In Germany , one of the most frequently asked questions about the Chancenkarte (German Opportunity Card) system , which is available to qualified individuals who want to look for work without yet having an employment contract, is how the points are calculated

Questions such as "How many points are needed for the Chance Card?", "How many points does professional experience earn?", "How many points does B1 German score give?", "Can I get a Chance Card after the age of 40?", or "How many points does a university degree alone contribute?" are frequently asked before applying.

As of 2026, the primary legal basis for the Opportunity Card is Section 20a of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG), while the legal basis for the points system is Section 20b and the points table annexed to the Act.

According to the current supplementary table of the law, the minimum points required to obtain an Opportunity Card through the points system is 6. However, there is a very important distinction here:

Not every Opportunity Card applicant needs to accumulate 6 points.

Individuals in Germany who possess fully recognized academic or professional qualifications and are considered Fachkraft ( qualified professional) under German immigration law can apply for the Opportunity Card without entering the points system

The 6-point requirement applies primarily to individuals who do not possess a fully recognized qualification in Germany but meet the basic qualification and language requirements in §20a

Therefore, the first question to ask before calculating Opportunity Card points is:

"Am I really subject to a points system?"

should be.

How many points are needed for the Germany Opportunity Card?

According to §20a/3 of the AufenthG, the Opportunity Card can be obtained in two different ways:

1. Direct application via Fachkraft status

or

2. Application by accumulating sufficient points under §20b.

The minimum required points are clearly stated in the supplementary points table relating to sections 20a and 20b of the law:

6 points

It has been determined as follows.

However, earning 6 points alone does not guarantee the issuance of the Opportunity Card.

In addition to the points system, those applying must also have the following basic requirements:

• acceptable academic or professional qualifications,
• Minimum A1 German or B2 English knowledge,
• sufficient financial resources to secure his livelihood in Germany

It must have.

In other words:

Basic requirements + at least 6 points + financial sufficiency

They should be evaluated together.

Does everyone have to collect 6 points on the Opportunity Card?

No.

This is one of the most common mistakes made regarding the Opportunity Card.

In Germany;

• vocational training fully recognized,
• a foreign university degree is recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German degree,
• or completed vocational training or higher education in Germany

Individuals can apply directly for the Opportunity Card as a professional

There is no need to calculate points for these individuals.

For example, if a person who received engineering education in Türkiye has their university and diploma recognized in Germany in the necessary way, then that person;

"How many points do I get based on my age?"

"What is my B1 German score?"

"How many points are awarded for professional experience?"

He may not need to try to accumulate 6 points in this way.

Therefore, Anabin, ZAB, or professional recognition status should be assessed before applying.

Opportunity Card Points Table 2026

Based on AufenthG §20b and the current table in the annex to the Law, the main point items are as follows:

Criterion	Point
Partial professional equivalency / compensatory measure requirement	4
German B2 level or higher	3
German B1	2
German A2	1
English C1 or higher	1
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the last 7 years	3
At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the last 5 years	2
Qualifications that fall under the missing professional category	1
Applicants must be older than 35 years of age on the application date	2
Older than 35, not older than 40	1
Legal and continuous residence in Germany for at least 6 months in the last 5 years	1
Your spouse/partner must also meet the Opportunity Card requirements	1

The minimum total score is 6.

Now, we need to examine these criteria individually.

1. How many points are awarded for partial equivalency?

One of the highest single point categories in the Opportunity Card system partial equivalence .

An application for recognition of the applicant's foreign professional qualifications was submitted to the competent authority in Germany, and the competent authority;

In order to achieve full equivalence with German professional qualifications, adaptation or compensatory measures are necessary

or

that additional qualifications or compensatory procedures must be completed in order to practice a regulated profession

if the person has made a decision:

4 points

He takes it.

This is an extremely high score.

For example, someone who scores only 4 points from partial equivalence can reach 6 points by accumulating 2 more points from other criteria.

Example

Partial equivalence: 4 points

B1 German: 2 points

Total:

6 points

Such an applicant may not even need to earn points based on age or professional experience.

However, other essential requirements and financial capacity must also be assessed separately.

If I have a Partial Equivalency Certificate, am I required to have a ZAB Certificate?

According to the Federal Government's official Opportunity Card statement, if the applicant a partial recognition decision , an additional qualification certificate from the ZAB (German Federal Office for International Trade) may not be required for the points system.

Therefore, the Anerkennungsbescheid or Defizitbescheid documents held by individuals who have previously initiated the professional equivalency process should be particularly evaluated.

2. How many points does professional experience earn?

Professional experience is one of the strongest sources of points on the Opportunity Card.

However, not every work experience automatically earns points.

According to §20b, experience;

related to the person's formal professional or academic qualifications

And

acquired after obtaining the relevant qualification

It is important.

At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years

If the applicant has demonstrated at least two years of professional experience within the last five years, depending on their formal qualifications:

2 points

can get it.

At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years

If the applicant has demonstrated at least five years of relevant professional experience within the last seven years:

3 points

can get it.

These two points cannot be added together.

So, someone with five years of experience;

3 + 2 = 5 points

He won't take it.

The highest criterion is:

3 points

It is applied.

Should professional experience be in the same field as the diploma?

Essentially, yes; the law requires professional experience to be linked to formal qualifications

For example;

For someone with a degree in computer engineering and five years of experience in software development, the connection is quite clear.

However;

For someone with a degree in mechanical engineering who has worked as a sales representative in a completely unrelated field for the past five years, it may not be possible to automatically convert their entire work experience into professional experience points.

The extent to which concrete tasks are related to the individual's education should be assessed.

How to Prove Professional Experience?

Only in the resume;

"I've been doing this job for 5 years."

Writing is not enough.

Official statements from the Federal Government indicate that professional background should be demonstrated through a detailed CV and reference/employment documents from former employers.

In this context;

• work documents,
• employer letters,
• service records,
• employment contracts,
• Reference letters,
• Social Security records when needed,
• position and job descriptions

available.

It's important to be able to prove not only the duration of your employment, but the specific professional work you performed .

3. How many points does each German level award?

Language skills are one of the most effective ways to increase your Opportunity Card points.

Basic language requirement for application via the points system:

at least A1 level German

or

The minimum level of English is B2.

However, A1 German only meets the basic application requirements.

A1 level does not award additional points.

Points are awarded for higher levels of German language proficiency.

A2 German

1 point

B1 German

2 points

German B2 or higher

3 points

Therefore, if someone planning to apply for the Opportunity Card has insufficient points, improving their German language level can be extremely effective in terms of their application.

Can German language scores be added together?

No.

For example, a person who knows B2 level German;

A2 = 1,

B1 = 2,

B2 = 3

He/She will not get a total of 6 points.

Only the highest level is taken into consideration:

3 points

He takes it.

Section 20b explicitly stipulates that a lower language proficiency score will not be awarded additionally if a higher level score is obtained.

4. How many points does English earn?

Two different levels are important in English language proficiency.

B2 English

This level of English proficiency meets the basic language requirement necessary to enter the B2 English proficiency program .

However, B2 level English alone does not earn you points.

C1 or higher English

C1 level or higher English:

1 additional point

It brings profit.

Therefore, for example;

B1 German = 2 points

And

C1 English = 1 point

In total, from the language criteria:

3 points

available.

It is possible to use German and English scores together in this way.

Will I automatically receive points if English is my native language?

Attention should be paid to this matter.

The Federal Government's current Opportunity Card Q&A page states that even native English speakers may be required to prove their English proficiency with appropriate certification force.

Because;

"I already speak English."

This statement alone should not be considered sufficient.

The type of certificate accepted by the competent German diplomatic mission at the time of application should also be checked.

Which Language Certificates Are Accepted?

According to the latest statement from the Federal Government, language certificates must be obtained from authorized and recognized examination bodies.

For example, in terms of German the Goethe-Institut, while for English, IELTS or TOEFL are accepted.

The same official source also states that language certificates are generally to be no older than one year . The current document application procedures of the relevant diplomatic mission should also be checked.

5. How many points does being older earn?

The Age Opportunity Card is one of the easiest criteria to calculate in the points system.

According to AufenthG §20b and the current points table:

Applicants who are no older than 35 years of age

2 points

Applicants aged 35 to 40 years old

1 point

He takes it.

Individuals over the age of 40 do not receive points based on the age criterion.

However, this does not mean that the right to apply has been waived.

Is there an age limit of 40 for the Opportunity Card?

No.

On the Germany Opportunity Card;

"You cannot apply if you are over 40 years old."

There is no legal upper age limit.

A person over 40 cannot earn points based solely on age.

For example, a 44-year-old person;

Partial equivalence: 4 points

B1 German: 2 points

If so, the total is:

6 points

It is possible to reach it.

Therefore, age is only one of the scoring criteria.

6. How many points are awarded for missing professions?

the applicant's formal qualifications fall into one of the specific Engpassberufe / Mangelberufe(workplaces with labor shortages) in Germany:

1 point

It is given.

The law here refers to specific occupational groups within the scope of §18g.

Within these categories, there are various options in the concrete period;

• science,
• technology,
• engineering,
• health,
• information technologies
• education

Occupations in these fields may be included.

However, simply because the job title is commonly known as "a highly sought-after profession in Germany" doesn't automatically earn you a point.

It must be checked whether the applicant's formal qualifications fall within the professional group referred to by the law.

7. How many points are awarded for having lived in Germany before?

The applicant must have lived in Germany for a specific period within the last five years:

1 point

It can be profitable.

According to §20b, this requires the person to have been in Germany for at least:

6 months

They must have resided there lawfully and continuously.

For example;

• university education,
• Erasmus or long-term education,
• language education,
• study,
• specific internships or vocational programs

Long-term residency in Germany can be considered within this context.

The official statement from the Federal Government cites legal residency for educational, language, and work purposes as examples.

Do Tourist Visits to Germany Earn Points?

No.

The official statement from the Federal Government clearly states that periods spent in Germany as a tourist or visitor are not taken into account for these points.

Therefore;

"I have been to Germany 10 times in the last five years."

That doesn't earn you a point.

The requirement is not the number of tourist trips, but a genuine and legal residency history of at least six months.

How to Prove Previous Residence in Germany?

Depending on the specific situation;

• old passports,
• visas,
• entry-exit stamps,
• old residence permits,
• Anmeldung records,
• student or work documents

available.

The Federal Government also states that old passports, visas, and entry stamps can be used as evidence.

8. How to Earn 1 Point Based on Spouse?

One of the interesting criteria for the Opportunity Card is that it can be earned through a spouse or registered life partner:

It's 1 point.

However, simply being married is not enough.

According to §20b, the spouse or registered life partner;

He/She must also meet the terms and conditions of the Opportunity Card

having applied for or already applied for the Opportunity Card with the same authorized authority,

entering or planning to enter Germany with the applicant

And a connection needs to be established between the applications.

Therefore;

"I'm married, so I automatically get 1 point."

This calculation is incorrect.

Your spouse must also be independently eligible for the Opportunity Card.

Can both spouses receive 1 point?

If both conditions are met, the spouses' applications can be scheduled together.

The official statement from the Federal Government indicates that if the spouse also meets the Opportunity Card requirements and plans to travel to Germany together, one point can be awarded for the spouse criterion.

Therefore, in families where both spouses are university graduates or have qualified professions, having applications evaluated together can be advantageous.

How to Earn Opportunity Card Points?

The points system works cumulatively.

A person's scores from different criteria are added together.

For example:

Example 1 – 30 years old, B1 German language skills, 2 years of experience

Age: 2 points

B1 German: 2 points

2 years of relevant experience in the last 5 years: 2 points

Total: 6 points

If this person also meets the basic diploma/qualification, language, and financial sufficiency requirements, they will reach the necessary threshold in terms of points.

Example 2 – 38 years old, B2 German level, 2 years of experience

Age: 1 point

B2 German: 3 points

2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years: 2 points

Total: 6 points

Therefore, being over 35 is not a serious obstacle in itself.

Example 3 – 42 years old, 5 years of experience, B1 German language skills, and unqualified profession

Age: 0 points

At least 5 years of experience in the last 7 years: 3 points

B1 German: 2 points

Missing profession: 1 point

Total: 6 points

This example clearly refutes the common belief that one cannot obtain an Opportunity Card if they are over 40.

Example 4 – 32 years old, B2 German and C1 English

Age: 2 points

B2 German: 3 points

C1 English: 1 point

Total: 6 points

Even if this applicant receives no points for professional experience, they can still reach 6 points if the other requirements are met.

Example 5 – Applicant with Partial Equivalency

Partial equivalence: 4 points

A2 German: 1 point

Legal residency in Germany for the previous 6 months: 1 point

Total: 6 points

Partial equivalency can compensate for issues such as low age or experience points, as it is one of the strongest criteria in the Opportunity Card system.

Example 6 – Application as a Married Couple

Applicant:

Professional experience: 2 points

B1 German: 2 points

Age: 1 point

Eligible match for the Discount Card: 1 point

Total: 6 points

Therefore, the spouses' applications should not be considered independently.

Example 7 – Can a 45-Year-Old Applicant Obtain a Discount Card?

Let's assume the person is 45 years old.

Age: 0 points

Partial equivalence: 4 points

B1 German: 2 points

Total: 6 points

Therefore, being 45 years old does not automatically disqualify you from applying.

How many points does a university diploma give you?

There is a significant misunderstanding on this issue.

A university diploma is not automatically assigned a specific grade simply because it is a diploma.

A diploma is primarily a fundamental qualification that enables a person to be included in the Opportunity Card program .

If the diploma is fully recognized in Germany, the person can apply as a Fachkraft without needing a points system.

If full recognition is not available, but the diploma is recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained, the individual can enter the points system if they meet the other requirements.

Therefore;

"I have a bachelor's degree, 4 points."

There is no general calculation method like this.

Does a Master's Degree Earn Additional Points?

The current scoring system under the law does not include a separate point category solely for holding a master's or doctoral degree.

However, a master's degree;

the nature of competence,

your professional profile

and your chances of finding a job

It can strengthen it.

However, an additional "master's degree score" not explicitly stipulated in the law should not be added to the score calculation.

How many points does a PhD earn?

Similarly, a separate point system is not directly assigned to the doctorate itself.

Opportunity Card points are calculated only based on the criteria specified in section 20b and the supplementary table.

Therefore, applicants must compare the results they obtain from informal online calculation tools with the legal standard.

Can a Vocational High School Graduate Apply for an Opportunity Card?

Applications are not limited to university graduates only.

If a foreign professional qualification is to be used in the points system, it is important that the qualification is recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained and, as a rule, requires at least two years of vocational training to acquire it

Therefore, the specific nature of vocational high schools or other vocational training programs in Türkiye should be evaluated separately.

The document title alone is not sufficient.

The duration of the education, its status, and its recognition by the state should be examined.

Is it possible to earn 6 points with A1 German?

Yes.

A1 German doesn't award points, but it can fulfill the basic language requirement for the points system.

For example:

Age: 2 points

5 years of experience: 3 points

Missing profession: 1 point

A1 German: 0 points

Total: 6 points

Although this person's A1 German level won't count towards their score, they can still meet the basic language requirement.

Therefore, an A1 score of "0 points" does not mean that A1 has no legal function whatsoever.

Is it possible to earn 6 points with B2 level English?

B2 level English meets the basic language requirement, but no additional points are awarded solely for B2 level English.

For example:

Age: 2

5 years of experience: 3

Missing profession: 1

B2 English: 0 additional points

Total: 6 points

The applicant can still reach the required score.

To earn an additional point in English, a C1 level or higher is required.

Does scoring more than 6 points provide an advantage?

The law requires a minimum of 6 points for the Opportunity Card's points system

Having a score of 7, 8, or 9 can certainly indicate a strong profile; however, under current legislation:

"Those who score 8 points will automatically be granted visas before those who score 6 points."

or

"Anyone who scores 10 points will be guaranteed a visa."

There is no such arrangement.

A score above 6 points essentially indicates that the person has comfortably passed the minimum threshold.

Other legal requirements of the application will also be examined separately.

Does the 6-Point Opportunity Card Guarantee a Prize?

No.

This point is particularly important.

§20a also stipulates that securing one's livelihood is a prerequisite for receiving the Opportunity Card. Formal qualifications and language requirements must also be met independently of the points system.

Therefore;

Having 6 points,

However, you do not have acceptable qualifications

or

your inability to demonstrate financial sufficiency

In that case, the score alone will not be sufficient.

Opportunity Card is not a mathematical lottery system.

All legal requirements of the application are evaluated together.

What is the financial sufficiency requirement for the 2026 Opportunity Card?

In addition to the points calculation, it is also necessary to have financial security in Germany.

According to the Federal Government's updated statement for 2026, if financial adequacy is to be demonstrated via a blocked account, the minimum monthly amount must be:

1,091 Euros

Net amount is taken as the basis.

Alternatively, a suitable Verpflichtungserklärung, i.e., a formal undertaking in which a person in Germany agrees to cover the expenses, can be used.

Based on a monthly rate of €1,091 for one year, the total would be:

13,092 Euros

is happening.

However, this financial requirement is not a score.

A person with €20,000 in their account will not earn any additional points.

Financial sufficiency is another requirement for obtaining the Opportunity Card.

Does Showing a Lot of Money Earn Points?

No.

There are no points awarded for bank balance in the points table.

For example;

The person who showed 13,092 Euros

The person who showed 50,000 Euros

While different financial profiles may be required to meet financial sufficiency criteria, a high bank balance increases a person's Opportunity Card score

from 6 to 7,

From 7 to 8

It won't come out.

Therefore, financial adequacy and the points system should be separated.

Does a Job Offer Earn Points?

The Job Search Opportunity Card points system does not include a separate points category solely for finding job offers from Germany.

The main purpose of the system is to go to Germany to look for work even before a permanent job is found.

However, if the person has a concrete job offer that meets the requirements, they can apply directly instead of using the Opportunity Card;

• EU Blue Card,
• qualified employee session,
• professionally experienced employee session

Whether other visa types, such as those mentioned, might be more suitable should be evaluated.

The Opportunity Card is not always the most advantageous visa type.

Common Mistakes in Calculating Opportunity Card Points

Adding Non-Existent Scores to the Diploma

"I'm a university graduate, I have 4 points."

There is no general rule like that.

4 points relate to the partial equivalence/compensatory measure criterion.

Giving 1 point to A1 German

It may meet the A1 basic language requirement but will not award points.

1 point starts at A2 German level

Giving 1 point to B2 level English

This meets the B2 level of basic English language requirement but does not award additional points.

To earn one additional point in English, a C1 level or higher .

Accumulating Professional Experience Points

A person with 5 years of relevant experience;

2 + 3 = 5 points

He won't take it.

Only the highest criterion of 3 points will be applied.

Gathering German Levels

A person with B2 German proficiency cannot receive 6 points based on A2 + B1 + B2.

only 3 points .

Thinking that applications from people over 40 are not accepted

Age points are not awarded for those over 40, but there is no application ban.

Counting Tourist Trips to Germany Towards Residency Points

Tourist visits do not count towards the 1 point awarded for a 6-month stay in Germany within the last five years.

Thinking that being married alone earns you 1 point

For spousal points, both spouses must meet the Chancenkarte requirements and the relevant applications must be planned together.

Don't mistake a 6-point score for a visa guarantee

6 points is just enough to meet the point requirement.

Formal qualifications, language, subsistence, and other visa requirements must also be met.

What can be done to increase the points on the Opportunity Card?

If the applicant's score remains around 4 or 5, legal options to improve the score can be considered before submitting the application.

One of the most practical methods is to improve your German language level.

For example;

A1 → 0 points,

A2 → 1 point,

B1 → 2 points,

B2 → 3 points.

Therefore, a person at level A1 can directly 2 points .

Moreover;

professional experience reaching the required length of time,

initiating the equivalence process,

Obtaining a C1 English certificate

Assessment of your spouse's eligibility for the Opportunity Card

The score may be affected depending on the specific case.

However, no document should be created in a way that is contrary to the truth; only genuinely existing criteria or criteria subsequently acquired legally should be used.

How should scores be checked before applying?

It is helpful for the applicant to answer three questions for each point item:

1. Does the law actually award points for this criterion?

A feature not included in the score table should not be used.

2. Do I actually meet the second requirement?

For example, it should be checked whether the 5 years of experience were within the last 7 years and whether they are related to the qualifications.

3. Can I document this?

The Federal Government explicitly states that all criteria for which points are requested must be proven with appropriate documents and certificates.

Therefore;

Score = criteria + condition + evidence

That's how you should think.

Example Strong Profile for Opportunity Card

Let's consider a 32-year-old software engineer.

The applicant;

computer engineering degree,

three years of software experience in the last five years,

B1 German,

C1 English

It is located.

Points calculation:

Age: 2

Professional experience: 2

B1 German: 2

C1 English: 1

Total: 7 points

This person does not have a problem with the score threshold.

However;

suitability of the diploma within the scope of §20a,

Validity of language certificates,

professional experience certificates

and financial adequacy

It is also examined.

Sample Borderline Profile for Opportunity Card

Let's consider a 39-year-old mechanical engineer.

Professional experience: 2 years in the last 5 years.

German equivalent: B1.

Age: 39.

Points calculation:

Professional experience: 2

B1 German: 2

Age: 1

Total: 5 points

This person does not currently reach the minimum score of 6 points.

However, for example;

If they can document their English as C1: +1

and in total:

6 points

it could be.

Alternatively, if she improves her German to B2 level, she can receive 3 points instead of the 2 points she would get at B1, still reaching a total of 6.

This example demonstrates why pre-application score analysis is important.

Should someone with a score below 6 apply?

If an applicant applies through the points system and does not reach the legally mandated minimum score of 6, the application should not be expected to be approved.

However, it must first be checked whether the person has entered the Fachkraft path .

Because if the applicant has a fully recognized academic or professional qualification in Germany, they may not need the 6 points.

Therefore, a person with 5 points will be directly given;

"You cannot get a Discount Card."

Before making any statements, the diploma and its equivalency status should be examined.

Why is legal support important when applying for a Points System application?

Although the Opportunity Card's points system may seem like a simple online calculation tool, there are important details involved in the legal assessment of the application.

First, the applicant;

whether it is actually subject to a points system

It must be determined.

Later;

• the quality of the diploma,
• whether professional qualifications are recognized by the state,
• the link between professional experience and formal qualifications,
• the dates between which the experience was gained,
• Validity of language documents,
• whether the profession is in the underrepresented occupational group,
• Eligibility for points based on previous residence in Germany,
• whether the equalization criterion can be applied

They should be examined individually.

Just because someone's own calculation shows a score of 7 doesn't necessarily mean the German authorities will accept that score as well.

For example, the applicant;

They might require 3 points for 5 years of experience, but the work documents might only prove a three-year period.

They may require 3 points based on B2 German, but the certificate they provide may not be of acceptable quality.

In Germany, you can claim 1 point based on past residency, but this period must actually consist of tourist visits.

Therefore, the correct approach is:

"How many points am I calculating?"

not,

"How many points can I legally prove with documents?"

That is the question.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points are needed for the Germany Opportunity Card?

A minimum of 6 points is required to advance through the points system .

Does everyone have to accumulate 6 points?

No. In Germany, individuals with fully recognized professional or academic qualifications and Fachkraft status can apply without entering the points system.

What is the score for A1 German?

This level of proficiency meets the A1 German basic language requirement but is worth 0 additional points.

How many points are needed for A2 German?

1 point.

What is the score for B1 German?

2 points.

What is the score for B2 German?

3 points.

What is the score for C1 English?

1 additional point.

What is the score for B2 English?

The student may meet the B2 level of basic English language proficiency but will not receive additional points for it.

How many points are awarded for 2 years of work experience?

At least two years of experience relevant to the qualification within the last five years is worth 2 points.

How many points are awarded for 5 years of experience?

At least five years of relevant experience within the last seven years is worth 3 points.

How many points does a 30-year-old get?

For individuals under 35 years of age, the age criterion is 2 points.

How many points does a 38-year-old get?

Individuals who are between 35 and 40 years old 1 point .

Can I apply after the age of 40?

Yes. Age may not be a factor, but if you can accumulate at least 6 points from the other criteria, you can apply under the point system.

Can I get a Discount Card at age 45?

Age alone is not a barrier. A person can obtain the necessary 6 points from the other criteria.

What is the required score for a university diploma?

The diploma itself is not automatically awarded a specific score. The diploma is used to determine the appropriate application route and the necessary qualifications.

What is the score for partial equivalency?

The status of partial equivalence/compensatory measure that complies with the conditions in the law is worth 4 points.

How many points are awarded for the missing profession?

Formal qualifications in the appropriate, insufficient professional category earn 1 point

How many points are awarded for having lived in Germany before?

Legally valid and uninterrupted residence for at least six months within the last five years 1 point .

Do tourist visits to Germany earn points?

No.

How many points does being married get?

Simply being married does not earn points. One point can be awarded if both the spouse meets the Opportunity Card requirements and the legal conditions for joint application are fulfilled .

What is the required score for a master's degree?

Independent points are not awarded solely for having a master's degree.

How many points are needed for a doctorate?

There is no independent point system specific to doctoral degrees alone.

Does a score of 6 guarantee a visa?

No. Formal qualifications, language proficiency, financial sufficiency, and other visa requirements must also be met.

Is getting 7 or 8 points advantageous?

The minimum threshold is 6. A higher score may indicate a stronger profile, but there is no system that automatically guarantees a visa.

Conclusion

The German Opportunity Card points systemis not simply about adding up a number of points.

As of 2026, in order to obtain an Opportunity Card via the points system according to AufenthG §20a, §20b and the points table annexed to the Law:

At least 6 points

is required.

The main point categories are:

Partial equivalence: 4 points

German language level B2 or higher: 3 points

B1 German: 2 points

A2 German: 1 point

C1 level or higher English: 1 point

5 years of relevant professional experience in the last 7 years: 3 points

2 years of relevant professional experience in the last 5 years: 2 points

Suitable missing profession: 1 point,

Age criterion: 1 or 2 points

Previous eligible residence in Germany: 1 point

Spouse meeting Opportunity Card requirements: 1 point

It is in this form.

However, two points in particular should not be forgotten.

Firstly: Individuals with Fachkraft status who possess fully recognized academic or professional qualifications in Germany do not need to accumulate 6 points.

Secondly: Obtaining 6 points on the points system alone is not sufficient. The applicant must also possess acceptable formal qualifications, the required language level, and sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Germany.

Therefore, the best approach before applying for a Discount Card is:

First, check if you can enter the Fachkraft path directly

then if necessary;

calculating each point item separately

And finally;

The goal is to determine which documents will be used to prove all the calculated scores.

With the Opportunity Card, the crucial factor is not simply reaching 6 points in one's own account, but rather being able to legally prove, through documents acceptable to the German authorities, that at least 6 points have been earned.