From Kenya to Berlin: study, train or work
New here? Which route fits me?
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Guide
🧭Which route fits me?A short decision guide for people from Kenya: work, nursing, training, study, family.
🛂Visa and the Embassy in NairobiNational visa (type D), waiting lists, TLScontact, online portal, fee, processing time.
🤝The Germany-Kenya migration agreementWhat the September 2024 agreement says, and what it does not change for your application.
🎓Route: skilled worker and Blue CardBlue Card thresholds 2026, § 18a and § 18b, recognition, settlement permit, visa from Nairobi.
🃏Opportunity Card§ 20a AufenthG: six points, money, 20 hours of work, online application.
🛠️Route: vocational training (Ausbildung)§ 16a AufenthG: contract, German B1, money, training pay, visa channel.
🩺Nursing and health professionsRecognition, adaptation course or knowledge test, and what the WHO list means for Kenya.
📚Route: study in Berlin§ 16b permit, uni-assist, KCSE documents, Studienkolleg, blocked account, work limits.
👪Route: familySpouses, children and parents: A1 German, exemptions, visa from Nairobi.
🗂️Documents: no apostille, no legalisationKenya is outside the Apostille Convention; the Embassy cannot legalise; document checks by lawyers cost money.
📜Recognition of your qualificationanabin, ZAB, Recognition Finder and the competent body for vocational and academic qualifications.
🏥Social security and health insuranceNo Germany-Kenya social security agreement; mandatory health insurance.
🚗Driving licenceKenyan licence in Germany: six months, no conversion exemption, full test.
🏠After arrival in BerlinRegistration, residence card, tax ID, bank, health insurance.
🤝Find your communityWhere Kenyans in Berlin get advice, meet people, follow news, find work and practise German.
📍Already in Berlin?Changing purpose, settlement permit, naturalisation after five years.
💱Money and transfersBlocked account, M-Pesa and bank transfers, sending money home, basic account.
💶Costs at a glanceVisa and permit fees, document checks, money to show by route, appeal deadlines.
⚠️Avoiding scamsTypical patterns: fake agencies, fake job offers, visa and appointment sellers, fake document services.