Germany Schengen Visa
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to Germany as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your Schengen visa application: required documents, the €90 fee, processing time of 15 working days, and strategies to improve your chances. With a 54% approval rate for Nigerian applicants, thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success.
Germany Schengen Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
The official Schengen visa application form, completed online and printed
Original passport meeting Schengen requirements plus a copy of the data page
Two recent biometric passport photos meeting Schengen requirements
Certified copy of birth certificate or affidavit of age
Medical travel insurance valid throughout the Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen area
Evidence of where you will stay in Germany
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Germany
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Nigeria
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Nigeria
Self-addressed prepaid envelope for passport return
Recommended (Optional)
Documentation for business owners and self-employed applicants
Informal invitation from your host in Germany
About the Germany Schengen Visa
This Schengen visa, applied through Germany, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states.3 This includes popular destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries. You can travel freely between these countries during your 90-day stay.
Apply through Germany if Germany is your main destination or your first point of entry into the Schengen area.2
Application Process
All applications require a personal interview at the German Embassy in Abuja or Consulate General in Lagos.1 The process involves several steps:
1. Determine Your Application Location
The German Embassy in Abuja handles applications for specific cases including medical emergencies, government officials, and family members of German citizens.2 The Consulate General in Lagos processes most other applications. Check which office handles your state of residence.
2. Book Your Appointment
Book an appointment through the online appointment system.2 Appointments are free of charge. As of July 2025, a waiting list system is used rather than direct date selection due to high demand.5 Do not use third-party services for booking.
3. Complete Your Application
Fill out the VIDEX application form online at videx.diplo.de.1 Print and sign the completed form. Gather all required documents according to the official checklist.
4. Attend Your Appointment
Bring all documents in DIN A4 format, unstapled.1 Original documents will be verified and returned after processing. Pay the €90 visa fee in Naira or via POS at the consulate.1
5. Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 15 working days.3 You cannot inquire about application status. Your passport will be returned via the prepaid courier envelope you provided.
Fees
| Category | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | €90 | Paid in NGN at consulate rate |
| Children (6-11 years) | €35 | Reduced fee |
| Children (under 6) | Free | No fee charged |
| Spouse of German citizen | Free | Proof required |
| Parent of minor German child | Free | Proof required |
All fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.1
What You Need to Prove
German consular officers must be satisfied that you:4
- Have genuine tourist intent: Your purpose of visit is legitimate and you plan to leave before the visa expires
- Can financially support yourself: You have sufficient funds for accommodation, travel, and daily expenses without working
- Will return to Nigeria: You have compelling ties to your home country that ensure your return
- Have valid travel documents: Your passport and insurance meet Schengen requirements
Processing Times
Current processing time is 15 working days from your appointment date.3
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional document verification is required
- Your application is submitted during peak season (summer months, December holidays)
- Complex circumstances require further review
- You need to provide additional evidence
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to account for potential delays. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa sticker will be placed in your passport. Before traveling, verify:
- Visa validity dates match your travel plans
- Number of entries permitted (single, double, or multiple)
- Duration of stay granted
At the German border, you may be asked to show:
- Return flight booking
- Hotel reservations or host invitation
- Proof of funds (cash, cards, or bank statements)
- Travel insurance certificate
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific grounds.2 Common next steps:
- Review the refusal reasons carefully: Understand exactly why your application was denied
- Address the issues: Gather additional or improved documentation
- Reapply: Submit a new application with strengthened evidence
- Seek professional advice: Consider consulting an immigration lawyer for complex cases
Note: As of July 1, 2025, the remonstration (administrative review) procedure has been abolished for visa rejections.2 Your main recourse is to reapply with improved documentation.
Schengen Member States
With your German Schengen visa, you can visit all 29 Schengen countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Remember that your total stay across all Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show adequate funds, contain unexplained large deposits, or lack regular income credits. The Schengen area requires proof you can support yourself without working.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular salary credits. Minimum €100 per day of stay recommended. Avoid large unexplained deposits. If sponsored, obtain a formal Verpflichtungserklärung.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Nigeria. Consular officers must be convinced you will leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of ties: employment letter with tenure, property documents, business registration, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates. Multiple forms of evidence work best.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing required documents, expired certificates, or information that does not match across different documents. Any discrepancy raises concerns.
How to avoid: Use the official checklist from the German embassy. Ensure all dates, names, and figures match across documents. Provide explanations for any gaps or inconsistencies.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
The reason for visiting Germany is not clearly justified or the travel plans seem implausible given the applicant's circumstances.
How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary, confirmed accommodation, and clear explanation of your visit purpose. If visiting family, include invitation letters and proof of relationship.
Previous Visa Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the Schengen area or other countries raises serious concerns about immigration compliance.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Provide explanation of changed circumstances and why your current application should be viewed differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Germany on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Germany. You cannot extend this visa to stay longer.
Can I visit other European countries with a German Schengen visa?
Yes. A Schengen visa issued by Germany allows you to travel freely within all 29 Schengen member states, including France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and others. However, Germany should be your main destination or first point of entry.
What is the Germany Schengen visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults, payable in Naira at the current exchange rate or via POS at the consulate. Children aged 6-11 pay €35. Children under 6 are exempt from fees.
How long does Germany visa processing take from Nigeria?
Standard processing takes 15 working days from your appointment date. During peak seasons or for complex cases, processing may extend to 30-45 days. Apply well in advance of your travel dates.
Where do I apply for a Germany visa in Nigeria?
Applications are submitted at the German Embassy in Abuja or the German Consulate General in Lagos, depending on your state of residence. Most applicants in southern states use the Lagos consulate.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
You need a flight reservation showing entry and exit from the Schengen area, but a confirmed ticket is not required. Use refundable bookings until your visa is approved.
What is the approval rate for German visas from Nigeria?
Nigerian applicants face a challenging approval rate of approximately 54% for Schengen visas. The 45.9% rejection rate in 2024 was the third highest globally. Strong documentation is essential.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing the specific issues. Note that as of July 2025, the remonstration (administrative review) procedure has been abolished for visa rejections.
Do I need a sponsor in Germany?
A sponsor is not mandatory if you can prove sufficient personal funds. However, having a sponsor who provides a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from their local foreigners authority in Germany can strengthen your application, especially if your finances are limited.
What is a Verpflichtungserklärung?
A Verpflichtungserklärung is a formal obligation document where a person in Germany legally commits to covering all your expenses during your stay. It is obtained from the local foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) and can substitute for personal financial proof.