How to Score 6 Points for the Germany Opportunity Card in 2026
Not sure if your degree, experience and language skills are enough? Here's how the points add up, with real-life examples.
First, the Entry Ticket
Points only count once you meet two basics. You need a university degree, or a vocational qualification of at least two years, that the state recognises in Nigeria. You also need either German at A1 or English at B2.
If Germany has already fully recognised your qualification, you skip the points test completely.
Where the Points Come From
- Partial recognition of your qualification in Germany: 4 points
- Work experience: 2 points for 2+ years in the last 5, or 3 points for 5+ years in the last 7
- German: 1 point for A2, 2 for B1, 3 for B2 or higher
- English at C1 or higher: 1 point
- Age: 2 points under 35, 1 point for 35–40
- Shortage occupation qualification: 1 point
- Previous legal stay in Germany of 6+ months in the last 5 years: 1 point
- Spouse who also qualifies and applies with you: 1 point
You need 6 points in total.
Recognition: The Biggest Single Boost
Partial recognition is worth 4 points on its own, which is two-thirds of what you need. You apply through the German recognition process (Anerkennung) with certified translations of your certificates and transcripts. It can take several months, so it's worth starting before anything else.
Language: The Points You Control
Age can't change, and experience takes years. German, though, is something you can work on right now. Moving from zero to B1 adds 2 points, and many learners get there in 9 to 12 months of steady classes. It also makes you far more attractive to German employers once you arrive.
Three Example Profiles
Chioma, 27, software developer, Abuja: under 35 (2), 3 years' experience (2), shortage field (1), English C1 (1). That's 6 points, so she qualifies.
Tunde, 38, accountant, Lagos: age 35–40 (1), 6 years' experience (3), English B2 (0). That's 4 points. Getting to German A2 adds 1 and partial recognition would add 4, so either route gets him over the line.
Aisha, 24, nurse, Kano: under 35 (2), shortage field (1), 1 year's experience (0). That's 3 points. German B1 (2) plus one more year of work (2) would bring her to 7.
How to Raise Your Score
- Book a German course and aim for a certified A2 or B1
- Start recognition of your qualification early
- Collect reference letters and contracts that prove your experience
- If your English is strong, take IELTS and go for C1 (7.0+) to earn 1 point
Common Mistakes
- Counting experience you can't prove on paper
- Using a language certificate more than a year old
- Assuming your degree is recognised without checking
- Paying an agent to "boost" your points, which isn't possible
Final Thoughts
The points system rewards preparation. Most Nigerian applicants who fall short are only one language level or one recognition letter away. Work out your score honestly, fix the gap, then apply.
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice, and it isn't affiliated with the German government. Rules and amounts change, so confirm everything with official German sources before you apply.