Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): Points, Rules, and Setup

What is the Chancenkarte?

The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is Germany’s points-based legal framework under the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz). It allows qualified professionals from non-EU countries to enter Germany for up to one year to find qualified full-time employment.

Eligibility & Point Criteria

Applicants who have a fully recognized German degree (or foreign equivalent evaluated via Anabin) qualify directly. Others must score at least 6 points based on:

• Recognized Qualifications (Up to 4 points): Partial recognition of foreign training.
• Professional Experience (Up to 3 points): At least 2-5 years of skilled work experience in your field within the last 5 years.
• Language Skills (Up to 3 points): German B1/B2/C1 or English C1. Basic German (A1) or English (B2) is mandatory.
• Age (Up to 2 points): 2 points if under 35 years old; 1 point if between 35 and 40 years old.
• Previous Stays in Germany (1 point): Having legally lived in Germany for at least 6 consecutive months in the past 5 years.

Financial Proof & Work Privileges

You must demonstrate access to €1,027 per month (approx. €12,324 for 12 months) via a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto). Card holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in secondary jobs or complete 2-week trial employment spells with prospective employers.