Chancenkarte 6-Points Evaluator
Evaluate your points score against official 2026 German Skilled Immigration Act criteria
Statutory Points Matrix Breakdown (Section 20a AufenthG)
| Criteria Category | Condition / Qualification | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification Recognition | State-recognised 2-year degree + recognition process | 4 Points |
| Work Experience | 5+ years in relevant field (within last 7 years) | 3 Points |
| Work Experience | 2+ years in relevant field (within last 5 years) | 2 Points |
| German Language | German B2 or higher | 3 Points |
| German Language | German B1 | 2 Points |
| German Language | German A2 | 1 Point |
| English Language | English C1 (with at least A2 German) | 1 Point |
| Age Criteria | Under 35 years old at date of application | 2 Points |
| Age Criteria | 35 to 39 years old | 1 Point |
| Shortage Profession | IT, Engineering, Healthcare, Natural Sciences | 1 Point |
| Ties to Germany | Previous legal stay in Germany (6+ months) | 1 Point |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a points-based jobseeker residence permit established under Section 20a of the German Residence Act. It allows British citizens and other third-country nationals with recognised qualifications or sufficient points to live in Germany for up to 12 months to search for skilled employment.
1) Direct Pathway: Applicants whose foreign qualification is fully recognised in Germany (e.g. via anabin H+ or ZAB statement of comparability) automatically qualify without needing to calculate points. 2) Points Pathway: Applicants with a state-recognised 2-year vocational or university degree from their home country must score at least 6 points based on criteria like experience, language, age, and German ties.
You need a minimum of 6 points to pass. Points are awarded for partial/full qualification recognition (4 pts), work experience (2–3 pts), German language skills (1–3 pts), English C1 (1 pt), age under 35 (2 pts) or 35–39 (1 pt), shortage occupation (1 pt), previous Germany stay (1 pt), and joint spouse application (1 pt).
Applicants must prove sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Germany for 12 months. For 2026, the standard requirement is €1,027 per month (approx. €12,324 for the full year), evidenced via a German blocked account (Sperrkonto) or a formal Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung).
Yes. Opportunity Card holders are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week in any job, and can also undertake trial employment (Probearbeit) for up to two weeks per employer for skilled job offers.
British citizens benefit from Section 41 of the German Ordinance Governing Residence (AufenthV), allowing them to enter Germany without a visa and submit their Chancenkarte application at the local German immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), or apply online through the Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal.
Official 2026 Legal Sources
- • Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card: Make it in Germany Chancenkarte Portal
- • Federal Foreign Office — Consular Services: Auswärtiges Amt Visa Service
- • German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI): bmi.bund.de Skilled Immigration Portal
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2026 Key Benchmarks
Pass mark6 Points
Validity period12 Months
Monthly financial proof€1,027 / mo
Part-time work permitted20 hrs / week
Trial work allowed2 weeks / job offer
Important Post-Brexit Privileges
Under Section 41 AufenthV, British citizens can enter Germany visa-free for up to 90 days and apply for their Opportunity Card residence permit locally at the German immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).