Points Calculator for the German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
The introduction of the Opportunity Card in 2023 will open up a new and easier path for immigrating to Germany. With my free points calculator, you can already check whether you will meet the requirements and reach the required 6 points!
What is the Opportunity Card?
Later this year, Germany will introduce a new points-based immigration program, to attract more international talent. This new path will be introduced in addition to existing immigration options.
If you are an international professional looking to migrate to Germany but are having trouble finding a job from abroad, the points-based opportunity card could be the solution for you.
It will allow you to come to Germany and search for a job on site, for up to one year. You will need to cover your living expenses during your stay in Germany, but you will be able to work part-time and take on short trial positions until you get a full-time job in your field of expertise.
To qualify for the opportunity card, you must meet certain criteria and reach enough points. If you already have a degree that is recognized in Germany you will automatically meet the requirements. If not, there are various criteria that can be used to earn the necessary 6 points.
With my free points calculator, you can check if you will meet the requirements and earn enough points to get the Chancenkarte.
Note: The calculator was updated on March 31, 2023. The government has passed a draft bill that differs from the original proposal. Some categories and the distribution of points have been changed. If you used the calculator before that date, run it again to check if you still can reach the required 6 points.
Criteria for the Opportunity Card
Qualifications
Up to 6 points if you have a formal foreign qualification and it's recognized in Germany.
Experience
Up to 3 points if you have work experience that matches your formal qualifications.
Age
2 points if you are under 35 or 1 point if you are between 35 and 40 years old.
German Language
Up to 3 points if you speak German and have an official certificate to prove it.
Previous stays in Germany
1 point if you have previously lived in Germany for at least 6 months.
Spouses
1 point if your spouse also meets the requirements for an opportunity card.
Germany's immigration reform in 2023
The German government is working on improving the Skilled Immigration Act, which has been in place since March 2020, with the aim of making it easier for skilled professionals from non-EU countries to immigrate to Germany.
In the future, labor immigration will be based on three pillars:
The qualification-based pillar remains the central element of labor immigration to Germany.
As before, it includes:
- The EU Blue Card for foreign university graduates with recognized degrees
- The residence permit for foreign skilled workers with recognized qualifications (university degrees or vocational qualifications /Berufsausbildung)
The most important changes are:
- Skilled immigrants with recognized qualifications should be able to take up any qualified employment. The job will no longer have to match their formal qualification.
- The existing salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card should be lowered, making it easier for young professionals to get a job.
- The period for obtaining a settlement permit is to be shortened from five to three years.
The experience-base pillar is intended to enable skilled workers to immigrate, even if their professional qualifications have not previously been recognized in Germany.
The applicants will have to meet these conditions:
- The applicant has a professional qualification of at least two years that is officially recognized in their country and two years of professional experience.
- The employment contract must be in a non-regulated profession.
- The salary must reach a certain threshold or be linked to a collective agreement.
There is already an exception to the recognition requirement for experienced IT specialists. These can take up work in Germany even if they do not have a recognized degree in IT. In the future, the salary thresholds are to be lowered for them and they should no longer have to prove their knowledge of German.
The potential-based pillar is intended for immigrants who don’t yet have a job offer in Germany.
- The core of the third pillar is the introduction of a points-based system. The selection criteria will include qualifications, language skills, professional experience, reference to Germany, and age.
- Successful applicants should receive an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for job hunting and be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while looking for a job.
If you would like to explore your immigration options and chances to land a job in Germany in more detail, you are welcome to book a Discovery Consultation with me.