Are you dreaming of working in Germany but unsure about visa options? The German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), allows skilled professionals to enter Germany and search for a job without a prior employment contract. However, you must meet a points-based eligibility system. Let’s explore the minimum points needed to qualify in 2025 and how you can maximize your chances!
How Many Points Do You Need?
To be eligible for the German Opportunity Card, you need at least 6 points based on specific selection criteria. The more points you earn, the higher your chances of qualifying.
Points Breakdown for the Chancenkarte
The point system assesses applicants based on factors like education, work experience, language skills, and age. Below is a breakdown:
| 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.
How to Apply for the Chancenkarte?
Once you meet the 6-point requirement, you can apply for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) through the German immigration portal https://digital.diplo.de/chancenkarte. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of your qualifications (degree, vocational training, etc.)
- Proof of work experience
- Language certificates
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your job search
- Health insurance.
After approval, you can move to Germany and search for a job for up to 12 months.
Reference: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/job-search-opportunity-card.