Do you qualify?
Short answer: as a Nigerian software engineer with a recognised B.Sc. or B.Eng. degree, you can qualify — via Route 1 if your degree is fully recognised, or the points system otherwise.
Critical note on HND: A Higher National Diploma from a Nigerian polytechnic does not qualify as a formal degree for the Chancenkarte. Route 1 is not available to HND holders. Route 2 requires 6 points — possible, but without the degree qualification point, harder to reach.
The Chancenkarte lets you move to Germany without a job offer and search for software engineering roles for up to 12 months, then convert to a EU Blue Card or work permit.
The Chancenkarte requires a formal qualification
To apply, you must hold one of:
- A foreign higher-education degree (at least 3 years, ISCED level 6 or higher)
- A state-recognised vocational qualification of at least 2 years
- An AHK Category A certificate
HND (Higher National Diploma) does not meet this threshold. HND is below ISCED level 6 under German recognition standards.
Which route applies to you?
| Your situation | Route |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. CS / B.Eng. CE (4–5 years) from an H+ university | Route 1 — no points needed |
| Degree from H+/- university, programme not listed in anabin | Route 2 — 6 points required |
| HND only | Not eligible for Chancenkarte |
| No formal qualification | Not eligible for Chancenkarte |
Check your institution at anabin.kmk.org/anabin/institutionen.
Route 2: calculating your points
| Criterion | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partial equivalence of your qualification with a German qualification | 4 | Requires a formal "partial equivalence" decision |
| Shortage occupation (software engineering qualifies) | 1 | ISCO-08 groups 133 and 25 |
| At least 2 years qualifying experience in last 5 years | 2 | Post-graduation, in your field |
| At least 5 years qualifying experience in last 7 years | 3 | Replaces 2-year tier — mutually exclusive |
| German at A2 | 1 | |
| German at B1 | 2 | Replaces A2 — mutually exclusive |
| German at B2 or higher | 3 | Replaces B1 — mutually exclusive |
| English at C1 or native (with certificate) | 1 | Additive — certificate required |
| Age under 35 at date of application | 2 | |
| Age 35–39 at date of application | 1 | Replaces under-35 — mutually exclusive |
| Prior lawful residence in Germany ≥ 6 months in last 5 years | 1 | Tourist stays excluded |
| Spouse also qualifies and applies jointly | 1 |
Worked examples for Nigerian software engineers:
Profile A — B.Sc. CS from H+/- university (programme unlisted), 3 years post-graduation experience, age 26, English C1: 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) + 2 (age) + 1 (English) = 6 points ✓
Profile B — B.Eng. CE from H+/- university (unlisted), 5 years software engineering experience, age 30, English C1: 1 (shortage) + 3 (5-year exp) + 2 (age under 35) + 1 (English) = 7 points ✓
Profile C — B.Sc. CS, ZAB partial equivalence, 4 years experience, age 28, German A2 + English C1: 4 (partial equiv) + 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) + 2 (age under 35) + 1 (German A2) + 1 (English C1) = 11 points ✓
Profile D — 2 years experience, age 42, no German, English B2 only: 1 (shortage) + 2 (experience) = 3 points — does not qualify. Needs language study or more experience.
English C1 note: Nigerian professionals educated in English-medium universities may have strong English proficiency. An IELTS Academic score of 7.0+ or Cambridge C1 Advanced certifies C1 — the certificate is required even if English was your primary medium of instruction.
Financial requirement: the Sperrkonto
€13,092 (€1,091 × 12 months, 2026 figure under § 20a(4) AufenthG) in a Sperrkonto before your visa appointment. Providers: Fintiba, Coracle, Expatrio.
What you can do on the Opportunity Card
- Part-time employment: up to 20 hours per week on average
- Trial employment (Probebeschäftigung): up to 2 weeks per employer
- Freelancing: not permitted
- Interviews and technical assessments: not regulated
Document checklist (Nigeria, Route 2, 2026)
- Valid passport (at least 2 empty pages)
- Biometric-format passport photograph
- Completed VIDEX application form
- Degree certificate — with apostille
- Academic transcript — with apostille
- NYSC Discharge Certificate (or exemption)
- University confirmation of regular (on-site) mode of study
- anabin printout — or ZAB Statement of Comparability if unlisted
- Language certificate: IELTS / TOEFL / Cambridge at B2+ for English, or Goethe-Institut / telc / ÖSD for German
- Experience letters (specific technologies, responsibilities, seniority) plus payslips and Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)
- Sperrkonto certificate (€13,092) or signed Verpflichtungserklärung
- Travel health insurance
Apostille note: Nigeria joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 24 September 2024. Academic documents require apostille. Confirm current requirements with the German Embassy Abuja or Consulate General Lagos.
Frequently asked questions
Does an HND qualify for the Chancenkarte?
No. HND from Nigerian polytechnics is below ISCED level 6 and does not qualify as the required formal higher-education degree. There is no workaround within the Chancenkarte framework for HND holders. If you have 3+ years of software engineering experience at graduate level, the EU Blue Card IT exception (§ 18g(2)) requires a job offer first.
How long does the Chancenkarte take to process for Nigerian applicants?
Processing at the German Embassy Abuja or Consulate General Lagos typically ranges from 6 to 14 weeks. Apply well ahead of your planned travel date.
Which German mission handles Nigerian visa applications?
The German Embassy in Abuja handles applications for most states. The Consulate General in Lagos handles applications from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states. Check which mission has jurisdiction for your state of residence before booking an appointment.
Sources
- § 20a AufenthG — Chancenkarte — Bundesministerium der Justiz
- § 20b AufenthG — Points system — Bundesministerium der Justiz
- Chancenkarte — Make it in Germany — Federal Government
- anabin database — KMK / ZAB
- German Embassy Abuja — Auswärtiges Amt
- German Consulate General Lagos — Auswärtiges Amt
We are not a law firm. This page provides general information only, not legal advice.