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Score your Chancenkarte points

Germany's new opportunity card runs on a points system. You need at least 6. Find your score and the easiest gap to close.

Your foreign qualification is partially recognised, including with compensatory measures for regulated professions. 4 points.

Up to 35 = 2 points, 35 to 40 = 1 point, above 40 = 0.

2026 points table from Make-it-in-Germany. Need at least 6 points.

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Frequently asked questions

How many points do I need for the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)?

You need at least 6 points to qualify for the Chancenkarte. The card is a 12-month job-search permit launched in June 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act reform. Maximum theoretical score is around 14 to 16 points; most realistic profiles land between 5 and 10 points. If you score 6 or higher AND meet the baseline language and financial-means requirements, you qualify.

How are points awarded for German language skills?

A2 = 1 point, B1 = 2 points, B2 or above = 3 points. There's NO separate scoring for C1 or C2; B2, C1 and C2 all award 3 points. Note this is different from some third-party calculators that incorrectly list separate C1 and C2 tiers. Make-it-in-Germany is the official source. The German A1 baseline is the minimum prerequisite for the visa, not a points-earning level.

Can English replace the German requirement?

English at level B2 (CEFR) is an alternative to German A1 as the language baseline. English does NOT replace German for points: you can have A1 German + B2 English and qualify on the baseline, but you only get points from the German tier (so A1 = 0 points). English C1 or above (or native) gives a +1 bonus point ON TOP OF the German A1 baseline. Make-it-in-Germany clarifies this is additive.

How do experience points work?

Experience must be in the field of your qualification. 2 or more years of experience within the last 5 years awards 2 points. 5 or more years within the last 7 years awards 3 points. The tiers do NOT stack: a 6-year applicant gets 3 points, not 5. Important: some third-party FAQs incorrectly list 1 and 2 points for these tiers; Make-it-in-Germany 2026 confirms 2 and 3.

What if I'm exactly 5 points short by 1?

The easiest 1-point boost is usually a German level upgrade (A1 to A2 = 1 point, A2 to B1 = 1 more point, B1 to B2 = 1 more). A2 prep is typically 6 to 8 weeks of part-time study and one certified exam (~150 EUR). If your English is currently B2, jumping to C1 (IELTS 7+ or equivalent) is also 1 point. If you're 35 to 40 years old, applying before your 41st birthday preserves 1 age point that disappears overnight.

Do I need a Sperrkonto for the Chancenkarte?

Yes. The Chancenkarte requires proof of financial means at 1,091 EUR per month for 2026, which equals 13,092 EUR for a 12-month visa. You can fund this via a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a Verpflichtungserklaerung from a sponsor, or a part-time work contract limited to 20 hours per week. Use the Blocked Account Calculator on this site to plan the deposit.