You have your training contract. Your German language certificate is ready. Your documents are apostilled and translated. Now comes the question every Filipino Ausbildung applicant eventually faces: Where do I actually apply for my visa — and how exactly does it work?
Understanding the System: Embassy vs VFS Global
The German national visa is issued by the German Embassy. However, the embassy has partnered with VFS Global — a private service provider — to manage appointment bookings and document collection.
- You book your appointment through VFS Global — not directly with the embassy
- VFS collects your documents and biometrics on behalf of the embassy
- The actual visa decision is made by the German Embassy — not VFS
- VFS charges a separate service fee on top of the official visa fee
💡 Pro Tip: VFS Global is not the German Embassy. If VFS staff cannot answer your visa-specific question, contact the German Embassy directly.
Manila vs Cebu: Which Location Should You Choose?
| German Embassy Manila | German Honorary Consulate Cebu | |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 25th Floor, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City | Cebu City (confirm on embassy website) |
| Coverage | All regions of the Philippines | Primarily Visayas and Mindanao |
| National Visa Processing | ✅ Yes — primary location | ⚠️ Confirm first — not always available for Ausbildung visas |
| Best for | All applicants | Check before travelling from Visayas/Mindanao |
⚠️ Watch Out: Do not assume you can apply in Cebu just because you live in the Visayas. For national visas like the Ausbildung visa, Manila is usually the required location. Confirm before travelling.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Your VFS Appointment
- Go to the official VFS Global Germany website for the Philippines. Never use third-party sites or pay for appointment slots — this is fraud.
- Create a free VFS account using your email address.
- Select the correct visa category: Country: Germany → National Visa → Vocational Training (Ausbildung) / §16a
- Choose your appointment date — slots fill up 4–8 weeks in advance. Check regularly.
- Pay the VFS service fee (~PHP 700–900) online. Keep the payment confirmation.
- Prepare and bring your complete document package — originals + 2 copies of everything.
💡 Pro Tip: Set a reminder to check VFS availability every Monday and Wednesday morning. New slots are often released early in the week — check before 9am Manila time.
What Happens on the Day of Your Appointment
🌍 Culture Check: Germans — and German visa processes — take punctuality very seriously. Arriving late, even by 5–10 minutes, can result in losing your appointment slot. Plan your travel with extra time during Metro Manila rush hours.
At the VFS Centre
- Staff check your documents against the required list
- Fingerprints (biometrics) are taken
- Digital photo is verified
- Application fee is collected (if not already paid online)
The appointment itself is usually 20–45 minutes once you are inside.
⚠️ Watch Out: Do not submit your passport if you have an upcoming international trip. You will not have your passport back for 4–12 weeks.
VFS Fees Overview
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| German national visa fee | ~€75 (converted to PHP) |
| VFS Global service fee | ~PHP 700–900 |
| Courier service (optional) | ~PHP 300–500 |
| DFA apostille (per document) | ~PHP 200–300 |
| Certified German translation (per document) | PHP 500–1,500 |
| Total estimated cost | ~PHP 8,000–15,000 |
Get Our Step-by-Step VFS Guide — Free
Navigating VFS Manila is much easier when you know exactly what to expect. Our team at AusbildungForFilipinos has helped hundreds of Filipino applicants through this process.