The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card): How the 6-Point System Works

Germany's Answer to the Canadian System

For decades, moving to Germany was incredibly rigid. You could not get a work visa unless you already had a signed corporate job offer in your hand. But getting a German company to interview you while you were sitting in India or the US was nearly impossible.

In June 2024, everything changed. The German government launched the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card).

It is a massive paradigm shift. It allows skilled workers to move to Germany for up to one year without a job offer, purely to look for work.

The Golden Rule: The 6 Points

To get the Chancenkarte, you must hit a minimum of 6 Points on their new immigration scale. (You also must prove basic language skills—either A1 German or B2 English—and prove you have the funds to survive the year).

Here is how you earn the 6 points:

1. Your Professional Qualifications (Max 4 Points)

If your foreign university degree is fully recognized in Germany, you get 4 Points.

If you are in a heavily regulated profession (like nursing or teaching) and have partial recognition, you get 4 Points.

2. Professional Experience (Max 3 Points)

5+ years of relevant professional experience within the last 7 years: 3 Points.

2+ years of experience within the last 5 years: 2 Points.

3. Language Skills (Max 3 Points)

C1 German or native speaker: 3 Points.

B2 German: 2 Points.

B1 German: 1 Point.

C1 English: 1 Point (Note: You can combine points for English and German, but only up to a maximum of 4 total language points).

4. Age (Max 2 Points)

Under 35 years old: 2 Points.

Between 35 and 40 years old: 1 Point.

Over 40: 0 Points.

5. Germany Connection (Max 1 Point)

If you have previously lived in Germany legally for at least 6 continuous months (e.g., as an exchange student or intern) within the last 5 years, you get 1 Point. (Tourist visas do not count).

The 'Direct Path' Loophole

Do you find the point system confusing? There is a massive loophole.

If your foreign degree is 100% equivalent to a German degree, AND the Anabin database lists your university as "H+", you do not need to calculate points at all. You are considered a "Fachkraft" (Skilled Worker) by default, and you automatically qualify for the Chancenkarte regardless of your age or experience.

Stop guessing your eligibility. Use our Chancenkarte Points Calculator to see if you can legally move to Germany tomorrow.