How the Opportunity Card points system works
Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), launched in June 2024, lets you enter Germany without a job offer to search for work for up to 12 months. You need at least 6 points across the following factors:
- A degree or vocational qualification recognised in Germany: 1 point
- Skilled work experience - 2 points for 2+ years, 3 points for 5+ years
- German language ability - 1 point for A2, 2 for B1, 3 for B2
- English language ability at C1: 1 point
- Age - 2 points if under 35, 1 point if 35-39
- A previous stay in Germany of at least 6 months: 1 point
- Your spouse or partner also qualifies for the Opportunity Card: 1 point
- Work experience in a recognised shortage occupation: 1 point
A common qualifying profile for international IT workers is a bachelor's degree (1), three years of experience (2), C1 English (1) and being under 35 (2) - a total of 6 points. IT specialists with strong experience can qualify even where their degree is not fully recognised.
Understanding your results
- 6 or more points: you qualify - apply for the Opportunity Card at the German mission in your country.
- 4-5 points: you are close. Reaching B1 German adds 2 points and usually closes the gap.
- Below 4 points: the Opportunity Card may not be the right route. Consider the EU Blue Card instead, which has no points minimum but requires a job offer.
If you score 4-5 points, the fastest way to add points is German language. Alliance Française and Goethe-Institut offices worldwide offer intensive B1 courses that take 3-4 months. B1 German adds 3 points - enough to push most applicants over the 6-point threshold.
Opportunity Card vs EU Blue Card
| Factor | Opportunity Card | EU Blue Card |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer needed | No | Yes |
| Points system | Yes - 6+ points | No points test |
| Salary threshold | None (job-search visa) | €50,700 (€45,934 for shortage/IT) |
| Duration | Up to 12 months to find work | Up to 4 years |
| PR pathway | Find a job, switch to Blue Card, PR in 21 months | Direct - PR in 21 months with B1 German |
| Best for | You do not yet have a job offer | You already have a qualifying job offer |
Who should use this calculator
- Job seekers who want to move to Germany before securing a role
- Career changers testing whether Germany is realistic for them
- IT professionals without a fully recognised degree
- Anyone weighing the Opportunity Card against the EU Blue Card
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How many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?
You need at least 6 points from factors including recognised qualifications, skilled work experience, German and English language ability, age, and a prior stay in Germany.
Do I need a job offer for the Opportunity Card?
No. The Opportunity Card is specifically a job-search visa - it lets you enter Germany without an offer and look for work on the ground for up to 12 months.
How is the Opportunity Card different from the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card requires a qualifying job offer and salary but no points; the Opportunity Card requires 6+ points but no job offer. Many people use the Opportunity Card to find a job, then switch to the Blue Card.
Do I need to speak German?
Not necessarily - C1 English scores a point and many IT roles in Berlin and Munich are English-speaking. However, German ability adds the most points and B1 German is needed for permanent residency.
Can IT workers qualify without a degree?
Yes. The Opportunity Card and the related routes recognise IT specialists with at least two years of relevant experience even where their degree is not formally recognised, making Germany unusually accessible for self-taught developers.
How long can I stay in Germany on the Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card is valid for up to 12 months to search for work. Once you secure a qualifying job you switch to a work visa or EU Blue Card, which leads to permanent residency in around 21 months.