How to Move to Germany
Germany has one of the most open skilled-migration systems in Europe and a real shortage of workers. The official "Make it in Germany" portal is your starting point. The EU Blue Card suits graduates with a job offer; the new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets qualified people enter to job-hunt; and recognition of your foreign qualification is often the key step. You apply for the national (D) visa at the German embassy in your country.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Germany embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Germany has embassies/consulates across Africa — e.g. Abuja & Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Pretoria & Cape Town, Cairo, Rabat, Dakar, Addis Ababa and Yaoundé. Book your national-visa appointment at the German mission (or VFS) covering your country.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
9 Lake Maracaibo Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja
+234 9 220 8010 Open in Google MapsLudwig Krapf House, 113 Riverside Drive, Nairobi
+254 20 4262100 Open in Google Maps201 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Groenkloof, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 427 8900 Open in Google Maps2 Sharia Berlin (off Hassan Sabri), Zamalek, Cairo
+20 2 2728 2000 Open in Google MapsTsehafi Tiezaz Afewerk Street, Yeka Sub-City, Addis Ababa
+251 11 123 5139 Open in Google MapsUmoja House, Hamburg Avenue / Mirambo Street, 2nd Floor, Dar es Salaam
+255 22 221 2300 Open in Google Maps39 Boulevard Hassan II, Cocody, Abidjan
+225 27 22 44 20 30 Open in Google MapsImpasse du Lac Windermere, Les Berges du Lac, Tunis
+216 71 14 32 00 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Germany has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Embassy visa: typically 1–3 months.
National visa fee ~€75 + recognition/translation costs.
Up to 4 years; permanent residence possible in as little as 21–33 months.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A recognised university degree (or comparable qualification).
- A German job offer meeting the Blue Card salary threshold.
- The job matches your qualification.
- Valid passport and health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get your degree recognised
Check your qualification on the official "anabin" database / apply for recognition where needed.
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2
Find a qualifying job
Secure a job offer meeting the Blue Card salary threshold that matches your degree.
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3
Book an embassy appointment
Request a national (D) visa appointment at the German mission in your country (book early — slots fill up).
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4
Submit your visa application
Attend with your documents, contract and proof of qualification recognition.
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5
Travel & register
Enter Germany, register your address (Anmeldung) and collect your Blue Card residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Learning German (even basic A1–B1) speeds integration and unlocks faster permanent residence.
- The anabin database tells you if your university/degree is recognised — check it first.
- Blue Card holders get one of the fastest routes to permanent residence in Europe.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Consular Services Portal account first
Since 2025 all German national visas (work, study, family) are applied for online through the Consular Services Portal. Register with your email, complete the form and upload documents, then book your in-person biometrics appointment at your German mission — all inside the portal.
Create accountStart your EU Blue Card application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationEmbassy processing: typically several weeks to a few months.
Visa fee ~€75 + proof of funds to support yourself.
Up to 1 year to find a job; switch to a work permit once hired.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Either full recognition of a foreign qualification, OR enough points on the system.
- Points come from qualifications, work experience, age, German/English skills and ties to Germany.
- Proof you can finance your stay (savings or a part-time job offer).
What to do, step by step
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1
Check your points
Use the official points self-check to confirm you reach the threshold (or have a recognised qualification).
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2
Prove your finances
Show savings (e.g. a blocked account) or evidence you can support yourself while job hunting.
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3
Apply at the embassy
Book a national visa appointment and submit your Opportunity Card application.
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4
Travel & job hunt
Enter Germany and look for work; you can do trial work and part-time jobs.
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5
Switch to a work permit
Once you get a qualifying job, switch to a work residence permit or Blue Card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This is the legal way to "go and look for a job" — no agent needed.
- A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the standard way to prove funds.
- More German points = stronger application and easier job search.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Consular Services Portal account first
Since 2025 all German national visas (work, study, family) are applied for online through the Consular Services Portal. Register with your email, complete the form and upload documents, then book your in-person biometrics appointment at your German mission — all inside the portal.
Create accountStart your Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationEmbassy processing: several weeks to a few months.
Visa fee ~€75 + blocked account (~€11,904/year, amount changes).
Course length; 18-month post-study job-search permit afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission (or conditional admission) to a recognised German university.
- Proof of funds, usually via a blocked account.
- Health insurance.
- Language proficiency for your programme (German or English).
What to do, step by step
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1
Get university admission
Apply directly or via uni-assist; receive your admission letter.
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2
Open a blocked account
Deposit the required living-cost amount into a blocked account to prove funds.
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3
Arrange health insurance
Get German-recognised health insurance.
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4
Apply for the student visa
Book an embassy appointment and submit your documents.
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5
Travel & enrol
Enter Germany, register your address and enrol; convert to a residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Public universities often charge little or no tuition — only a small semester fee.
- After graduating you get 18 months to find a job related to your degree.
- DAAD scholarships are a strong, free funding option — apply early.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Consular Services Portal account first
Since 2025 all German national visas (work, study, family) are applied for online through the Consular Services Portal. Register with your email, complete the form and upload documents, then book your in-person biometrics appointment at your German mission — all inside the portal.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks to a few months.
Visa fee ~€75.
Tied to the sponsor's permit; renewable; can lead to settlement.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your family member holds a valid German residence title.
- Adequate living space and (usually) income to support the family.
- Basic German (A1) is usually required for spouses.
- Genuine, provable relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm sponsor status
Your relative must hold a qualifying residence permit, Blue Card or citizenship.
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2
Learn basic German (A1)
Spouses usually need an A1 German certificate before the visa.
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3
Book the embassy appointment
Apply for the family-reunion national visa at the German mission.
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4
Submit documents
Provide marriage and sponsor documents plus the A1 certificate.
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5
Travel & register
Enter Germany and obtain your residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Spouses of Blue Card holders often face fewer requirements.
- Get certificates legalised/apostilled early — this step takes time in many African countries.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Consular Services Portal account first
Since 2025 all German national visas (work, study, family) are applied for online through the Consular Services Portal. Register with your email, complete the form and upload documents, then book your in-person biometrics appointment at your German mission — all inside the portal.
Create accountStart your Family reunion visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Germany work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Germany — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Germany visas
How much does the Germany EU Blue Card cost?
The Germany EU Blue Card costs: National visa fee ~€75 + recognition/translation costs. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Germany EU Blue Card take?
Processing for the Germany EU Blue Card takes embassy visa: typically 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Germany EU Blue Card valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Germany EU Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years; permanent residence possible in as little as 21–33 months. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) cost?
The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) costs: Visa fee ~€75 + proof of funds to support yourself. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) take?
Processing for the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) takes embassy processing: typically several weeks to a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) valid for?
The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is valid for up to 1 year to find a job; switch to a work permit once hired. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Germany Student visa cost?
The Germany Student visa costs: Visa fee ~€75 + blocked account (~€11,904/year, amount changes). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Germany Student visa take?
Processing for the Germany Student visa takes embassy processing: several weeks to a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Germany Student visa valid for?
The Germany Student visa is valid for course length; 18-month post-study job-search permit afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Germany Family reunion visa cost?
The Germany Family reunion visa costs: Visa fee ~€75. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Germany Family reunion visa take?
Processing for the Germany Family reunion visa takes several weeks to a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Germany Family reunion visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Germany Family reunion visa is valid for tied to the sponsor's permit; renewable; can lead to settlement. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.