Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): How the Points System Works

Germany's Opportunity Card, known in German as the Chancenkarte, lets skilled people from outside the EU come to Germany for up to one year to look for a qualified job. Unlike most work visas, you do not need a job offer before you arrive. For graduates and skilled workers from Pakistan and the UAE, it can be a practical first step into the German job market.

Two ways to qualify

1. Recognised skilled workers

If your degree or vocational qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you qualify for the Opportunity Card without needing points. Recognition is usually checked through the anabin database for degrees or through a formal recognition procedure for vocational qualifications.

2. The points-based route

If your qualification is not fully recognised, you can still qualify by scoring at least six points. Before points are counted, you must meet three basic conditions:

• a university degree or at least two years of vocational training recognised by the country where it was obtained;
• basic German at level A1, or English at level B2;
• enough funds to support yourself during your stay.

How points are scored

Points are awarded across several criteria. Each criterion usually gives between one and four points:

• Partial recognition of your qualification: a strong boost if your qualification is partly recognised in Germany.
• Professional experience: more points for more years of relevant experience in recent years.
• German language skills: more points for higher levels of German, from A2 upwards.
• English language skills: points for strong English, typically at C1.
• Age: younger applicants receive more points, with the highest score for those under 35.
• Previous stays in Germany: points for earlier legal stays, such as study or work.
• Shortage occupations: points if your profession is in a field with a shortage of workers.
• Partner potential: a point if your spouse also meets the requirements and applies with you.

The official Make it in Germany portal provides a self-check tool that shows how many points you are likely to score.

Proof of funds

You must show that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay. The commonly cited figure for 2026 is about €1,091 per month. You can show funds through a blocked account, a formal declaration of commitment from a sponsor in Germany, or a contract for part-time work. Check the current amount with the German mission before applying, as it is adjusted regularly.

What you can do with an Opportunity Card

• Stay in Germany for up to 12 months to look for a qualified job.
• Work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while you search.
• Do trial work of up to two weeks with a potential employer.
• Switch to a work residence permit, such as the EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit, once you find a suitable job.

How to apply from Pakistan

1. Check whether your degree is listed as recognised in anabin, or start a recognition procedure.
2. Take an approved language test: German A1 or above, or English B2.
3. Arrange proof of funds and health insurance covering your stay.
4. Book an appointment with the German Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi, or apply through the relevant visa service.
5. Submit your application with your CV, qualifications, language certificates and funds evidence.

Waiting times for appointments can be long, so plan several months ahead.

Is the Opportunity Card right for you?

It suits people with solid qualifications and experience who are ready to search actively for work in Germany. Learning German, even to A2 or B1, makes a big difference both to your points and to your chances in the job market. If you already have a job offer, a direct work visa may be faster.

How ZANS Consultants can help

We assess your points, guide you on recognition and language requirements, and prepare your file. Learn more about our Germany Opportunity Card service and our Germany Work Visa service, or book a consultation.

General information only: German immigration rules and amounts change. Check the current requirements with the German mission before applying. The German authorities make the final decision on every application.