Route: family

Spouses, children and parents: A1 German, document verification, waiting list.

Family reunification (AufenthG §§ 27 ff.) depends on who is in Germany and which title they hold. You apply for a visa at the Lagos consulate (category "Family reunion", Visa and embassy). Since July 2026 the consulate processes these applications through the online portal; waiting-list numbers stay valid and appointments follow the list order (Consulate General Lagos).

Spouses

• Spouse of a foreigner in Germany (§ 30): both aged 18+, the sponsor holds a qualifying title, and the spouse speaks simple German (A1). Exceptions in § 30 (1) S. 3:
  • Nr. 4 follows the nationality of the partner who already lives in Germany: it applies only if that partner is a national of a state with visa-free permit rules under § 41 AufenthV (for example the USA). It does not help a Nigerian joining a partner of another nationality.
  • Nr. 5: the sponsor holds a Blue Card, an ICT card or a title as a skilled worker (§§ 18a, 18b and others listed there) or § 21. No A1 needed.
• Spouse of a German (§ 28 (1) S. 1 Nr. 1): S. 5 applies § 30 (1) S. 1 Nr. 1-2 and S. 3 "correspondingly". A Nigerian spouse of a German needs A1. Exceptions exist only in narrow cases (for example illness or unreasonable burden).
• Source: § 30, § 28. Sponsor's living costs and housing depend on the sponsor's title (§ 30 (1) S. 1 Nr. 3).

Marriage visa

A visa to marry in Germany needs an imminent marriage without obstacles. The mission says this "usually involves a procedure to verify the Nigerian documents"; present the registry office's confirmation that verification is finished, and expect further checks such as spousal interviews at your own cost (marriage visa page).

Children and parents

• Minor unmarried children of a foreigner with a qualifying title: § 32. Children of a German: § 28 (1) Nr. 2. Age limits, custody proof and exemptions were not checked in detail; see the mission checklists.
• Hardship (§ 36 (2)): other family members only to avoid an exceptional hardship.
• Parents of skilled workers (§ 36 (3)): if a Blue Card or a skilled-worker title is granted for the first time on or after 1 March 2024, the parents (and the spouse's parents) may receive a permit, with secured living costs. Source: § 36. A "may" provision. Health insurance for parents is a practical obstacle.

Verification and waiting

Nigerian civil-status documents are often verified (Documents), which adds months. Status enquiries are not answered in the first 12 weeks. Current waiting list length: not published in a source we could check.