Japa: Simple Steps to Apply for Germany Visa as Country Launches Digital Portal
Germany’s new digital visa platform simplifies applications for work, study, or family reunification, offering 28 categories of national visas
German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, hailed the portal as a much-needed reform to attract skilled workers and modernise the immigration process
Legit.ng reports that Nigerians can benefit significantly from this streamlined system, which provides accessible pathways to opportunities in Germany
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering migration.
Berlin, Germany – As Nigerians continue to ‘japa’ (leave/flee from the country), Germany has launched the Consular Services Portal, a digital platform to streamline visa applications across all 167 missions worldwide.
Legit.ng reports that this initiative, which offers 28 national visa categories, aims to address labour shortages by speeding up the process and removing obstacles, enhancing Germany’s appeal to global talent. German authorities also took more measures to meet the market demand, increasing the number of work visas by 22,422.
The development is expected to raise hope among ‘japa’ enthusiasts, particularly young Nigerians who are frustrated with the system and want to migrate.
Nigerian nationals or non-EU citizens require a visa to enter Germany.
How to apply for German visa
There are three steps applicants need to take to secure their visas via the Internet:
1. Online application submission
Applicants should begin by completing an online form on the Consular Services Portal and uploading the required documents, including passport scans and proof of qualifications.
Next, applicants would access the Consular Services Portal to complete the relevant visa application form.
Applicants would then upload essential documents like passport scans, qualification proofs, and other supporting files.
2. Preliminary review
The German authorities, through their nearest embassy or mission, will conduct a digital preliminary review of your application.
If further information is needed—officials will request it via the portal—and you will be notified accordingly.
Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments!
Any additional information requests will be communicated via the portal.
3. In-person verification
Applicants will then be scheduled for a physical appointment at their nearest German mission.
It is noteworthy that this step is crucial for identity verification, document checks, and biometric data collection (photos and fingerprints).
Schedule an appointment at a German consulate or embassy, verify identity, submit original documents, and provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photos.
The portal also features a visa navigator tool to help applicants identify the appropriate visa type.
Currently, the portal supports individual applications only. However, future updates aim to include joint applications for families, groups, and authorised representatives.
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Thailand launches e-visa system, invites Nigerians
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that as the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja moved toward a totally digital visa application process, Nigerians who intend to travel to Thailand can now apply for visas online.
Physical submissions are no longer required as a result of the change, which became effective on January 1st 2025.
In addition to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad are also covered by the e-visa scheme.
