Travel and immigration guide

Cost Of Moving To Germany From Nigeria

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Moving to Germany from Nigeria: A Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

Moving to a new country is an exciting yet daunting endeavor, especially when it involves crossing continents. For many Nigerians, Germany offers a wealth of opportunities, from quality education to career advancement and a high standard of living. However, understanding the costs involved is crucial for a smooth transition. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect when moving from Nigeria to Germany, using an exchange rate of 1 Euro (EUR) to 1,550 Nigerian Naira (NGN).

Moving to Germany from Nigeria: A Comprehensive Cost Breakdown.

below is a breakdown of how much you need to spend, also some general requirements needed for traveling from Nigeria to Germany

1. Visa Application Fees

The first step in your journey is obtaining a visa. There are several types of visas depending on your purpose, such as student, work, or family reunification visas.

  • Short-stay Schengen Visa (up to 90 days): €80 (NGN 124,000)
  • Long-stay National Visa: €75 (NGN 116,250)
  • Student Visa: €75 (NGN 116,250)
  • Work Visa: €75 (NGN 116,250)

Additional costs may include visa application service fees and the cost of supporting documents like translations, certifications, and notary services.

2. Flight Costs

Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the time of booking, airline, and season. On average, a one-way flight from Lagos to major German cities such as Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt costs between €400 to €800.

  • Average Flight Cost: €600 (NGN 930,000)

3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a requirement for visa approval and is crucial for covering any medical emergencies or travel disruptions.

  • Travel Insurance (3 months): €30-€50 (NGN 46,500 – NGN 77,500)

4. Housing Costs

Securing accommodation in Germany before arrival can be challenging. Options include student dormitories, shared apartments, or private rentals. Prices vary by city, with Munich and Frankfurt being more expensive than cities like Leipzig or Dresden.

  • Student Dormitory: €250 – €400 per month (NGN 387,500 – NGN 620,000)
  • Shared Apartment: €300 – €600 per month (NGN 465,000 – NGN 930,000)
  • Private Apartment: €500 – €1,000 per month (NGN 775,000 – NGN 1,550,000)

5. Initial Setup Costs

Upon arrival, you’ll need to consider initial setup costs, including deposits for accommodation, furniture, and essential household items.

  • Housing Deposit (usually 2-3 months’ rent): €600 – €3,000 (NGN 930,000 – NGN 4,650,000)
  • Furniture and Household Items: €500 – €1,000 (NGN 775,000 – NGN 1,550,000)

6. Living Expenses

Monthly living expenses include groceries, transportation, health insurance, utilities, and miscellaneous costs.

  • Groceries: €150 – €250 per month (NGN 232,500 – NGN 387,500)
  • **

Transportation: €70 – €100 per month (NGN 108,500 – NGN 155,000)

  • Health Insurance (mandatory for students and employees): €105 – €110 per month (NGN 162,750 – NGN 170,500)
  • Utilities (electricity, heating, internet): €150 – €300 per month (NGN 232,500 – NGN 465,000)
  • Miscellaneous (entertainment, dining out, personal items): €100 – €200 per month (NGN 155,000 – NGN 310,000)

7. Language Courses

Although many Germans speak English, learning the language can significantly ease your transition and improve job prospects. Language courses vary in cost based on the provider and course intensity.

  • Language Course (per month): €100 – €300 (NGN 155,000 – NGN 465,000)

Total Estimated Costs

Let’s compile the total estimated costs for an individual moving from Nigeria to Germany, considering a moderate spending scenario:

  1. Visa Application Fees:
    • Long-stay National Visa: NGN 116,250
  2. Flight Costs:
    • Average Flight Cost: NGN 930,000
  3. Travel Insurance:
    • Travel Insurance (3 months): NGN 62,000 (average)
  4. Housing Costs:
    • Shared Apartment (1st month): NGN 697,500 (average)
    • Housing Deposit (2 months’ rent): NGN 1,395,000
  5. Initial Setup Costs:
    • Furniture and Household Items: NGN 1,162,500 (average)
  6. Living Expenses (1st month):
    • Groceries: NGN 310,000 (average)
    • Transportation: NGN 131,750 (average)
    • Health Insurance: NGN 166,625 (average)
    • Utilities: NGN 348,750 (average)
    • Miscellaneous: NGN 232,500 (average)
  7. Language Courses (1st month):
    • Language Course: NGN 310,000 (average)

Total Estimated Initial Cost:

  • Visa: NGN 116,250
  • Flight: NGN 930,000
  • Travel Insurance: NGN 62,000
  • Housing (1st Month): NGN 697,500
  • Housing Deposit: NGN 1,395,000
  • Setup Costs: NGN 1,162,500
  • Groceries: NGN 310,000
  • Transportation: NGN 131,750
  • Health Insurance: NGN 166,625
  • Utilities: NGN 348,750
  • Miscellaneous: NGN 232,500
  • Language Course: NGN 310,000

Total: NGN 5,862,875

Therefore, the total estimated cost for an individual moving from Nigeria to Germany, including the initial expenses for the first month, is approximately NGN 5,862,875, excluding 30,000 Euros or equivalent (you may not actually spend the 30,000, but you need to have up to it in your account)

Requirements for German visa in nigeria

Applying for a German visa from Nigeria involves several steps and requires various documents depending on the type of visa you are seeking. Below, we outline the general requirements for the most common types of German visas: short-stay Schengen visas (for tourism, business, or family visits) and long-stay national visas (for study, work, or family reunification).

Short-Stay Schengen Visa Requirements (up to 90 days)

1. Visa Application Form

  • Completed and signed visa application form.

2. Passport

  • A valid Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages.
  • Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay in Germany.
  • Copies of previous visas.

3. Photographs

  • Two recent passport-sized photographs (45mm x 35mm) meeting the Schengen visa photo requirements.

4. Cover Letter

  • A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and details of your stay.

5. Travel Itinerary

  • A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation bookings.

6. Travel Insurance

  • Proof of travel insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.

7. Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host in Germany.

8. Proof of Financial Means

  • Bank statements for the last three months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay.
  • Proof of employment and salary slips if employed, or proof of business registration and financial standing if self-employed.

9. Proof of Ties to Nigeria

  • Proof of employment, business, property ownership, or family ties to ensure return to Nigeria.

10. Visa Fee

  • Payment of the visa application fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6).

Long-Stay National Visa Requirements (more than 90 days)

1. Visa Application Form

  • Completed and signed national visa application form.

2. Passport

  • A valid Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages.
  • Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay in Germany.
  • Copies of previous visas.

3. Photographs

  • Two recent passport-sized photographs (45mm x 35mm) meeting the Schengen visa photo requirements.

4. Cover Letter

  • A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and details of your stay.

5. Proof of Accommodation

  • Proof of accommodation in Germany.

6. Proof of Financial Means

  • Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay (e.g., bank statements, scholarship details, employment contract).

7. Proof of Academic or Professional Qualification

  • For students: Acceptance letter from a German university and proof of previous education.
  • For employees: Employment contract and proof of qualifications.
  • For family reunification: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, and proof of family relationship.

8. Health Insurance

  • Proof of health insurance valid in Germany.

9. Language Proficiency

  • Proof of German language proficiency (if applicable, especially for study and family reunification visas).

10. Proof of Clean Criminal Record

  • Police clearance certificate from Nigeria.

11. Visa Fee

  • Payment of the visa application fee (€75).

Application Process

  1. Gather Required Documents: Ensure all documents are complete and meet the requirements.
  2. Schedule an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria through their online booking system.
  3. Attend the Interview: Attend the visa interview at the German Embassy or Consulate with all required documents.
  4. Submit Biometrics: Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) during your appointment.
  5. Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary. Short-stay visas typically take 15 days, while long-stay visas can take several weeks to months.
  6. Collect Your Visa: Once approved, you will be notified to collect your visa.

Contact Information

German Embassy in Nigeria

Conclusion

Applying for a German visa from Nigeria requires careful preparation and adherence to the specified requirements. Ensure all documents are complete and accurately presented to increase your chances of a successful application. Good luck with your visa application process.

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