How the two routes work
Route 1 — Skilled worker (no points)
Your degree or vocational training is from Germany, or fully recognized as equivalent. You only need the financial proof — the points system doesn't apply to you.
Route 2 — Points system (6+ points)
Qualification not (yet) fully recognized: meet the basic requirements, then score 6 points from recognition, experience, language, age, ties to Germany, and spouse.
The Opportunity Card (§20a Residence Act, introduced June 2024) gives you up to 12 months in Germany to find qualified work — no job offer needed upfront. Once hired, you switch to a work permit, EU Blue Card, or later permanent residence.
The full points table
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of qualification / permission for regulated profession | 4 |
| Work experience: 2 yrs (last 5) / 3 yrs (last 7) | 2 / 3 |
| German: A2 / B1 / B2+ | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| English C1 or native (additional) | 1 |
| Age: ≤35 / 36–40 | 2 / 1 |
| 6+ months legal stay in Germany (last 5 yrs, not tourism) | 1 |
| Qualification in a shortage occupation | 1 |
| Spouse applying together | 1 |
Basic requirements (2-year vocational training or degree + German A1 or English B2 + funds) earn no points — they're the entry ticket to the points route.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a job offer to apply?
A. No — that's the point of the card. You get up to 12 months in Germany to search, with part-time work (20 hrs/week) and unlimited 2-week trial jobs allowed.
Q. What counts as a "previous stay" in Germany?
A. At least 6 continuous months of legal residence in the last 5 years — study, work, or language courses count. Tourist stays don't.
Q. My spouse and I both want to go. Does that help?
A. If your spouse is also eligible and you apply together, each of you earns 1 extra point. Note the card itself doesn't include family reunification — each adult needs their own permit.
Q. What happens after I find a job?
A. You switch to a skilled worker permit or EU Blue Card. If you have a qualified job but don't yet meet another permit's requirements, the Opportunity Card can be extended up to 2 more years.
Q. Is this the same as the official Self-Check?
A. It follows the same published criteria. The official Self-Check on the Make it in Germany portal and the consular portal govern in case of any discrepancy — use this tool for quick planning.
Sources: German Federal Foreign Office consular services portal (digital.diplo.de), Make it in Germany, §20a Aufenthaltsgesetz. This calculator provides an estimate only and is not legal advice. Verify with the official Self-Check and consult the German embassy or a qualified adviser.