Do you qualify?
Short answer: as a Filipino full stack developer with a formal degree, you can qualify: via Route 1 if your degree is fully recognised, or the points system otherwise. The Chancenkarte requires a formal qualification: there is no no-degree pathway.
The Chancenkarte lets you move to Germany without a job offer and search for full stack and web development roles for up to 12 months. Once you have an offer, convert to a EU Blue Card at the local Ausländerbehörde.
The Chancenkarte requires a formal qualification
To apply, you must hold one of:
- A foreign higher-education degree (at least 3 years, ISCED level 6 or higher)
- A state-recognised vocational qualification of at least 2 years
- An AHK Category A certificate
Bootcamp completions and online course certificates do not qualify. If you have significant experience but no formal degree, the EU Blue Card IT exception (§ 18g(2)) requires a job offer first.
Which route applies to you?
| Your situation | Route |
|---|---|
| BS CS / BS IT (4 years) from an H+ university | Route 1: no points needed |
| Degree from H+/- university, programme not listed | Route 2: 6 points required |
| No formal qualification | Not eligible for Chancenkarte |
Check your institution at anabin.kmk.org/anabin/institutionen.
Route 2: calculating your points
| Criterion | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partial equivalence of your qualification with a German qualification | 4 | Requires a formal "partial equivalence" decision |
| Shortage occupation (full stack development qualifies) | 1 | ISCO-08 groups 133 and 25 |
| At least 2 years qualifying experience in last 5 years | 2 | Post-graduation, in your field |
| At least 5 years qualifying experience in last 7 years | 3 | Replaces 2-year tier (mutually exclusive) |
| German at A2 | 1 | |
| German at B1 | 2 | Replaces A2 |
| German at B2 or higher | 3 | Replaces B1 |
| English at C1 or native (with certificate) | 1 | Additive |
| Age under 35 | 2 | |
| Age 35–39 | 1 | Replaces under-35 |
| Prior lawful residence in Germany ≥ 6 months in last 5 years | 1 | |
| Spouse also qualifies and applies jointly | 1 |
Worked examples for Filipino full stack developers:
Profile A: BS CS from H+/- university (unlisted), 3 years React/Node.js experience, age 25, English C1: 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) + 2 (age) + 1 (English) = 6 points ✓
Profile B: BS IT, 4 years full stack experience, age 30, English C1: 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) + 2 (age under 35) + 1 (English) = 6 points ✓
Profile C: BS CE, 6 years full stack experience, age 37, German A2 + English C1: 1 (shortage) + 3 (5-year exp) + 1 (age 35–39) + 1 (German A2) + 1 (English C1) = 7 points ✓
Worked example: Maria's Chancenkarte application
Maria Dela Cruz, 24, Full Stack Developer, Manila to Germany
- Degree: BS Information Technology, Mapúa University (2022). Mapúa University is rated H+ in anabin. Apostille obtained from the DFA.
- Experience: 2 years post-graduation full stack development (React, Node.js, TypeScript, PostgreSQL) at a Manila e-commerce company.
- Financial proof: Sperrkonto with €13,092 (12 months × €1,091, binding under § 20a(4) AufenthG), opened with Expatrio.
- Visa result: Qualifies under Route 1 (§ 20a AufenthG). BS IT from Mapúa (H+) is fully recognised; no points calculation required.
- After arrival: Takes part-time frontend contract work (20 hours/week, permitted during job search). Secures a full-time Full Stack Developer role in Cologne at month 4 and converts to an EU Blue Card at the local Ausländerbehörde.
What would change the outcome: If Maria's BS IT programme at Mapúa were not listed in the anabin comments, the degree would fall to H+/- and Route 1 would not apply. Under Route 2 she would score: 3 years experience (2) + shortage occupation (1) + age under 35 (2) + English C1 (1) = 6 points exactly. Any shortfall (no English certificate, experience under 2 years, or age 35 or above) would drop the score to 5 points and the application would fail.
Financial requirement: the Sperrkonto
€13,092 (€1,091 × 12 months, 2026 figure) in a Sperrkonto before your visa appointment. Providers: Fintiba, Coracle, Expatrio.
Document checklist (Philippines, Route 2, 2026)
- Valid passport (at least 2 empty pages)
- Biometric-format passport photograph
- Completed VIDEX application form
- Degree certificate (with DFA apostille)
- Transcript of records (with DFA apostille)
- University confirmation of regular (on-site) mode of study
- anabin printout, or ZAB Statement of Comparability if unlisted
- Language certificate: IELTS / TOEFL / Cambridge at B2+ for English, or Goethe-Institut / telc / ÖSD for German
- Experience letters (specific technologies: React, Node.js, TypeScript, Python, PostgreSQL, Docker, etc.) plus payslips and BIR Form 2316
- Sperrkonto certificate (€13,092) or signed Verpflichtungserklärung
- Travel health insurance
Apostille note: Philippine academic documents require DFA apostille before submission to the German Embassy Manila.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as qualifying full stack experience?
Post-graduation roles involving both frontend and backend development, API design, or database architecture. Purely front-end roles or CMS customisation without backend engineering may not qualify as graduate-level ICT work.
How long does the Chancenkarte take to process at the German Embassy Manila?
Typically 4 to 10 weeks. Apply well ahead of your planned travel date.
Sources
- § 20a AufenthG: Chancenkarte, Bundesministerium der Justiz
- § 20b AufenthG: Points system, Bundesministerium der Justiz
- Chancenkarte: Make it in Germany, Federal Government
- anabin database, KMK / ZAB
- German Embassy Manila, Auswärtiges Amt
We are not a law firm. This page provides general information only, not legal advice.