test Moving to a new country is an exciting but challenging journey, especially when it comes to navigating visa and immigration rules. Whether you’re planning to study, work, or settle in Germany, there are several key questions that you’ll likely need answers to. This guide is based on research from reliable sources, providing an overview of common concerns that Filipina expats face when dealing with immigration in Germany. While I am not an expert, I hope this information helps point you in the right direction.
What type of visa do I need to live and work in Germany?
Germany offers a range of visa options tailored to different needs, whether you're seeking career opportunities, educational advancement, or reuniting with family. Navigating the visa process as a Filipina can be complex, so we’ve compiled a list on the most relevant visas, from employment to family reunification. Each guide provides essential steps, requirements, and tips specific to Filipina expats, helping you understand your options and prepare for a successful application. Explore our visa resources to find the best pathway to make your move to Germany a reality.
Here’s a shortlist of visa types commonly relevant to Filipina expats in Germany:
Work Visa for qualified professionals:
For Filipinas looking to work in Germany, particularly in fields with high demand, such as nursing, caregiving, and IT.
If you have completed qualified vocational training or a course of study outside Germany, you can obtain a residence permit under Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in order to take up qualified employment in Germany as a skilled worker.
What opportunities does a work visa offer?- Permanent Residence (Settlement Permit): If you’ve worked in Germany with a residence permit for at least three years, you may be able to apply for a settlement permit. The settlement permit allows you to live in Germany permanently.
- Bringing Family to Germany This residence permit also allows you to live in Germany with your family.
- Your qualification must be recognised in Germany or comparable to a German degree. If you want to work in a regulated profession, such as a healthcare profession, you will need a licence to practise.
- You have a specific job offer from an employer in Germany. It is important that the job you are offered is a qualified position. This means that you will usually need a degree or qualified vocational training to do the job. Auxiliary tasks will not be sufficient for this purpose.
- Are you over the age of 45 and coming to work in Germany for the first time? In this case, the job you intend to take in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €49,830 (as of 2024) or you must be able to prove that you have adequate pension provision.
Student Visa
Germany offers a high-quality education, diverse academic programs, and an international student community, making it an excellent destination for Filipina students seeking to advance their education and experience life in Europe.
Residence permits for studying are typically given for an initial period of two years. If you have not finished your degree within this time, you can apply to extend your residence permit for another two years.
While studying, you are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days each year. This is the same as working up to 20 hours per week. There is no limit on how long you can hold part-time student jobs.
After you finish your degree, you can apply for a residence permit for jobseekers, based on Section 20 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). This permit allows you to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find skilled employment. During this time, you can work in any job while searching for a qualified position.
you have found a qualified job, you can apply to change your student residence permit to a residence permit for skilled workers or an EU Blue Card.
For more information about your options, check the official website.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for highly skilled non-EU citizens who wish to work in an EU country. It is designed to attract skilled professionals, especially in sectors experiencing a shortage of qualified workers. The EU Blue Card allows skilled workers from outside the EU to live and work in an EU country, including Germany, to fill roles requiring high qualifications.
It is particularly popular among those with expertise in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, educators and sciences.
Eligibility Requirements- Higher Education Degree: Applicants usually need a higher education degree (such as a bachelor's or master's).
- Employment Contract: Applicants must have a job offer or employment contract in an EU country that matches their qualifications.
- Minimum Salary Threshold: The job must meet a minimum annual gross salary, which varies by country. In Germany, as of recent figures, the minimum is around €58,400, but this can be lower for jobs in shortage fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare (around €45,552).
- Applying for the EU Blue Card
You can apply through the German embassy or consulate in your home country if you’re abroad, or through the local immigration office if you’re already in Germany.
The EU Blue Card is an excellent option if you’re a skilled professional looking to work in Europe, with Germany being one of the most popular destinations due to its strong job market for qualified workers.
Job search opportunity card
The Opportunity Card (or "Chancenkarte") is a new points-based immigration system that Germany has introduced to attract skilled workers from outside the European Union. The Chancenkarte is part of Germany’s broader effort to address labor shortages in key industries and make it easier for qualified non-EU citizens to live and work in Germany. This system is especially designed for skilled workers who may not yet have a job offer but meet certain other criteria.
Ability to cover living costs:You must have sufficient financial resources to fund your job search in Germany. During the visa process, you can demonstrate this ability with a blocked bank account (containing a minimum of €1,027 net per month, amount applicable in 2024) or a declaration of commitment. A declaration of commitment, is a formal document where a resident or organization in Germany agrees to financially support a foreign visitor during their stay, covering costs like accommodation, healthcare, and potential deportation expenses.
click for more details
Au Pair Visa
CFO Will Stop Processing Au Pair Registrations for Germany
The Philippine Embassy in Berlin has paused the approval of Au Pair contracts as of July 15, 2024, and there is no set date for when this will start again because of ongoing policy discussions.
Because of this, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will no longer process Au Pair registrations without approved contracts.
link to the public advisory.