German Visa Types for Filipinos

Which German visa you need depends on why you are going: to work, to look for work, to train, to study, to join family or to be an au pair. Each purpose has its own rules, and each has its own guide here.

This page is an overview. It gives the key requirement of each route in one line and links to the full guide. Every figure comes from official sources, linked at the bottom. Amounts change, so confirm them on the official page before you apply.

Start with your purpose

I have a job offer, or my qualification is recognized

Skilled-worker visa (§ 18a and § 18b), the EU Blue Card (university degree and higher salary), the experienced-worker route (at least 2 years of experience in the last 5, a job offer and a salary of EUR 45,630 a year in 2026) and the recognition partnership (recognition completed after arrival, German at A2). Regulated professions such as nursing also need recognition and a license. Read the work guide, the nurse guide or the caregiver guide.

I want to look for a job in Germany

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): valid for up to one year without a job offer. You need a fully recognized qualification, or at least 6 of 15 points, plus EUR 1,091 a month in financial proof. Read the Opportunity Card guide.

I want to train in a profession

Ausbildung (vocational training) visa: a training place, German at B1 for qualified training or A2 as a rule for other training, and proof of at least EUR 959 a month (school-based) or EUR 822 net a month (company-based) for the first year. Read the Ausbildung guide.

I want to study at a university

Student visa: admission to a state-recognized university, one of three ways to prove language, a blocked account of EUR 992 a month (EUR 11,904 a year) or an accepted alternative, and health insurance. Read the study guide.

My family lives in Germany

Family reunification visa: proof of the relationship, basic German at A1 for spouses in most cases, and a secured income, housing and health insurance. Read the family reunification guide.

I am 18 to 26 and want a cultural exchange

Au pair visa: unmarried, no children, a host family contract, basic German at A1, and a stay of 6 to 12 months. Read the au pair guide.

What almost every route needs

A German language level that depends on the route, from A1 for family and au pair to B2 for nursing and caregiving.
Proof of money or a paid job for the route you choose.
Health insurance valid for your stay.
Philippine departure papers. Workers need an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the DMW, and first-time workers complete the free PEOS seminar first. Family and au pair visa holders register with the CFO. Minors traveling without a parent need a DSWD travel clearance.

Processing time and where to apply

Processing times and the exact document list are set by the German Embassy in Manila and change over time, so we do not quote a number. Check the embassy’s visa page for the current checklist and appointment process for your visa type.

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Official sources

Last checked: September 20, 2026. This is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Figures change, so confirm them on the official pages.