Germany Chancenkarte Points Calculator 2026
Calculate your Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) points score under Section 20a of the Residence Act. You need at least 6 points to qualify — unless your qualification is already fully recognised in Germany, in which case you skip the points system entirely.
Points by category (white line = 6 needed)
⚠️ If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you don't need any points at all — you qualify directly as a recognised skilled worker. The points system only applies if it's not (yet) fully recognised.
Germany Chancenkarte — How the Points System Works
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) has two separate qualification routes. If your foreign qualification is fully recognised in Germany (or you earned it in Germany), you qualify directly as a "skilled worker" and skip the points system entirely — no minimum score needed. If it isn't fully recognised, you need at least 6 points from the categories below.
Official Point Values
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification partially equivalent (after recognition procedure) | 4 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| Professional experience — 2+ years in last 5 years | 2 |
| Professional experience — 5+ years in last 7 years | 3 |
| German language — A2 / B1 / B2+ | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English C1+ or native speaker | +1 |
| Age under 35 | 2 |
| Age 35–40 | 1 |
| Previous stay in Germany (6+ months in last 5 years) | 1 |
| Spouse/partner also meets requirements | 1 |
How This Score Is Calculated
We sum points across the seven official categories: qualification equivalence, shortage occupation, professional experience, German and English language ability, age, prior stays in Germany, and spouse/partner qualification. All figures match the official points table published on Make it in Germany, the German Federal Government's skilled-migration portal.
Worked Example
A 32-year-old applicant with a partially recognised degree (4 pts), 5+ years of related experience in the last 7 years (3 pts), German B1 (2 pts), and no prior Germany stay scores 11 points — well above the 6-point minimum, and would still qualify even without the age bonus.
Assumptions
- You have at least a foreign vocational qualification (2+ years training) or academic degree recognised in your country of origin — this is a baseline requirement for the points route, separate from the points themselves.
- You meet the minimum language requirement (German A1 or English B2) required to apply via the points route at all.
- You can demonstrate financial means of at least €1,091/month (€13,092/year) via a blocked account, declaration of commitment, or qualifying part-time job offer.
Limitations
- This tool estimates points only — it does not check qualification recognition status, financial proof, or health/character requirements.
- The Chancenkarte grants a 12-month job search period with part-time work rights (up to 20 hours/week) — it is not itself a work visa and does not directly lead to permanent residence.
- Points rules are set under Section 20a of the Residence Act and reviewed periodically — always confirm current requirements via the official source linked above.
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Page last reviewed October 30, 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Germany Chancenkarte
How many points do I need for the Chancenkarte?
6 points minimum, but only if you don't already qualify directly as a recognised skilled worker. If your foreign degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany (or you obtained it in Germany), you skip the points system entirely.
Do I need German language skills for the Chancenkarte?
Not necessarily. You can qualify with German A1 or English B2 as your base language requirement. Additional points are awarded for higher German levels (A2, B1, B2+) and for English C1 or native-speaker level.
Can I work while on the Chancenkarte?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week in any job (unrestricted by field), plus trial work periods of up to two weeks per employer. This is a major upgrade over the old Job Seeker Visa, which allowed no employment at all.
Sources
Germany Chancenkarte Points Calculator results are estimates only and do not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify the current rules on Make it in Germany before submitting any application or paying any fees. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration professional.