Germany Chancenkarte

Chancenkarte Points Calculator

Check if you qualify for Germany's Opportunity Card in under 2 minutes. Answer 6 questions — get your BAMF points score instantly.

2-minute quizFree — no signupBased on official BAMF criteria

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Understanding the Chancenkarte points system

Who is the Chancenkarte for?

The Opportunity Card targets skilled workers from non-EU, non-EEA countries who hold at least a recognised (or recognisable) professional qualification. It is specifically designed for people who want to move to Germany to find work but do not yet have a concrete job offer.

What counts as a recognised qualification?

A degree from a foreign university that has been formally recognised as equivalent to a German degree — either through anabin (for university degrees) or the ZAB evaluation. Vocational qualifications can also be recognised through the BIBB recognition portal.

How does the points system work?

BAMF awards points across six categories: professional qualification (up to 4 pts), German language (up to 3 pts), English language (1 pt), work experience (up to 2 pts), age (up to 2 pts), and previous ties to Germany (1 pt). The maximum possible score is 13 points; 6 are required.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)?

The Chancenkarte is a German residence permit introduced in November 2023 under §20a of the Residence Act (AufenthG). It lets skilled workers from non-EU countries search for employment in Germany for up to one year — even without a concrete job offer.

How many points do you need for a Chancenkarte?

You need at least 6 points from the BAMF scoring table. Points are awarded for professional qualification, German language level, English language level, work experience, age, and previous ties to Germany.

Does a recognised degree automatically mean I qualify?

A recognised foreign degree gives you 4 points — the highest single category. However, you still need at least 2 more points from the remaining criteria. An unrecognised degree gives only 2 points.

Can I apply if my German is not good enough?

Yes. German language is not mandatory — it just earns up to 3 points. If you score 6+ points through other criteria (strong qualification + English + experience), you can still apply. However, at least basic German (A1) helps your application overall.

How long does it take to get a Chancenkarte?

Processing times vary by German consulate: typically 8–16 weeks. You must apply at the German consulate or embassy in your home country before travelling to Germany.

What happens after the Chancenkarte — can I turn it into a work visa?

Yes. If you find a qualifying job in Germany while on the Chancenkarte, you can switch to a German work visa (e.g., §18a or §18b Skilled Worker Visa) from within Germany without returning home.

Does this calculator give official BAMF results?

No. This is an informational tool based on publicly available BAMF criteria. For official advice, consult a German immigration lawyer or the official BAMF website at bamf.de.

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