enter
- Part-time work up to 20 hours per week in any sector while you search
- Trial employment of up to 2 weeks per employer, unlimited employers
- Once you land a qualifying full-time offer, the card converts to a Skilled Worker permit or EU Blue Card
- If you have a qualifying offer that cannot convert yet, a follow-up card of up to 2 more years is possible
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for the Germany Opportunity Card?
A minimum of 6 points on the official grid — but only if your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany. Fully recognised qualifications skip the points system entirely.
Do I need to know German for the Chancenkarte?
Not necessarily. The baseline is German A1 or English B2 — so strong English alone can qualify you. However, German skills earn extra points (A2 = 1, B1 = 2, B2+ = 3) and dramatically improve your actual job chances once in Germany.
How much bank balance is required in 2026?
You must show €1,091 per month — €13,092 for the full year — usually through a blocked account (Sperrkonto). A Declaration of Commitment from a sponsor in Germany or a signed part-time work contract can also be accepted.
Can I bring my family on the Opportunity Card?
The card itself is for the job search and does not automatically include family reunification. A spouse who independently meets the requirements can apply for their own card — and their eligibility even earns you 1 extra point. Family reunification becomes available once you convert to a work permit.
What jobs count as shortage occupations?
Germany's bottleneck professions include IT and software, engineering, healthcare and nursing, and many skilled trades (electricians, mechanics, construction specialists). If your vocational or academic background is in one of these fields, you earn 1 extra point.
What happens if I don't find a job within 12 months?
If you hold a qualifying job offer that cannot yet be converted, you can get a follow-up Opportunity Card for up to 2 additional years. Without any offer, you must leave when the card expires — you can reapply later from your home country.
Is the Chancenkarte the same as a work visa?
No — it is a job-seeker residence permit. It lets you live in Germany, work part-time, and interview freely. The full work permit (Skilled Worker permit or EU Blue Card) comes after you sign a qualifying full-time contract.
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