How the Visa Finder Works

Germany has seven main visa categories relevant to Nigerian applicants. The right category depends on your primary purpose (study, work, visit, or family), your qualification level, your experience, your German language level, and for work visas, your expected salary. The finder maps your profile against the eligibility criteria for each category and surfaces the best match.

The Main Germany Visa Pathways for Nigerians

Student Visa (Section 16b Aufenthaltsgesetz)

For Nigerians who have been admitted to a German university or college. You need an admission letter (confirmed or conditional), financial proof (typically a Sperrkonto), health insurance, and in some cases a language certificate depending on the language of instruction. The student visa allows part-time work (up to 20 hours per week during term) and transitions to a job-seeker visa after graduation.

Skilled Work Visa (Section 18)

For Nigerians with a confirmed employment contract from a German employer. Your degree must be either recognised via the anabin database or formally assessed. The employer does not need to demonstrate that no German/EU candidate is available, since this restriction was removed for skilled workers under the 2024 reform. This is the cleanest pathway for Nigerians with job offers.

EU Blue Card (Section 18g)

A premium work permit for high-earning university graduates. Requires a university degree of at least 3 to 4 years, a confirmed employment contract, and a salary above the minimum threshold (EUR 43,992 annually for most roles as of 2024; EUR 39,682.80 for regulated shortage professions). The Blue Card’s main advantage is the accelerated path to permanent residence: 33 months with B1 German, 21 months with B2.

Chancenkarte / Opportunity Card (Section 20a)

Germany’s newest visa category, introduced November 2023. Designed for skilled professionals to come to Germany to search for a job without a prior offer. Requires a minimum score of 6 points across qualification, experience, language, age, and bonus criteria. Allows working up to 20 hours per week in any role while job searching. Valid for 1 year; converts to a work permit once a qualifying offer is secured.

Schengen Short Stay Visa (Section 6)

For visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Does not permit employment. Suitable for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or attending conferences. The main challenge for Nigerian applicants is demonstrating sufficient ties to Nigeria to satisfy the officer that you will return. Financial proof and an employment letter are typically required.

Family Reunification (Sections 27-36)

For joining a spouse, registered partner, or parent who is legally resident in Germany on a qualifying permit or as a German citizen. The sponsor must have sufficient income to support the applicant. For spouses joining German citizens, the applicant typically needs basic German language proficiency (A1). The process can take 6 to 24 months depending on the Auslanderamt appointment backlog and documentation complexity.

Table of Truth: Visa Pathways by Profile

Why Germany Attracts Nigerians

Germany is consistently among the top 3 japa destinations for Nigerians because of: tuition-free or low-cost public university education, the November 2023 Chancenkarte which removed the job-offer requirement for many skilled professionals, strong demand for IT, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trade workers, and a EUR salary that converts very favourably against the Naira. The 2024 dual citizenship reform also removed a major psychological barrier for Nigerians who previously feared losing their Nigerian passport.

Realistic Scenarios

Single professional, IT background, no job offer

A 29-year-old software engineer with a BSc Computer Science (UNILAG, H+), 4 years experience, English C1 but no German. Chancenkarte score: Qualification 3 pts + Experience 1 pt + Language (English C1) 2 pts + Age 2 pts = 8 pts. Easily qualifies for the Chancenkarte at 6-point minimum. Primary recommendation: Chancenkarte, with an upgrade path to EU Blue Card or skilled work permit after securing an offer. Learning German to B1 or B2 would unlock the fast-track settlement path later.

Couple: one with job offer, one joining as spouse

The primary applicant has a skilled work visa or EU Blue Card. The spouse applies for family reunification as a dependent. If the sponsor has German PR or citizenship, the spouse needs A1 German. If the sponsor is on a time-limited permit, the spouse’s right to work in Germany depends on permit conditions. Both applications are submitted separately but timing them together makes logistical sense.

Family, seeking study then work pathway

A 24-year-old MBBS graduate applies for a German Master’s programme in Public Health. Student visa is the right path. After completing the degree (typically 2 years), they can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa to find employment in Germany. Once employed, they convert to a skilled work permit or EU Blue Card. The total pathway from student visa to permanent residence eligibility can be as short as 7 to 8 years for a well-structured plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to go to Germany?

No, not necessarily. The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) allows qualified skilled professionals to come to Germany to look for work without a prior offer. Students can also come on a student visa. Short-stay visitors do not need a job offer. A job offer is required only for the skilled work visa and EU Blue Card specifically.

Can I switch from a student visa to a work visa while in Germany?

Yes. After completing your degree, you can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa to find work in Germany. Once you secure a qualifying job offer, you apply for a skilled work permit or EU Blue Card. You do not need to return to Nigeria to make this switch; it is done at the Auslanderamt in Germany.

What if I do not have a German language certificate?

You can still apply for many visa categories without German. Student visas for English-taught programmes do not require German. EU Blue Card and skilled work visas do not have a German language requirement at the visa application stage. German is required for the Chancenkarte language points (though English C1 counts for 2 points) and becomes mandatory for settlement and naturalisation later. Starting German as early as possible is strategically important for your long-term pathway.

How do I know if my salary qualifies for the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card minimum salary thresholds are updated annually by the German government. For 2024, the general threshold is EUR 43,992 gross per year. For shortage occupations in IT, engineering, medicine, and nursing, the threshold is lower (EUR 39,682.80). Your employment contract must show a salary at or above the relevant threshold for your role.

What is the difference between a Chancenkarte and a skilled work visa?

The key difference is the job offer requirement. A skilled work visa requires a confirmed employment contract with a German employer before you apply. The Chancenkarte does not; it is a job search visa that lets you enter Germany and look for work for up to 1 year. During the Chancenkarte period, you can work up to 20 hours per week in any role. Once you find a qualifying job, you apply to convert to a skilled work permit.