How the Checklist Is Generated

The tool combines your visa type, marital status, qualification level, employment status, and financial proof method to build a personalised document list. Each document is tagged with the preparation requirement that applies for Nigerian applicants: apostille, notarisation, certified German translation, certified copy, original, or photocopy.

What Is an Apostille and Do Nigerian Documents Need It?

An apostille is a standardised authentication stamp or certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961. It confirms that a document is genuine and was issued by an authority in a member country. Nigeria joined the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning Nigerian documents can be apostilled for use in Germany and other member countries.

Not every Nigerian document submitted for a German visa needs an apostille. The German embassy’s requirements specify which documents must be apostilled, which only need notarisation, and which can be submitted as simple certified copies. The difference matters and is what this checklist clarifies.

Documents that typically require an apostille for Germany from Nigeria

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police clearance certificates (from the Nigerian Police Force), and academic certificates from WAEC and NECO typically require apostille. The relevant competent authority in Nigeria for each type varies.

Documents that typically need notarisation only, not apostille

Employment letters, bank statements, and proof of business registration from private companies are generally notarised by a commissioned Nigerian Notary Public rather than apostilled. The German embassy does not require a Hague apostille on privately-issued Nigerian documents; it requires notarised confirmation that the copy is a true copy of the original.

Table of Truth: Document Requirements by Type

Realistic Scenarios

Single applicant, student visa, BSc degree, employed

This is the most common profile for Nigerian Germany student visa applicants. Core documents: passport (original and copy), visa application form, passport photos, admission letter from German university, degree certificate (apostilled, certified copy, German translation), WAEC certificate (apostilled, certified copy), academic transcript (apostilled, German translation), birth certificate (apostilled), employment letter from current employer (notarised), bank statements from last 3 months (notarised), blocked account confirmation letter from Fintiba/Expatrio, health insurance proof for travel period.

Married applicant with spouse accompanying, work visa

All of the above for the primary applicant, plus for the spouse: their own passport, their own visa application form, marriage certificate (apostilled, German translation), spouse’s degree and employment documents (if applicable), additional proof of shared financial resources. Each family member submits a separate application at VFS, though documents can cross-reference each other.

Applicant with children under 18, family reunification

For each child: birth certificate (apostilled, German translation), international passport, vaccine records (especially for school age children), school leaving or enrolment certificates if applicable. For family reunification specifically, proof of the relationship to the sponsor in Germany (marriage certificate or paternity declaration) and the sponsor’s formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklarung) are also required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an apostille mandatory for a German student visa from Nigeria?

For key academic documents (degree certificate, transcript, WAEC/NECO) and civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate), apostille is typically required. For privately issued documents like employment letters and bank statements, notarisation is required instead. The German embassy Nigeria’s official checklist specifies this for each document. Always verify on their website.

How long does apostille take in Nigeria?

Physical apostille through Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Federal Ministry of Education typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Some private processing agents claim to offer expedited service in 5 to 10 business days, though this is not always reliable. Budget at least 4 to 6 weeks for the full apostille and translation cycle when planning your application timeline.

Can I get a German translation done in Nigeria?

Yes. There are certified German translators in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, who hold formal German translation certification. The German embassy maintains a list of recognised translators and agencies. Translations done by uncertified individuals are not accepted. Verify the translator’s credentials before paying.

Does my Nigerian police clearance certificate expire?

Yes. Nigerian Police Force clearance certificates are typically valid for 3 to 6 months from issue date. If your clearance certificate expires before your visa is approved and you travel, you may need to apply for a new one. Factor this into your timeline planning.

What is the difference between a certified copy and a notarised copy?

A certified copy is typically produced by the issuing institution (your university providing a certified true copy of your transcript). A notarised copy is a photocopy of a document that has been stamped and signed by a commissioned Notary Public confirming it is a true copy of the original they inspected. Both are different from a photocopy, which has no legal standing in a German visa application.

Do I need to translate my Nigerian degree if it is in English?

For the German embassy visa application, many English-language Nigerian documents (employment letters, bank statements, admission letters) do not require German translation. However, the embassy reserves the right to request translation of any document. For academic documents specifically, a German-language translation is typically required even though the original is in English, as it facilitates university recognition processes.