Germany Opportunity Card documents checklist for Nigeria: what to bring to your Lagos appointment
Short answer
The Consulate General in Lagos has a 16-item Opportunity Card checklist (June 2026). Submit every document in both original and copy, with copies in DIN A4 and black and white only, sorted in the list's order and not stapled. The consulate says incomplete and unsorted applications will not be accepted. 12
On this page
- Short answer
- How to prepare your copies and originals
- The 16 documents on the Lagos checklist, in order
- How many biometric photos do you need?
- Name differences, birth certificates and extra documents
- What applicants say they also needed
- What happens if you submit forged documents?
- People also ask
- Related questions
- Sources
How to prepare your copies and originals
These handling rules come from the Lagos Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) page and its printable sorting list (status June 2026). Two of them, the A4 size and the line on documents sent in advance, are on the page only.
Applicants report bringing each original plus one photocopy, in checklist order, held with clips rather than staples. One applicant from early 2025 said only originals were needed because scans had been uploaded, but the checklist still asks for copies, so bring them.
Applicants report that uploads are checked before you can book, often in several rounds, with about 30 days to add missing documents such as proof of funds. Check the portal often. Bring the originals of everything you uploaded.
- All documents must be submitted in both copy and original form.
- Copies need to be in DIN A4 format and black/white. The page says copies in color will not be accepted.
- Sort your application according to the list. Incomplete and unsorted applications will not be accepted.
- Do not staple any of the documents.
- The page says the required documents must be submitted in full at the personal interview, and that documents sent in advance cannot be considered.
The 16 documents on the Lagos checklist, in order
This is the June 2026 checklist order, with the extra detail the Lagos page adds to some items. Item 15, the photo, is explained in the next section.
Items 2 and 3 are forms, not documents you collect yourself. One applicant who attended the Lagos appointment reports being given the section 54 declaration, the data protection form and other forms to fill in with place and date at the appointment, so they did not bring them printed. This is one applicant's report, not an official rule.
The checklist still lists these forms, so if you are unsure whether to bring them signed, ask the Consulate General. It isn't clear whether you need to print and sign the online application form either, so ask about that too.
- 01Application form, completely filled out and signed by you with place and date. The Lagos page says you fill out the application form online on the Consular Services Portal.
- 02Declaration pursuant to section 54 AufenthG (Residence Act), signed by you with place and date.
- 03General Data Protection Regulation form, signed by you with place and date.
- 04Copy of your passport data page. The page adds: original passport, issued in the last 10 years, valid for at least 6 more months, with at least two free pages.
- 05If applicable: copy of your residence permit for Nigeria. The page says this is only for applicants with a nationality other than Nigerian.
- 06Proof of qualification. The list splits this in two. Skilled workers: a degree or vocational qualification with recognition in Germany. Unskilled workers: a degree or vocational qualification recognised in Nigeria, or category A training at a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad, plus a German or English language certificate and, if applicable, proof of how you qualify for the points system. The Lagos page words this route differently: for a university degree it asks for a Statement of Comparability.
- 07CV. The page asks it to include the certificates, diplomas and qualifications you obtained, your professional training and your work experience.
- 08Letter of motivation. The page asks for it signed by you, with detailed expectations for the planned stay, the career and personal benefits you expect, and your future plans.
- 09Proof of recent job/vocational training place search in Germany. The page gives email correspondence about applications, job offers and agency enquiries as examples.
- 10Blocked account OR Declaration of Commitment.
- 11Copies of biographical documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, affidavits (for example change of names or reconciliation of names), and other documents such as a baptism certificate or immunization record.
- 12School results in chronological order: Primary, secondary school, WAEC, National diploma, bachelor, masters. Applicants report that many reviewers asked for the First School Leaving Certificate itself, while some accepted a testimonial.
- 13Transcript of records of previous and current studies.
- 14Original documents: all originals for the copies above, in chronological order. The page says your originals will be returned once your application has been processed. Applicants report their passports and originals came back only after the decision, from about 10 weeks to about 4 months after the interview, so keep your own copies.
- 15Biometric photograph.
- 16Prepaid courier envelope. The page describes it as self-addressed, from any major courier service, with a legible address. Applicants warn that some prepaid envelopes expire, which matters because decisions can take months.
How many biometric photos do you need?
The two Lagos sources give different numbers. The June 2026 checklist says "1 biometric photograph of you". The Opportunity Card page says "2 x biometric photograph".
The page also sets the photo rules: not older than 6 months, a uniform white background and size 3,5x4,5 cm. Photos must not be glued or stapled to the application form.
The consulate's pages do not say which number applies. If you're unsure, ask the Consulate General in Lagos.
Name differences, birth certificates and extra documents
The list ends with a note that the Consulate General reserves the right to request further documents.
The Lagos page also says which birth certificate to bring, depending on whether you were born before or after 15 December 1992. It lists affidavits too, for when you changed your name or there was a mistake on any of your documents. Our separate article on name and birth mismatches covers both.
What applicants say they also needed
Applicants report being asked for things that are not on the 16 items. One applicant at Lagos (February 2025) says she uploaded health insurance and also brought it to the interview, and that you must give an address in Germany. Other applicants report the consulate asking some of them for their reference person's date of birth and residence permit or passport copy.
These are applicant reports, not official rules. Ask the Consulate General whether you need them at your appointment; see our health insurance article.
What happens if you submit forged documents?
The Lagos page warns that any visa application submitted with forged documents or documents containing false information will be immediately and automatically rejected. It says the applicant will be entered into a warning database and issued a Schengen-wide entry ban.
Sources for this part1
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Practise saying it out loudPeople also ask
Can I staple my documents together?
No. The Lagos Opportunity Card page and checklist both say not to staple any of the documents. Photos must also not be glued or stapled to the application form. 12
Can I submit colour copies?
No. The Lagos page says copies need to be in DIN A4 format and black/white, and copies in color will not be accepted. 1
I already uploaded my documents online. Do I still bring them?
Yes. The Lagos page's document instructions say the required documents must be submitted in full at the personal interview, and documents sent in advance cannot be considered. You do apply through the Consular Services Portal and upload your documents there, but the page says your original documents are checked at the appointment. 1
How many passport photos do I need for the Opportunity Card in Lagos?
The two Lagos sources give different numbers. The June 2026 checklist says "1 biometric photograph of you". The Opportunity Card page says "2 x biometric photograph". The consulate's pages do not say which number applies. If you're unsure, ask the Consulate General in Lagos. 21
Sources
- 1Opportunity CardOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 2Opportunity Card checklist, Lagos (status June 2026)OfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 3Applicant report: forms filled in at the Lagos Opportunity Card appointmentApplicant reportsApplicant reports gathered by VisaRoom · checked 3 Nov 2026
- 4Applicant reports gathered by VisaRoomApplicant reportsApplicant reports gathered by VisaRoom · checked 3 Nov 2026
- 5Opportunity Card from Lagos: waiting list, document portal and a short embassy interview (posted Feb 2026)Applicant reportsMide Olayiwola (YouTube) · checked 2 Nov 2026
Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.
General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.