Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers): Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦661,827
Below is the complete breakdown of Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) fees for Nigerian applicants moving to Germany. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦117,903 (~$85 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦9,436,931 (~$6,842 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦216,941 (~$157 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦326,983 (~$237 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦661,827 (~$480 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦661,827 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦117,903: Paid to the Germany immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Language test — ₦216,941: IELTS Academic or General, TOEFL, or country-equivalent test. Book your slot in Lagos or Abuja well in advance — popular centres fill 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Credential evaluation — ₦326,983: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet Germany’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
- Proof of funds — ₦9,436,931: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Expert tip
Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers)
The Job Seeker Visa gives you 6 months in Germany to find qualified employment matching your degree or vocational training. Unlike the Chancenkarte, this visa requires that your qualification is already recognized in Germany — there's no points system alternative. You must show proof of funds for 6 months of living expenses (~€6,000–€6,546 in a blocked account or sponsor letter). You cannot work on this visa (unlike the Chancenkarte which allows 20 hours/week part-time). Once you find a job, you switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card without leaving Germany. This visa is best for professionals whose degrees are already recognized and who want a shorter, more focused job search. The Chancenkarte has largely replaced this visa for most applicants since it offers more flexibility.
Where Nigerians settle in Germany
Once your Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) is approved, most Nigerians head to Berlin or Munich. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Berlin: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,755,964/month · Lagos–Berlin flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Large
- Munich: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,026,354/month · Lagos–Munich flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Frankfurt: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,641,205/month · Lagos–Frankfurt flights from ~$580 · Nigerian community: Medium-Large
Life in Berlin
Berlin is Germany's most popular city for international newcomers and has one of the country's largest Nigerian communities. The tech and startup scene is booming — Berlin is home to major tech companies and hundreds of startups where English is the working language, making it the best German city for Nigerians who don't yet speak German. Rent has risen sharply (up 25% since 2022) but is still cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt — a 1-bed averages €1,230/month. The catch: finding an apartment is extremely competitive. Start your search on WG-Gesucht.de and ImmoScout24.de before you arrive, and be prepared to view 15–20 apartments before getting one. Your first task after arrival: complete your Anmeldung (address registration) at the Bürgeramt within 14 days — you need this for everything from opening a bank account to getting your residence permit.
8% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Germany as their destination. Average Japa Score: 62/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦400K–₦800K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) cost for Nigerians moving to Germany?
- Total government fees for the Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) are ₦661,827 (about $480). This covers the visa application fee, language test of ₦216,941, credential evaluation of ₦326,983, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) is 4–12 weeks (apply at German Embassy Abuja or Consulate Lagos). Apply from the Germany High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers)?
- You need to show ₦9,436,931 ($6,842) in savings for the Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers). This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Job Seeker Visa (Skilled Workers) application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Language test result (IELTS/TEF) required — book early, Lagos and Abuja test slots go fast. Credential evaluation from an approved body is required to verify your Nigerian qualifications. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦9,436,931 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Germany.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02