How to Apply for a German (Schengen) Visa as a Nigerian Passport Holder

Nigerians who intend to visit the Schengen region, of which Germany is a part, require a visa to do so. In this post, I will explain the process of obtaining a tourist German visa for individuals from Nigeria and Kenya.

I have put together this information through a combination of online research on the German Embassy and the application centre’s website in Nigeria and my personal experience applying for this visa in Nairobi.

If you’re applying for a visa for the first time, be sure to read my guide about the general rules for visa applications, common mistakes to avoid during your application process and my suggestions on foolproof ways to build a strong travel history.

PS: I encourage you to check the German Embassy’s website for updated information about the visa application process. All information presented in this post is correct at the time of this writing. They are subject to change without notice.

Dreaming of visiting Germany? Here's everything you need to know about the German visa requirements and application process! Click To Tweet

Lastly, always confirm travel details and requirements with respective embassies and airlines before you apply for your German visa or travel to Germany.

German Visa Application for Nigerian Citizens

The first step to applying for a German visa as a Nigerian passport holder is to fill out the VIDEX form, which you can find on the German Embassy website. The website is the same regardless of where you are applying from.

Once the form is filled, you can then book your appointment and head to the embassy, consulate or application centre to submit this form, along with other requirements for the visa.

German Visa Requirements

The documents that must be submitted for the German visa (short term) are listed below. These were taken directly from the embassy’s website. For other visa types, please refer to the official website.

• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (VIDEX form)
• Two recent passport photos (in colour, against a light background, standard size 35 x 45 mm)
• NPC birth certificate (if born after 13th December 1992) / certified copy of the local birth register OR affidavit (“declaration of age” deposed to by one of the parents or the head of the family, if both parents are late) – I did not see this as a requirement for application in Kenya.
• Valid passport (issued within the last ten years and valid for at least another three months after the end of the journey), for previous journeys also the old passport(s)
• For non-Nigerian nationals: Nigerian residence permit. A Kenyan work permit is required for non-Kenyan nationals applying in Nairobi.
• Prepaid courier envelope for the return of the passport – this is optional in Kenya.
• Health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000€ and valid for the entire travel period and the entire Schengen area – Only select company covers are accepted.
• Flight reservation (return flight) – unpaid
• Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservation) – unpaid
• If applicable, formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG (German Residence Law) from the inviting person in Germany or proof of sufficient financial funds.
• Up-to-date bank statements (preferably salary account) for the last three months – Only bank statements issued and stamped by the bank are accepted
• If applicable, proof of land ownership or ownership certificate
• If applicable, marriage certificate
• If applicable, birth certificate(s) of minor child(ren)
• If applicable, proof of employment from Nigeria (employment contract, introduction letter, holiday certificate, etc)
• If applicable, COI / COR / Certificate of Incorporation / Registration of the company in Nigeria, MEMO / Memorandum and Articles of Association / Company and Allied Matters Act,
• FIRS / Federal Inland Revenue Service Income Tax Clearance Certificate / Company Income Tax Clearance Certificate of recent years.

In addition to the documents listed above, I encourage you to submit any other documents that may improve your chances for a successful application. One I always recommend including is a detailed but straight-to-the-point cover letter.

You can use this letter to introduce yourself and elaborate on any points you want the visa officer to take note of. I have a sample cover letter uploaded here for the price of a cup of coffee.

Booking a German Visa Appointment

After filling out the form and putting your supporting documents together, the next step is to book an appointment. If you are applying in Kenya, you can do so via TLSContact in Nairobi, while applicants in Nigeria can book via the online system for the Consulate General in Lagos.

Individual appointments can also be made at the Embassy in Abuja if you meet the conditions stated here.

Booking a German Visa Appointment – Can’t Seem to Find One?

One more thing to note about the appointment dates is that they can be quite elusive. So if you can’t seem to find one, I suggest logging on to the system at midnight German time as available dates are updated daily.

Please note that this does not guarantee that you will find one or that you can’t do so outside this time. It’s simply a suggestion to help you find closer appointment dates.

The next step once you’ve secured an appointment is to submit your application and provide biometric details at the application centre, consulate or embassy.

Where to Apply for a German Visa in Nigeria and Kenya

The consulate is located at 15, Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, while the embassy is located at 9, Lake Maracaibo Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja. The Nairobi Visa Application Centre is located on the 4th floor, 9 West Building, Ring Road Parklands, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya

German Visa Application Fees (Short Term)

The German visa costs €80 and it must be paid in cash in Nigerian Naira at the current exchange rate. Card payment is not possible!) In Kenya, card payments are allowed at the TLSContact office.

German Visa Processing Times

It takes an average of 15 working days to get a response for a tourist visa. However, this time may vary from one application to the next. My visa was processed in exactly 15 working days.

That’s it for the entire process of the German visa application in Nigeria and Kenya. I hope you find this guide useful. Feel free to share your visa experience with me or ask any questions you might have in the comment section.

If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it on Twitter | Following me on Instagram | Buying me a coffee