Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) for Nigerians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 10–20 weeks
- Government fee
- about $80
- Start preparing
- about 10 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 10–20 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
A points-based job-seeker visa allowing up to a year in Germany to find work, with 20 hours a week of part-time work and trial employment permitted while you search. This is the route most Nigerian applicants actually use, because full recognition of a Nigerian degree is a slow separate process and the points system lets you qualify without it. You need six points across recognition status, qualification, work experience, German from A1 upward, English at B2, age and prior time in Germany — and a fully recognised qualification skips the points test entirely. You must also show you can support yourself, normally a blocked account of about €13,000 or a formal sponsorship undertaking. Once you find a qualifying job you switch to the Blue Card or a skilled worker permit from inside Germany.
This page covers Nigerians. For every nationality we track, see the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) overview.
Requirements for Nigerians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $14,000 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 10–20 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $80. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Score yourself against the six-point requirementPoints come from recognition, qualification, experience, German A1+, English B2, age and prior stays.
- Confirm NUC or NBTE recognition of your qualificationThe institution must be properly accredited in Nigeria.
- Check anabin and apply for ZAB comparability if neededZAB comparability costs €208.
- Take a German or English test to add pointsGerman from A1 and English at B2 both score points.
- Open a blocked account or arrange a sponsorship undertakingA blocked account of roughly €13,000, or a Verpflichtungserklärung from a sponsor in Germany.
- Book your Abuja or Lagos appointment and applyThe fee is €75; bring recognition evidence, language certificates and proof of funds.
- Arrive, register your address and begin job huntingAnmeldung within two weeks; you may work 20 hours a week and take trial employment while searching.
- Switch to a Blue Card or skilled worker permit once hiredYou can switch from inside Germany without returning to Nigeria.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) takes about 10 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) take for Nigerians?
- Typical processing time is 10–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $80. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Nigerians need a job offer for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
- No. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) does not require a job offer from a Germany employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Germany visas for Nigerians
Other destinations for Nigerians
Germany visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.