Germany Opportunity Card Points Calculator 2024

Germany is going to introduce a points based immigration  program for working professionals in June 2024, which will give a legal residence permit to professionals and allow them to look for a job in Germany. Individuals possessing the necessary expertise and credentials will have the opportunity to go to Germany in order to search for employment and participate in in-person interviews with prospective employers. 

During this 12 month tenure, the living cost has to be taken care of by the individual, for which any part time work of 20 hours per week is allowed until you get a job in your field of expertise.

Basic Requirements for Germany Opportunity Card

• Qualifications: Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from a university in Germany or an equivalent overseas degree.
• Experience: Possess a minimum of 1 year experience in your field of study.
• Age:  Must be preferable less than 35.
• Language Skills: Proof that you speak German at least on level A1 OR English on level B2 – through certificates that are officially recognized by German authorities.
• Funds: Proof ensuring coverage of living expenses through sufficient financial means on a blocked account, sponsorship by a German resident, or through an employment contract for a part-time position that you will take up after arriving in Germany.

Advantages of the Opportunity Card

• New and easier path for immigration to Germany
• Chances of Permanent Residence in Germany
• Good chance of earning fair wage
• Assured work permit.

Points Calculator:

Individuals with a university degree and a professional vocational training, which is fully recognized in Germany will receive 6 points for it. This exempts the person from collecting any additional points. 

However, if the individual does not possess the required aspect, he/she will have to collect at least 6 points in different categories.

1.  Educational Requirements: 

   · University Degree: If you hold a university degree that is accepted in Germany, you will be awarded 6 points. If the degree was earned in Germany, this is also true.

   · Vocational Training: You can receive 6 points for completing at least two years of training in a profession, but it must be accepted in Germany. 4 points are awarded for partial recognition of qualifications.

2.  Work Experience:

   · Relevant Work Experience: A significant amount of weight is placed on prior experience in a subject that is extremely close to the kind of position for which you are eligible. 5 years of experience throughout the previous 7 years can gain you 3 points. You receive 2 points for having 2-5 years of relevant experience.

   · Recent Work Experience: Experience gained within the last two years is very beneficial, but less than 2 years of work experience does not count toward points.

3.  Language Proficiency: 

   · German Language Proficiency: It is crucial to be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend a second language. You receive 3 points for achieving a CEFR B2 level or above in German, and 2 points for achieving a B1 level. Points from lower tiers are little or nonexistent.

   · English Proficiency: Although proficiency in German is the most highly regarded, you can receive an additional point if you hold an English language certificate at the C1 level or above.

4.  Ideal Age Range: One significant component influencing your score is your age. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 34 receive 2 points, while those between the ages of 35 and 39 receive 1 point. If an applicant is 40 years of age or older, they are not eligible to receive any points in this area.

5. Extra Elements:

   · Shortage Occupations: You receive one extra point if your profession is on Germany’s list of skilled shortage occupations, such as engineering, healthcare, or information technology.

   · German residency: You receive an extra point for living in Germany for at least 6 months out of the previous five years.

What Is the Necessary Point Count?

Typically, in order to be eligible for an Opportunity Card, a person must have accrued at least 6 points. In order to exclude unskilled workers who lack the necessary skills for the German labor market, this criterion is crucial. Depending on the current immigration regulations, the required amount of points for a visa application may vary.