Germany Is Offering Visas to Skilled Workers.
Here Is the English Score You Need.
Open now. Most applicants from target countries do not know it exists.
In June 2024, Germany launched the Chancenkarte. The official English name is the Opportunity Card. It is a points-based job seeker visa that lets skilled workers enter Germany without a job offer lined up, look for work from inside the country, and convert the visa into a work permit once they find a qualifying role. English is accepted alongside German for the language requirement.
What the visa actually is
A one-year visa. No job offer required at the point of application. You arrive, look for work in your field, and if you find a qualifying employer, you convert to a work permit from within Germany. Points are earned based on your qualifications, work experience, language ability, age, and prior connections to Germany. You need at least six points to qualify.
The English requirement
The language requirement is B2, measured against the Common European Framework of Reference. B2 is what most people would call upper-intermediate English. For IELTS, that maps to roughly a 5.5 to 6.0 overall. For TOEFL iBT on the new 2026 scale, it maps to approximately 4.0 on the 1 to 6 band. English and German are treated equally. A candidate with B2 English and no German qualifies on language, provided they meet the other points criteria.
| Test | B2 score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 5.5 to 6.0 | Lower B2 = 5.5, upper B2 = 6.0. Confirm with the German embassy for your country. |
| TOEFL iBT (2026 format) | ~4.0 on the 1-6 scale | B2 maps to ~4.0 on the revised CEFR-aligned scale introduced January 2026. |
| Cambridge B2 First (FCE) | Grade C or above | Directly recognised as B2. Widely accepted by German immigration authorities. |
| Duolingo English Test | Not accepted | German immigration requires a proctored, recognised test only. |
Language requirements are set by German federal immigration law. Confirm current requirements with the German embassy in your country before booking.
The points you need and how language fits in
You need six points. A recognised university degree in a relevant field earns two points. Three years of relevant work experience earns two more. B2 in English or German earns one point. Being under 35 earns one point. Holding a German vocational qualification, having previously lived in Germany, or having a German language certificate above B2 earn additional points. Multiple combinations can reach six.
Why this matters right now
Germany is actively recruiting from the global skilled workforce. Sectors with the highest demand include IT, healthcare, engineering, and logistics. An applicant from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, or Ghana with a relevant degree, a few years of work experience, and B2 English can potentially qualify without needing German language study, without needing a job offer, and without needing to compete in a lottery or points draw system like Canada or the UK.
Where to check your eligibility
The Make it in Germany portal, run by the German federal government, has the full points calculator, a list of recognised qualifications, and application guidance in English. The German embassy in your country processes the actual visa. Requirements are federal law, so they are consistent across all embassies.
Go deeper
Nine Tests. One Is Right for You. Here Is the Full Scorecard.
Every major English proficiency test compared, including which score maps to B2 and what each test is accepted for across different countries and visa routes.
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About the author
Sadia
Co-founder, WizardTeacher · Marketing and student experience
Sadia is co-founder of WizardTeacher and heads marketing, operations, and student experience. Her articles draw on official exam board documentation, student feedback data, and extensive research into how students prepare and improve under test conditions.