Opportunity Card points calculator
Answer a few questions and see your score against the six points the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) needs, which criteria you already meet, and the cheapest ways to reach six if you are short. You can save or print the result.
Self-check
Do you reach the six points?
The points route to the Opportunity Card needs six points. Answer honestly: this check uses the same calculation as your free Germany Plan. It works from your answers only, so it can't check your documents or your savings.
2 of 6 points
See result1 · Entry requirements
Before any points count, you need a qualification that is state-recognised in the country where you earned it (a university degree, or vocational training of at least two years), plus German at A1 or English at B2, and proof you can support yourself. It doesn't have to be recognised in Germany: that's what the card is for. If it already is, you can skip the points entirely.
2 · Points
Anything else that applies
3 · Money for your stay
For the initial job-search Opportunity Card, the 2026 funding reference is €1,091 net per month. Confirm the accepted evidence with the responsible mission; a future job you have not secured is not proof of funds.
To plan with: €13,092 for 12 months
The points, criterion by criterion
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification partly recognised in Germany (adaptation measures still needed) | 4 |
| German B2 or above · B1 · A2 | 3 · 2 · 1 |
| English C1 or above | 1 |
| Experience in your field: 5 years in the last 7 · 2 years in the last 5 | 3 · 2 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| Age: 35 or younger · 36 to 40 | 2 · 1 |
| At least 6 months' lawful stay in Germany in the last 5 years | 1 |
| Spouse or partner applying with you, who also qualifies | 1 |
| Minimum: 6 points | |
From the points table in § 20b of the Residence Act. Within German, experience and age, only the highest line counts.
What you need besides the points
- A qualification recognised by the state where you earned it: a university degree, or vocational training of at least two years.
- German at A1 or English at B2.
- Proof you can support yourself: the 2026 reference is at least €1,091 net a month. Ask the German mission which proof it accepts.
- If your qualification is already recognised in Germany, or your degree counts as comparable (anabin), you need no points at all.
Questions people ask
- How many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?
- Six. Before the points count you need a recognised qualification, German A1 or English B2, and enough money to support yourself (2026: €1,091 net a month). If your qualification is already recognised in Germany, you can get the card without points.
- Does English count for points?
- English C1 earns one point. English B2 meets the language requirement for applying but earns no points on its own.
- Which German level gives the most points?
- B2 or above gives three points, B1 two and A2 one. A1 earns nothing but meets the language requirement. Only your highest level counts.
- Is the calculator's result a decision?
- No. It applies the points table in § 20b of the Residence Act to your answers. The German embassy or immigration office checks your documents and decides.
- Can I save or share my result?
- Yes. Copy the link: it holds only your answers, no name or contact details, and opens the same result. You can also print it or save it as a PDF.
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