Germany is rolling out the red carpet for skilled professionals across the globe with its new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). As part of a bold effort to address labor shortages, this card opens the door for non-EU nationals to live and work in Germany, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria for the Germany Opportunity Card, focusing on the points system, age, and education requirements that determine your success.
The Germany Opportunity Card is a brand-new immigration pathway launched by the German government to attract skilled workers. Think of it as Germany’s version of a points-based visa, similar to Canada or Australia’s systems. With this card, you can enter Germany without a job offer, explore employment opportunities, and potentially transition to long-term residency.
Germany is facing an acute labor shortage, particularly in healthcare, IT, engineering, and skilled trades. The Opportunity Card is a strategic move to:
Attract global talent
Fill job market gaps
Simplify immigration for qualified individuals
To be eligible, you must meet both basic requirements and accumulate a minimum number of points based on your personal profile. These include your age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
Applicants must score at least 6 points to qualify. Points are awarded based on:
Educational qualifications
Work experience
Language proficiency
Age
Previous stays in Germany or job-related ties
To successfully obtain the card:
6 points minimum are required
Some candidates may automatically qualify (e.g., those with a recognized degree and job offer)
Here’s a breakdown of how points are typically awarded:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Recognized professional qualification | 4 |
| 5+ years of professional experience | 3 |
| German B2 language level | 3 |
| Age under 35 | 2 |
| Previous stay in Germany | 1 |
| English B2 level | 1 |
You can combine criteria to meet or exceed the 6-point threshold.
Your age plays a significant role in the points system:
Under 35 years old: 2 points
35–40 years old: 1 point
Over 40: 0 points
Younger candidates are preferred as they are seen as having higher long-term economic potential.
To score points for education:
Your degree or qualification must be recognized in Germany
Use the Anabin Database to check recognition
If your degree is listed as “gleichwertig” (equivalent), you’re good to go
Examples of recognized qualifications:
Engineering degrees
IT certifications
Healthcare training
Work experience is another strong factor:
2+ years of professional experience = 2 points
5+ years = 3 points
Experience must be relevant to your qualification
Tip: Provide reference letters and employment contracts for proof.
Language skills enhance your points score and employability:
German B1 = 2 points
German B2 = 3 points
English B2 = 1 point
Even if you don’t speak German fluently, strong English still earns you points.
Your qualifications need official recognition:
Check anabin.kmk.org
Use the ZAB certificate for unlisted degrees
Professional licenses (nursing, teaching, etc.) must match German standards
You can boost your score with:
Postgraduate degrees
Industry certifications (e.g., AWS, Cisco, PMP)
Trade licenses
These show advanced expertise and improve your job prospects.
Applicants in high-demand sectors have an edge:
Healthcare (nurses, caregivers)
IT (developers, security experts)
Engineering (mechanical, civil)
Skilled trades (plumbers, electricians)
Accepted language tests include:
Goethe-Zertifikat
telc Deutsch
TestDaF
Make sure your certificate is not older than 2 years.
To earn points for English:
IELTS score of 5.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT score of 72+
Only B2 level (or higher) is accepted.
There are two ways to use the Opportunity Card:
With a job offer: Immediate eligibility
Job-seeking: Use the card to search for employment while in Germany
You must show that you can support yourself:
Minimum of €1,027/month
Options: Blocked account, sponsorship declaration, or job income
Health insurance is mandatory:
Travel insurance for the first 3 months
Switch to statutory or private insurance after arrival
Apply via:
German consulate in your home country
German immigration office (if you’re already in Germany)
Prepare:
Passport
Proof of qualification
CV and cover letter
Language certificates
Proof of funds and insurance
The standard fee is:
€75–€100, depending on your country
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Validity: 1 year, extendable if you secure a job
Yes, but only after securing employment:
Spouses and children can join
Proof of income and accommodation is needed
| Feature | Opportunity Card | Job Seeker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Points System | Yes | No |
| Job Offer Needed | No | No |
| Validity | 1 year | 6 months |
| Eligibility Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Avoid:
Incomplete documents
Unrecognized degrees
Insufficient funds
Low language scores
Learn German (reach B1/B2)
Get your qualifications recognized early
Choose a profession in demand
Document all work experience clearly
Many applicants have landed jobs in:
Software development within 2 months
Nursing roles in major hospitals
Engineering consultancies
Germany aims to:
Attract 400,000 skilled workers annually
Streamline immigration procedures
Integrate migrants into society effectively
The eligibility criteria for the Germany Opportunity Card may seem rigorous, but with careful planning, the doors to Europe’s strongest economy are wide open. Focus on accumulating points through recognized education, solid experience, and language skills. Whether you’re a nurse from India, a developer from Nigeria, or an engineer from Brazil, Germany welcomes you with a structured path to opportunity.
What is the minimum point requirement for the Germany Opportunity Card?
You need 6 points to be eligible.
Is there an age limit for the Germany Opportunity Card?
No strict limit, but applicants under 35 get bonus points.
Can I apply for the Germany Opportunity Card without a job offer?
Yes, it’s specifically designed for job seekers.
Which language certificates are accepted?
Goethe, Telc, TestDaF (for German); IELTS, TOEFL (for English).
Can I extend the Opportunity Card after one year?
Yes, if you find a job, you can extend or switch to a residence permit.
Do I need to know German to apply?
It’s not mandatory, but German proficiency gives you more points and job prospects.
