The government of Germany has launched an online visa application portal for Nigerians and other applicants worldwide.
This was announced in a statement by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.
“The Consular Services Portal is being launched worldwide today, 1 January 2025, enabling people around the world to submit applications for German visas online,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, 28 categories of national visas can now be applied for online by those who want to work, study, or join their families in Germany.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the online visa application portal as a positive development that will help the country meet its demand for skilled workers.
“Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running – in the skilled crafts sector, in the care sector, in tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.
“At times like these, we cannot afford to downright put the best off coming here to roll up their sleeves because of long paper application forms and even longer waiting periods.
At times like these, as one of the biggest economies and as a modern country of immigration, we need a national visa process that is state-of-the-art – modern, digital and secure,” Ms Baerbock said.
HOW TO APPLY
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: German authorities via the nearest mission embassy would conduct a digital preliminary review of the application.
If additional information is required, officials will request it through the portal.
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.
Note 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.
APPLICATION LINK: Interested individual should CLICK HERE to start the application
