Do you qualify?
Short answer: as a Filipino cybersecurity engineer with a recognised degree, you can qualify. Certifications (OSCP, CISSP, CEH) do not substitute for a formal degree.
The Chancenkarte lets you move to Germany without a job offer and search for cybersecurity roles for up to 12 months. Convert to a EU Blue Card once you have an offer.
Which route applies to you?
| Your situation | Route |
|---|---|
| BS CS / BS IT (4 years) from H+ university | Route 1 — no points needed |
| Degree from H+/- university, programme not listed | Route 2 — 6 points required |
| Certifications only (OSCP, CISSP, etc.) | 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 | 4 | Requires formal decision |
| Shortage occupation (cybersecurity engineering qualifies) | 1 | ISCO-08 groups 133 and 25 |
| At least 2 years qualifying experience in last 5 years | 2 | Post-graduation |
| At least 5 years qualifying experience in last 7 years | 3 | Replaces 2-year tier |
| German at A2 / B1 / B2+ | 1 / 2 / 3 | Mutually exclusive |
| English at C1 (with certificate) | 1 | Additive |
| Age under 35 / 35–39 | 2 / 1 | Mutually exclusive |
| Prior lawful residence in Germany ≥ 6 months | 1 | |
| Spouse also qualifies and applies jointly | 1 |
Worked examples for Filipino cybersecurity engineers:
Profile A — BS CS from H+/- university (unlisted), 3 years penetration testing experience, age 28, English C1: 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) + 2 (age) + 1 (English) = 6 points ✓
Profile B — BS IT, 5 years security engineering experience, age 32, English C1: 1 (shortage) + 3 (5-year exp) + 2 (age under 35) + 1 (English) = 7 points ✓
Profile C — BS CS, 4 years experience, age 36, German A2 + English C1: 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) + 1 (age 35–39) + 1 (German A2) + 1 (English C1) = 6 points ✓
Financial requirement: the Sperrkonto
€13,092 (€1,091 × 12 months, 2026 figure) in a Sperrkonto before your visa appointment.
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 (all semesters) — 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 (SIEM, EDR, penetration testing tools, cloud security, zero-trust, Kubernetes security, etc.) plus payslips and BIR Form 2316
- Sperrkonto certificate (€13,092) or Verpflichtungserklärung
- Travel health insurance
Apostille note: Philippine academic documents require DFA apostille. The Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 May 2019.
Frequently asked questions
Do OSCP or CISSP certifications count for the Chancenkarte?
No. Security certifications are not formal degrees or state-recognised qualifications. They have no direct role in the Chancenkarte qualification routes.
How long does the Chancenkarte take to process at the German Embassy Manila?
Processing at the German Embassy Manila typically ranges from 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.