Documents and verification
No apostille for Nigeria. The HCCH status table (last updated 30 June 2026) does not list Nigeria as a party to the Apostille Convention (HCCH). Do not order an apostille. Re-check the table before you start.
What Germany asks: verification, not a stamp
- Document verification (identity establishment) is the mission's own procedure. Triggers: differing identity data, court decisions (custody, divorce), marriages concluded only traditionally or religiously. It can apply in any visa category when a trigger exists. Fee: 370,000 NGN (documents from southern states) or 420,000 NGN (northern states or both regions); re-check 250,000 / 300,000 NGN. Duration usually 6 to 8 months (the child-passport page says at least eight). Steps: questionnaire, fee, interview by an investigator. Applicants bear the costs. See also marriage visa page and child passport page.
- Urkundenüberprüfung instead of consular legalisation: we found no mission page asking for consular legalisation of Nigerian documents for visas; the missions describe verification. Ask the consulate which documents it needs for your category.
- Submit only documents issued by the competent authorities or courts. Affidavits must be declared by you before the High Court; the mission says not to use service providers.
- Originals plus copies at the appointment. Documents not in German or English need a German translation by a recognised translation agency (mission page).
Documents you will usually need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid beyond the planned stay. |
| WAEC/NECO certificate, degrees, transcripts | For study and recognition; WASSC scratch-card data for online verification (Study). |
| Birth and marriage certificates | Family cases; birth certificate from the National Population Commission and hospital certificate are named for child passports. |
| Police certificate | Only if a German office asks; not checked. |
| Employment contract, CV, recognition decision | Work and training routes. |
German documents for use in Nigeria
The Federal Foreign Office says the law of the country of use decides whether an apostille or legalisation is needed (FAQ). Since Nigeria is not on the HCCH list, legalisation through the Nigerian mission would be expected; not confirmed.
Recognition bodies may ask more than the consulate: Recognition. Never pay anyone to "speed up" verification: Scams.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.