From Nigeria to Berlin: work, train, study or join family
New here? Which route fits me?
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Guide
🧭Which route fits me?A short decision guide for people in Nigeria: skilled work, nursing, training, study, family.
🛂Visa and embassyWhich German mission handles your visa (Lagos or Abuja), how appointments work, fee, refusal.
🎓Route: skilled worker and Blue CardBlue Card thresholds 2026, § 18a/18b, IT without a degree, settlement, employer fast-track.
🃏Opportunity Card§ 20a AufenthG: up to one year to look for work; points, money, 20 hours a week.
🎨Freelance and self-employed§ 21 AufenthG: freelancers, artists, founders; what the law requires.
🩺Nursing and health professionsRecognition, WHO safeguards list, § 38 BeschV: Nigeria and active recruitment.
🧾Recognition of your qualificationanabin, ZAB, and which body decides, by profession.
📚Route: study in Berlin§ 16b permit, blocked account, WASSC/NECO, Studienkolleg, uni-assist.
🛠️Route: vocational training (Ausbildung)§ 16a AufenthG: training contract, B1, money, training pay.
🗣️Learning GermanWhich level you need for which route, and where to start.
👪Route: familySpouses, children and parents: A1 German, document verification, waiting list.
📄Documents and verificationNigeria has no apostille; document verification in Lagos; fees; translations.
🏥Social security and health insuranceNo known agreement with Nigeria; mandatory health insurance.
🏠After arrival in BerlinImmigration office, registration, bank, health insurance, driving licence.
🤝Find your communityWhere Nigerians in Berlin get free advice in English, meet people, find African and Black community spaces, news, German classes, English-German schools and doctors.
📍Already in Berlin?Changing purpose, settlement permit, naturalisation after five years, benefits.
💱Money and transfersNaira and euro, paying the visa fee, blocked account, sending money.
💶Costs at a glanceVisa and permit fees, money to show by route, appeal deadlines.
⚠️Avoiding scamsTypical patterns in Nigeria: fake job offers, visa agents, appointment sellers, fake documents.