The New Points-Based Visa

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Launched in June 2026, the Chancenkarte is Germany's revolutionary points-based immigration system. Hit 6 points, and move to Germany for a year to find your dream job-while working part-time to fund your stay.

Points Needed
6 Minimum
Visa Duration
12 Months
Part-Time Work
Up to 20 hrs/wk
German Required?
No (if B2 English)

A Game Changer for International graduates

Historically, if you wanted to come to Germany to look for a job without a prior offer, you had to apply for the Job Seeker Visa. The massive drawback of the Job Seeker Visa was that it legally prohibited you from working part-time to earn money while you searched.

The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) completely changes the landscape. Taking inspiration from the Canadian and Australian points-based systems, Germany now allows qualified professionals to enter for 12 months. Crucially, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week in any secondary employment (e.g., retail, restaurants, delivery) or do 2-week trial jobs (Probearbeit) at tech companies.

The Mandatory Base Requirement

Before you even calculate your points, you MUST meet two strict base criteria:
1. A fully completed university degree (at least 2 years duration) recognized by the state where you studied.
2. Proof of language proficiency: Either German A1 OR English B2.

The 6-Point Challenge

Review the point categories below. You can mix and match points from different categories, but you must reach a minimum total of 6 points.

Professional Experience

5+ years of experience in the last 7 years
+3 Points
2+ years of experience in the last 5 years
+2 Points

Language Skills

German B2 level or higher
+3 Points
German B1 level
+2 Points
German A2 level
+1 Point
English C1 level
+1 Point

Age

Not older than 35 years
+2 Points
Between 35 and 40 years
+1 Point

Academic / Professional Qualifications

Degree in a Shortage Occupation (Mangelberuf)
+1 Point
Partial recognition of foreign qualification by Germany
+4 Points

Ties to Germany

Previous legal residence in Germany (at least 6 months)
+1 Point
Spouse is also applying for Opportunity Card
+1 Point

Example International Profile

Rahul is a 28-year-old Mechanical Engineer from India with 3 years of experience and an IELTS score of 7.5 (C1).

  • +2 Points (Under 35 years old)
  • +2 Points (2+ years experience)
  • +1 Point (English C1 via IELTS)
  • +1 Point (Mechanical Engineering is a shortage occupation)
  • Total: 6 Points (Eligible!)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1

Calculate Your Points

Ensure you meet the mandatory base criteria (a recognized degree and A1 German OR B2 English). Then, calculate if you hit the magic number: 6 points.

If your degree is recognized in Germany and you are under 35 with C1 English and 5 years experience, you already have 6 points (1 for C1 + 2 for Age + 3 for Experience)!
2

Verify Degree on Anabin

Your degree must be fully recognized. Search Anabin for your International university (H+) and your specific degree.

If Anabin doesn't explicitly list your degree, apply for a ZAB statement immediately.
3

Secure a Blocked Account

Like the Job Seeker Visa, you must prove financial stability. Open a German Blocked Account with approx €1,027 per month (~€12,324 for a full year).

You can reduce this blocked account requirement if you already have a part-time job contract (up to 20 hours/week) signed with a German employer.
4

Gather Language Certificates

If claiming points for English (C1), you must provide official certificates like IELTS (usually 7.0+), TOEFL, or Cambridge. For German, Goethe or Telc certificates are required.

A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your International university is NOT accepted as proof of English proficiency by the embassy.
5

Apply at the German Embassy / VFS

Submit your comprehensive application dossier. You will need a strong motivation letter explaining your strategy for finding a job in Germany within the 1-year limit.

Book your VFS appointment well in advance under the correct 'Opportunity Card' category.

Opportunity Card FAQs

Clarifying the confusing aspects of Germany's new points system.

No. The mandatory base requirement is EITHER A1 German OR B2 English. If you have B2/C1 English (proven via IELTS/TOEFL), you satisfy the base requirement. However, knowing German grants you extra points.

Do You Have the 6 Points?

Don't guess your eligibility. Our experts will manually evaluate your degree, experience, and language skills to give you a definitive yes or no on your Opportunity Card chances.

Get Profile Evaluation