Do you qualify?
Software engineering is a shortage occupation in Germany under ISCO-08 group 25 (ICT professionals). Filipino software engineers with a recognised degree qualify for the EU Blue Card at the lower salary threshold. The IT specialist exception also applies if you have experience but no formal degree.
To qualify, you need all three:
- A job offer in Germany with a contract of at least 6 months
- A gross annual salary of at least €45,934.20 (2026 shortage threshold)
- A recognised university degree or at least 3 years of software engineering experience in the last 7 years
Degree recognition for Philippine qualifications
BS Computer Science (4 years) — the most common pathway. Qualifies directly if your university is H+ in anabin.
BS Information Technology (4 years) — qualifies if your university is H+ and your programme is listed. Check the programme comments for H+/- institutions.
BS Computer Engineering (4 years) — qualifies at most H+ institutions. Role content determines ISCO-08 classification, not degree subject.
BS Electronics Engineering (4 years) — can qualify if the university is H+ and the degree is listed as "entspricht". Role content must clearly fall under ISCO-08 group 25.
MS Computer Science — qualifies as a master's equivalent.
Recognition is verified through the anabin database. Your university must be rated H+; your degree must appear as "entspricht" or "gleichwertig". If your university is H+/-, the specific degree programme must be listed in the comments field. Major Philippine institutions — including UP Diliman, DLSU, Ateneo de Manila, UST, and Mapúa University — are listed in anabin. Verify your specific institution and degree programme before your appointment.
If your programme is not listed, a ZAB Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) resolves this — typically in about 2 weeks when a German work contract is attached.
Salary threshold (2026)
| Category | 2026 minimum gross salary |
|---|---|
| Software engineer (shortage occupation — ISCO-08 group 25) | €45,934.20 / year |
| Any profession (general threshold) | €50,700 / year |
| IT specialist without a degree (§ 18g(2)) | €45,934.20 / year |
Two routes to the Blue Card
Route 1: University degree
Your BS CS, BS IT, or related 4-year Philippine degree qualifies if your institution is H+ in anabin and your programme is listed as "entspricht" or "gleichwertig". Most major Philippine universities meet this standard for CS and IT programmes.
Route 2: IT specialist without a degree (§ 18g(2))
If you have at least 3 years of software engineering experience at university-graduate level within the last 7 years, you can qualify without a formal degree. The role must fall under ISCO-08 group 25 and your salary must meet the €45,934.20 threshold. Experience documentation must describe production-grade engineering work — not just junior support or maintenance tasks.
Document checklist (Philippines → Germany, 2026)
For Route 1 (with degree):
- Valid passport (issued within 10 years, at least 2 empty pages)
- Degree certificate (BS CS, BS IT, BS CE, MS CS, etc.) — with DFA apostille
- Transcript of records (all semesters) — with DFA apostille
- Confirmation from your university that you studied in regular (on-site) mode
- anabin printouts for your university and degree — or ZAB Statement of Comparability if your programme is not listed
- Employment Declaration (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) completed by your German employer
- Health insurance certificate from your German employer's insurer
For Route 2 (IT exception — no degree):
Replace degree documents with:
- Experience letters from each employer stating: job title, dates, specific technologies used, description of software engineering responsibilities, and seniority level
- Payslips (payroll records) and/or BIR Form 2316 for each employment period
- Optional but helpful: GitHub profile, technical portfolio, or architecture documents
Apostille note: The Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 May 2019. Philippine academic documents (degree certificate, transcript of records) require DFA apostille before submission to the German Embassy Manila. Experience letters and payslips are typically notarised and authenticated at the German Embassy directly. Confirm the current requirements with the German Embassy Manila before your appointment.
After approval: settlement permit timeline
- 21 months of Blue Card employment + German at B1 → settlement permit
- 27 months of Blue Card employment + German at A1 → settlement permit
Your spouse has full work rights in Germany from day one.
Common mistakes
1. Submitting degree documents without DFA apostille. Unlike India (which is not a Hague Convention member), the Philippines is. Your degree certificate and transcript of records need DFA apostille before submission to the German Embassy Manila.
2. H+/- university with programme not listed in anabin. If your university is rated H+/- (not H+), your specific BS CS or BS IT programme must be listed in the comments field of the anabin entry. If it is not, obtain a ZAB Zeugnisbewertung before your appointment.
3. Using the 2025 salary threshold. The 2025 shortage threshold was €43,759.80. The binding 2026 figure is €45,934.20.
Frequently asked questions
Which Philippine universities are recognised for the EU Blue Card?
Recognition depends on the individual university and programme — check the anabin database for your specific institution. Many major Philippine universities with BS CS and BS IT programmes are listed. If your university is H+/-, verify that your specific programme appears in the comments. If not listed, a ZAB Statement of Comparability is required.
Do I need an IELTS certificate if I studied in English?
For the Blue Card itself, there is no language requirement — neither German nor English certificates are mandatory. Language certificates become relevant for the Chancenkarte (points-based job-search visa). However, your German employer may require English proficiency evidence during hiring.
How long does the EU Blue Card take to process at the German Embassy Manila?
Processing times at the German Embassy Manila are typically 4 to 10 weeks for standard applications. The fast-track § 81a Vorabzustimmung procedure, initiated by your German employer, can reduce total time to approximately 6 weeks.
Can I apply for the EU Blue Card online from the Philippines?
As of January 2025, the Auslandsportal (digital.diplo.de) is available at all 167 German Auslandsvertretungen. Check the portal and the German Embassy Manila website for current online application availability.
Sources
- § 18g AufenthG — EU Blue Card — Bundesministerium der Justiz
- EU Blue Card — 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. German immigration law changes regularly — always verify current requirements with the German Embassy Manila before applying.