Opportunity map points system 2025
Calculate your score for the 2025 opportunity map - this is how the scoring system works
Do I have enough points for an Opportunity Card?
From June 1, 2024, there will be an opportunity card in Germany. There are two ways to qualify for such a card: Either by being classified as a skilled worker in accordance with Section 18 (3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or via a differentiated points system. If you are classified as a skilled worker, you have easier access to the opportunity card. For foreigners who are not skilled workers, the question of whether they can obtain an opportunity card is determined by this points system. You can use our simple, free points calculator to find out quickly and easily whether you are eligible for an opportunity card.
Points calculator Chance card
Basics of the points calculator for the Opportunity Card
This calculator is based on the relevant standards from the Residence Act, in particular Section 20b AufenthG and the associated annex to the Residence Act. This test can calculate the number of points you will receive on this basis and determine whether this number of points is sufficient to obtain an opportunity card. This test also asks about the general basic requirements for the Chancenkarte. However, no test, no matter how well developed, can cover all eventualities in real life. If you would like a well-founded, conclusive legal assessment of your case, please contact our lawyers. We can advise you on all questions relating to the topic of the Chancery Card.
Training or studies
The points calculator begins with the question of whether you have completed vocational training, a university degree or a professional qualification acquired from a German chamber of commerce abroad. This question is particularly important because you can only receive an opportunity card via the points system if you have completed a course of study or at least two years of training abroad that is recognized by the state there, or if you have a professional qualification from a German chamber of commerce abroad. None of these qualifications in themselves earn you points, but if you do not have any of the three, you do not meet the requirements for obtaining an opportunity card.
However, there is one exception to this, namely if you have completed foreign training for which an authority has determined that adaptation or compensation measures or further qualifications are required to establish equivalence with German training or to grant a license to practice the profession. In this case, you can receive an opportunity card via the points system even if you do not have any of the three qualifications in question.
You can find more information on the general requirements for an opportunity card, its benefits and how to apply here.
Professional experience
Next, we ask about your professional experience. If you have gained more than five years of professional experience in the last seven years, you will receive 3 points. If you have two years of professional experience in the last five years, you will receive 2 points. Unfortunately, no points are awarded for professional experience of less than two years. It is important to note that you should only enter work experience in the professional field for which your training or studies qualify you. For example, if you studied mathematics, you will only receive points for work experience in mathematical professions.
Occupational field
We then ask you in which occupational field your training took place. You will receive 1 point if your vocational training or university degree was in a so-called shortage occupation, i.e. an occupation that is in particularly high demand in Germany.
List of shortage occupations:
- Specialists in information and communication technology
- Architects
- Designer
- Doctors (incl. dentists and veterinarians)
- Physiotherapists
- Engineers and engineering scientists
- Mathematician
- Scientist
- Teacher
- Spatial, urban and traffic planners
- Managers in production, construction and logistics
- Managers in the healthcare sector
Language skills
Next, we ask how good your language skills are. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, you will receive 3 points for German language skills at level B2 or better, 2 points for German language skills at level B1, and 1 point for German language skills at level A2. In addition, you will also receive 1 point for knowledge of English at level C1.
But more importantly, if you cannot prove that you have either a basic knowledge of German (at least level A1) or English at level B2 or higher, you will not be able to obtain an opportunity card at all.
Age
We will also ask you how old you are. The reason for this is to give preference to younger people. If you are 35 or younger, you will therefore receive 2 points, and if you are 40 or younger, you will receive 1 point.
Stays in the past
If you have stayed in Germany for at least six months within the last five years, you will receive 1 point. This stay must have been legal, i.e. with a corresponding visa or residence permit, and uninterrupted. However, minor interruptions, such as a short visit to family or friends, which do not mean that the main focus of your stay was no longer in Germany, are not a problem.
Spouse
Next, we ask whether you have a spouse or registered partner who would also like to apply for an opportunity card. If this is the case and your spouse also fulfills the requirements for the Chancenkarte and applies for it at the same diplomatic mission or immigration office as you, you will both receive 1 point. However, the prerequisite for this is that you both enter Germany together and refer to your partner's application when applying.
Financial resources
Finally, we ask whether you have sufficient financial resources. There are no points for this, but it is a mandatory requirement of the Chancenkarte that you can secure the livelihood of yourself and possibly also of your close relatives. You can prove this either by having a blocked account from which you can only withdraw a certain amount per month. In 2025, you must deposit 992 euros there for each month, i.e. a total of at least 11,904 euros for one year. Alternatively, you can also prove that you are able to support yourself with a declaration of commitment or, if applicable, with an employment contract that shows that you have sufficient monthly income.
The points system at a glance
In the following table, we have once again compiled a clear overview of which qualifications and characteristics are awarded how many points. The table is based on Section 20b (1) and (2) AufenthG and the associated annex. If you receive at least 6 points, you can obtain an opportunity card in Germany.
| Condition | Points |
|---|---|
| Foreign vocational training for which an authority has determined that adaptation or compensation measures or further qualifications are required to establish equivalence with German training or to grant a license to practice the profession | 4 |
| German language skills at level B2 | 3 |
| German language skills at level B1 | 2 |
| German language skills at level A2 | 1 |
| English language skills at level C1 | 1 |
| Five years of relevant professional experience in the past seven years in a profession for which the training or studies qualify | 3 |
| Two years of relevant professional experience in the past five years in a profession for which the training or studies qualify | 2 |
| Vocational training or university degree in a shortage occupation (§ 18g para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1) | 1 |
| 35 years or younger | 2 |
| 40 years or younger | 1 |
| At least six months of uninterrupted legal residence in Germany in the past five years | 1 |
| Spouse or registered partner fulfills the requirements of the Chancenkarte, has applied for it at the same office, enters Germany together and the application refers to this | 1 |
Application for the Opportunity Card
You have 6 points or more? Wonderful! We will be happy to apply for your Chancenkarte for you so that you can soon be on your way to Germany to find work here.
By having our lawyers check your application and support you in the application process, you ensure that it has the best possible chance of success. This means you don't have to worry about communicating with the authorities and the like, but can instead concentrate fully on preparing your move to Germany.