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How the Chancenkarte points system works
Germany introduced the Chancenkarte in June 2024 to attract skilled workers — the government estimates the economy needs roughly 400,000 skilled immigrants a year. Points reward recognised qualifications, language skills, experience and youth. Improving your German from A2 to B1 is the single fastest way for most applicants to gain points, and recognition of your degree (via the anabin database or a ZAB assessment) can qualify you outright.
How long can I stay on the Chancenkarte?
Up to 12 months to look for qualified work, with part-time work up to 20 hours per week allowed during the search. Once you find a qualifying job, you switch to a work residence permit.
How much money must I show?
You must prove you can support yourself for the stay — commonly via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) covering the full period, or a part-time employment contract. The exact amount is set by the authorities and adjusted periodically; check the official portal before applying.
Chancenkarte points table — what each criterion is worth
The Chancenkarte points system awards a maximum of 14 points across eight criteria. You need at least 6 points if your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany. If it is fully recognised, you skip the points test entirely and apply directly.
| Criterion | Points | Notes |
|---|
| Qualification partially recognised in Germany | 4 | The single biggest award, given when recognition proceedings confirm partial equivalence. If you have not started recognition yet, the calculator above scores this as 0 — start proceedings (Anerkennung) early. |
| German language — B2 or higher | 3 | B1 scores 2 points and A2 scores 1. A recognised certificate (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) is required. |
| Professional experience in your field | 2–3 | 3 points for 5+ years within the last 7 years; 2 points for 2+ years within the last 5 years. |
| Age | 1–2 | 2 points under 35; 1 point from 35 to 40; no points over 40. |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 | IT, engineering, health, teaching and parts of construction and logistics are on the shortage list. |
| English language — C1 or native speaker | 1 | Counts in addition to German, not instead of it. |
| Previous legal stay in Germany (6+ months) | 1 | For example a previous study or work stay — tourist visits do not count. |
| Spouse or partner also qualifies | 1 | Your partner must independently meet the Chancenkarte requirements. |
Worked example: reaching 6 Chancenkarte points
Take a 30-year-old engineer in a shortage occupation (1 point) who holds a B1 German certificate (2 points), has six years of experience in the last seven years (3 points) and is under 35 (2 points). That profile scores 8 points — comfortably above the 6-point threshold, without any recognition points at all. Add partial recognition of the degree (4 points in the official table) and the same profile reaches 12. Notice the pattern: language plus experience does most of the work, which is why officials recommend starting German study and recognition proceedings in parallel, months before you apply.
How to apply for the Chancenkarte, step by step
- Check recognition first. Look up your qualification in the anabin database or start formal recognition — the outcome decides whether you need points at all.
- Get your language certificate. Book a recognised German exam early; test dates fill up and B1 is the most valuable single upgrade for most applicants.
- Prove you can support yourself. Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for the required amount, or secure a part-time job contract.
- Apply. Submit your application through the German mission in your country or the official online portal, with your qualification, certificate, CV and proof of funds.
- Search on the ground. In Germany you may work part-time up to 20 hours per week and take two-week trial jobs while you look for qualified employment.
- Switch permits. Once you have a qualifying job offer, convert the Chancenkarte into a work residence permit without leaving Germany.
What if I score under 6 Chancenkarte points?
You have three realistic options: raise your German level (A2 to B1 adds a point and B2 adds another), complete recognition of your qualification (worth 4 points on partial recognition — and full recognition removes the points test entirely), or arrive with a concrete job offer under a different route such as the EU Blue Card or the skilled-worker visa, which do not use this points system.
Does the Chancenkarte lead to permanent residence?
Indirectly, yes. The card itself lasts up to 12 months, but the qualified job you find on it moves you onto a work residence permit, and time on that permit counts toward settlement (permanent residence) under the usual rules. The Chancenkarte is a bridge into the German labour market, not a destination in itself.
Sources: Make it in Germany — the federal government's portal for skilled workers, including the official Chancenkarte self-check · Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Always confirm your personal situation with the official self-check before applying.