Germany Opportunity Card: Points Calculator, Fees & Process

Chancenkarte) allows non-EU nationals to move to Germany for up to 12 months to find a job. To qualify via the points system, you must meet basic prerequisites (a recognized 2-year vocational degree or university degree plus basic German A1 or English B2) and score at least 6 points. The standard visa application fee is €75.

Points Calculator Breakdown

To successfully apply using the scoring pathway, your profile must accumulate a minimum of 6 points from the following criteria:

• Partial Recognition of Qualification: 4 points if your foreign qualification is partially recognized or evaluated as comparable in Germany.
• Shortage Occupation: 1 extra point if your profession is listed as a skills-shortage occupation in Germany (e.g., IT, healthcare, engineering).
• Professional Experience: 2 points for 2 years of relevant experience (gained in the last 5 years); 3 points for 5 years of experience (gained in the last 7 years).
• Language Proficiency: 1 point for German A2, 2 points for German B1, 3 points for German B2 or higher; plus 1 extra point for English C1 or higher.
• Age: 2 points if under 35 years old; 1 point if between 35 and 40 years old.
• Connection to Germany: 1 point if you had a legal previous residence in Germany for at least 6 consecutive months within the past 5 years (tourist stays excluded).

Fees & Financial Requirements

• Visa Application Fee: €75 processed through the local German diplomatic mission.
• Proof of Subsistence (Blocked Account / Funds): You must prove financial self-sufficiency for your stay, roughly calculated around €1,000+ per month (totals scale based on the exact duration or standard yearly benchmarks near €12,324).
• Health Insurance: Mandatory travel or incoming health insurance coverage for your initial entry and job search phase.

Application Process

1. Check Basic Eligibility: Verify your university or vocational credentials via the Make it in Germany official portal and take a recognized language test (A1 German or B2 English).
2. Calculate Your Score: Total your points to ensure you meet the threshold of 6 points (unless your degree is fully recognized in Germany, which bypasses the points requirement).
3. Secure Financial Proof: Open a blocked account or secure a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) alongside health insurance.
4. Submit Application: Book an appointment at your local German embassy or consulate, submit your biometric data, academic certificates, CV, and pay the €75 fee.