How to Calculate Chancenkarte Points
The calculation is a straightforward addition based on a fixed statutory scorecard (§ 20a AufenthG). You need a minimum of 6 points to qualify under the Points Route.
⚠️ Mandatory Baseline Requirements
Before counting points, you must satisfy these baseline requirements; otherwise, your points cannot be considered:
- A university degree or at least a 2-year vocational training recognized in your country of origin.
- At least German A1 or English B2 (certified by recognized bodies such as Goethe-Institut, telc, IELTS, or TOEFL).
- Proof of funds covering your stay (such as a blocked account with approx. €1,091/month for 12 months).
Official Points Allocation Breakdown
| Category | Criterion | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Equivalence / Recognition | Partial equivalence recognition (Teilanerkennung) from a German authority | 4 points |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation (Engpassberuf, e.g., IT, engineering, healthcare, STEM) | 1 point | |
| Professional Experience (Only one applies) |
At least 2 years of relevant experience within the last 5 years | 2 points |
| At least 5 years of relevant experience within the last 7 years | 3 points | |
| Language Skills | German A2 | 1 point |
| German B1 | 2 points | |
| German B2 or higher (C1/C2) | 3 points | |
| English C1 or higher (or native speaker) | 1 point | |
| Age (Only one applies) |
Up to 35 years old (on date of application) | 2 points |
| 35 to 40 years old | 1 point | |
| Over 40 years old | 0 points | |
| Ties to Germany | Continuous legal stay in Germany for at least 6 months within the past 5 years (study, work, language school; tourism excluded) | 1 point |
| Spouse / Partner | Spouse/partner meets the basic requirements and also applies for an Opportunity Card | 1 point |
Two Practical Calculation Examples
Profile A: Early-Career Professional
- Age: 28 years old 2 pts
- Experience: 3 yrs relevant 2 pts
- Language: English C1 + German A2 2 pts
Total Score:
6 points (Qualifies) ✅
Profile B: Mid-Career IT Specialist
- Age: 37 years old 1 pt
- Experience: 6 yrs software dev 3 pts
- Shortage Occ: IT field 1 pt
- Language: English C1 1 pt
Total Score:
6 points (Qualifies) ✅
Want an official calculation?
If you want an official browser-based checker without calculating by hand, the German government provides an interactive Self-Check Tool.
Open Self-Check Tool ➔