Chancenkarte points system: how many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?
Short answer
On the points route of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), the German Missions in Nigeria (Lagos) and the German Embassy Accra both say you need 6 points. Their points tables are worded differently, so use the page of the mission you apply to. Lagos gives German B2 3 points. Accra's page lists German B2 under both 3 points and 2 points. 12
On this page
- Short answer
- Who needs points for the Opportunity Card, and who does not?
- How many points does each row give on the Nigeria (Lagos) page?
- How does the Ghana (Accra) points table differ?
- Can I add points from different rows? What the law says
- Are points enough to get the card?
- People also ask
- Related questions
- Sources
Who needs points for the Opportunity Card, and who does not?
The German Missions in Nigeria list two ways to qualify: a qualification that is fully recognised in Germany, or one that is not (fully) recognised. On the second way you need German at least A1 or English at least B2, plus at least 6 points.
The German Embassy Accra words it the same way. You must meet the basic requirement (proof of money to live in Germany) and then either be a skilled worker, or be a "not yet skilled worker" who needs to recognise the qualification, gain 6 points and show German or English language skills. The Accra page says a skilled worker has a vocational training or university degree that is recognised in Germany.
The law behind the points is § 20b of the Residence Act (AufenthG). It says the minimum number of points in the table must be reached.
How many points does each row give on the Nigeria (Lagos) page?
The Lagos page calls it the Qualification Points System. It says an unskilled worker must score at least 6 points from these rows:
- Qualification recognition procedure done and partial equivalence established (or, for a regulated profession, compensatory measures still needed for the licence to practise): 4 points
- Language certificate German B2 or better: 3 points
- Language certificate German B1: 2 points
- Language certificate German A2: 1 point
- Language certificate English C1 or better: 1 point
- At least 5 years of professional experience in the last 7 years related to the professional qualification: 3 points
- At least 2 years of professional experience in the last 5 years related to the professional qualification: 2 points
- Professional qualification in a so-called shortage occupation: 1 point
- Between 18 and 35 years old: 2 points
- Between 35 and 40 years old: 1 point
- Lived legally and continuously in Germany for at least 6 months in the last 5 years (no tourist visits): 1 point
- Your spouse or registered partner meets the requirements for the Opportunity Card: 1 point
Sources for this part1
How does the Ghana (Accra) points table differ?
The Accra page groups the same idea by points: 4, 3, 2 and 1. Where it overlaps with Lagos, the figures match for recognition (4), German A2 (1), English C1 (1) and shortage occupation (1). They also match for a stay in Germany of at least six months (1, with documented proof; tourist stays do not count). Accra does not say "legal", "continuous" or "in the last 5 years".
These rows are worded differently:
- Age: Accra says "not older than 35 years" for 2 points and "not older than 40 years" for 1 point. Lagos says "between 18 - 35" and "between 35 - 40".
- Experience: Accra gives 3 points for 5 years of work experience within the last 7 years in the skilled occupation and two years of prior vocational training in line with the rules of the country of origin. It gives 2 points for two years of work experience within the last five years with prior vocational training. Lagos words both rows as experience related to the professional qualification.
- Spouse: Accra says "Apply for the Opportunity Card together with your spouse" for 1 point. Lagos says your spouse or registered partner meets the requirements.
- Recognition: Accra says partial recognition of a foreign professional qualification, or permission to practise a regulated profession (for example teacher, nurse or engineer).
- German B1: the Accra list has no B1 row.
- German B2: the Accra list shows German B2 twice, as "Good knowledge of German at level B2" under 3 points and as "German language skills at level B2" under 2 points. The page does not say which applies, so ask the embassy before you count it.
Can I add points from different rows? What the law says
§ 20b AufenthG says that for German language and for work experience, a lower row does not add to a higher one.
Language: § 20b gives points for "ausreichende" or "hinreichende" German only if you do not get points for a higher level of German. The Lagos table lists B2, B1 and A2 as separate rows, so count only the highest German level you hold.
Experience: points for at least two years of experience in the last five years are given only if you get no points for at least five years in the last seven.
Age: the law gives points if you are not older than 35 when you apply for the card, and points if you are older than 35 and not older than 40. These are two separate bands.
Spouse: the point applies if your spouse or registered partner meets the requirements for the card, applies at the same office (or has applied), travels to Germany with you or intends to, and you link to their application when you apply.
Recognition: if you get points because the competent body found that adjustment measures or further qualifications are still needed for your foreign qualification (§ 20b(1) Nr. 1), the conditions in § 20a Absatz 4 Satz 3 Nummer 1 no longer apply to you.
Sources for this part3
Are points enough to get the card?
Points are one requirement. On the second Lagos route you also need German at least A1 or English at least B2, and proof of money (EUR 1,091 a month on the Lagos checklist). The Accra page lists proof of money as the basic requirement for every applicant.
The Lagos page links to a list of shortage occupations.
Reading the answer is the easy part. Say it out loud.
The officer will ask about this. Answer in your own words, then read what your answer missed. Your first practice interview is free.
Practise saying it out loudPeople also ask
Do I get 2 points or 1 point for age if I am 35?
§ 20b gives points to someone "nicht älter als 35" and, separately, to someone older than 35 and not older than 40. The Lagos and Accra pages give these bands 2 and 1 points. Lagos words them "between 18 - 35" and "between 35 - 40", which both include 35. 31
Can I add German B2 points and German A2 points together?
No. § 20b gives points for "ausreichende" or "hinreichende" German only if you do not get points for a higher level of German. The Lagos table lists B2, B1 and A2 as separate rows, so count only the highest German level you hold. 3
Do I get both experience rows if I have 5 years of experience in the last 7 years?
No. The law gives points for two years in the last five years only if you get no points for five years in the last seven. 3
Sources
- 1Opportunity CardOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 30 Oct 2026
- 2Opportunity CardOfficialGerman Embassy Accra · checked 31 Oct 2026
- 3§ 20b AufenthGOfficialFederal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 31 Oct 2026
Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.
General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.