Germany Opportunity Card Calculator
From June 1, 2024, non-EU citizens are able to apply for the Germany opportunity card which facilitated job searches and made immigrating to Germany easier. As per the opportunity card, Germany points calculator, at least 6 points out of 14 had to be gained to be eligible for the Germany Chancenkarte visa.
Eligibility for the Germany Opportunity Card
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Educational Qualification: Hold a university degree or a vocational qualification with at least 2 years of vocational training (recognized in your home country). Obtain a positive report from the ZAB Germany portal.
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Language Proficiency: Pass a language test with at least a B2 level in English or an A1 level in German.
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Financial Support: Demonstrate financial capability to cover living costs in Germany. Show proof through a blocked bank account with at least €12,324 or a “Statement of Declaration” (verpflichtungserklärung) from a full-time worker in Germany. If you have a part-time job offer (20 hours/week) in Germany, you do not need to provide financial proof via the blocked account.
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Points Requirement: Ensure you score at least 6 points on the points calculator after meeting these basic requirements.
Germany Opportunity Card Calculator Breakdown.
Below is a detailed explanation of how points are awarded and distributed using the Germany opportunity card points calculator.
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Age:
Applicants who are between 18 to 35 old receive the maximum points.
| Age Range |
Points |
| Between 18 to 35 |
2 |
| Between 35 and 40 |
1 |
| More than 40 |
0 |
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Qualification:
With a fully recognized qualification or one earned in Germany, you are automatically eligible for an opportunity card.
| Qualification |
Points |
| Recognized Bachelor’s Degree |
6 |
| Recognized Higher Education/Vocational Training |
6 |
| Partially Recognized Vocational Training |
4 |
| No Recognized formal education |
0 |
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Professional Work Experience:
| Work Experience |
Points |
| 2 years of relevant professional experience (within the last 5 years) |
2 |
| 5 years of relevant professional experience (within the last 7 years) |
3 |
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Qualification from Bottleneck Occupation (Occupation Shortage List)
Bottleneck occupations are in high demand in Germany due to a lack of qualified workers. If you qualify for one of these fields (Natural Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Healthcare, Education sector, IT, or Managerial Occupation), you can earn extra points when applying for the Germany Opportunity Card.
| Qualification Relevance |
Points |
| Qualification listed in Bottleneck occupations |
1 |
| Language Skills |
Points |
| German proficiency at CEFR A2 |
1 |
| German proficiency at CEFR B1 |
2 |
| German proficiency at CEFR B2 |
3 |
| English proficiency at CEFR C1 or native speaker |
1 |
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Skilled Worker Potential of Spouses or Life Partners
You get additional points if your partner or spouse wishes to enter Germany with you on an opportunity card.
| Relation |
Points |
| Partner or spouse with 6 points for the opportunity card |
1 |
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Previous Stay in Germany
This includes periods such as au pair stays, language courses, exchange studies, work stays, research stays, internships, work & travel, and volunteering. Tourism stays are excluded.
| Relation |
Points |
| Continuous stay of 6 months in the last 5 years for work or study |
1 |
How to Improve Your Germany Opportunity Card Score?
Boosting your Germany Opportunity Card score can significantly enhance your chances of successfully immigrating. Explore these strategies to improve your prospects for moving to Germany.
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Enhance Your Qualifications:
A Completing vocational training or obtaining a higher education degree recognized in Germany can significantly boost your score. If you lack German qualifications, relevant work experience can compensate.
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Expand Your Work Experience:
Gain as much professional experience in your field as possible. 5 years of experience in the last 7 years earns you the maximum points (3), while 2 years of experience can earn you 2 points.
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Improve Your Language Skills:
Learning German can be highly beneficial. Good German skills can earn you 3 points. Even if you don’t reach that level, sufficient German skills or English proficiency at the C1 level can give you 1 point each.
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Optimize Your Age:
Age also impacts your score. If you're under 35, you’ll get 3 points. If you’re between 36 and 39, you’ll still earn 1 point.
