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How do I fill in and print the VIDEX form for a German student visa from Nigeria?

By VisaRoom EditorialChecked 29 October 2026For applicants in Lagos

Short answer

VIDEX Long-term stay is the Federal Foreign Office's form for national long-term visas, and its page names students as an example. It prints the application form and an information notice, both to be signed, plus barcodes. That page says the application cannot be submitted online, while the Lagos University studies page tells students to apply online via the Consular Services Portal. The pages do not say how the two fit together, so ask the mission which route applies to you.

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The officer will ask about your documents. Practise your answer
On this page
  1. Short answer
  2. Which VIDEX version do students use?
  3. How does VIDEX fit with the Consular Services Portal?
  4. How do I fill in the VIDEX form?
  5. What do I print and sign?
  6. Should I staple the pages or fill the form in by hand?
  7. Which VIDEX fields does the instruction page not explain?
  8. People also ask
  9. Related questions
  10. Sources

Which VIDEX version do students use?

VIDEX is the online form of the Federal Foreign Office. The German Missions in Nigeria say it comes in two versions. VIDEX – Short-term stay is for Schengen visas and transit visas.

VIDEX – Long-term stay is for national long-term visas, and the page names students as an example. That is the one for a student visa.

The Lagos University studies page, in its sorting list under 'Application Form', says 'For more information on how to fill in the Videx form, click here' and links to the VIDEX instructions.

Sources for this part13

How does VIDEX fit with the Consular Services Portal?

The Lagos University studies page says: 'You can easily apply for your visa online via the Consular Services Portal.' The VIDEX page says: 'Your application cannot be submitted online.'

Neither page says whether students fill in VIDEX as well as using the portal, or whether VIDEX replaces the portal. The mission's FAQ says certain visa categories are already processed through the portal and others will follow.

Ask the mission which route applies to you.

Sources for this part132

How do I fill in the VIDEX form?

The page also says VIDEX has a help assistant (click 'Start assistant') that shows help text for each field.

  • Required fields have a star (*) and bold type. Some extra required fields can appear or disappear depending on your answers. You can only print once all required fields are filled in.
  • Use only Latin characters. The VIDEX page says forms with non-Latin characters cannot be saved or printed. Besides standard Latin letters, it allows Ä Ö Ü ß . + - , ’ and, in email fields, @.
  • Write dates as DD.MM.YYYY.
  • 'Name at birth' means your surname only. Fill it in only if you have changed your surname.
  • 'First name(s)' means all your given names as they appear in your passport.
  • Language: you can show the questions in other languages, but switch back to English or German before printing. The German Missions in Nigeria website says it accepts only the German or English version at the interview.

Sources for this part1

What do I print and sign?

Click 'Next' to print. VIDEX prints three things:

  1. 01The visa application form (must be signed).
  2. 02The information notice under section 54 (2) no. 8 with section 53 of the Residence Act (must be signed).
  3. 03Barcodes containing your encrypted application data.

Sources for this part1

Should I staple the pages or fill the form in by hand?

The VIDEX page says not to staple or attach the printed pages together. The Lagos sorting list for student applications also says not to staple any of the documents.

The Lagos University studies page asks for the application form to be completely filled in, in English or German, and signed by the applicant with place and date. The Lagos sorting list PDF (status June 2026) asks for it to be completely filled out and signed with place and date.

The mission's FAQ says the barcode lets it transfer your data into its system, which speeds up your appointment at the counter. It says handwritten forms are not recommended and will slow down the process.

Sources for this part1432

Which VIDEX fields does the instruction page not explain?

The VIDEX instruction page explains only a few fields (name at birth, first names, dates). Other fields, such as the intended place of stay, get no explanation there. The page says the VIDEX assistant shows help text for each field.

Sources for this part1

Reading the answer is the easy part. Say it out loud.

The officer will ask about this. Answer in your own words, then read what your answer missed. Your first practice interview is free.

Practise saying it out loud

People also ask

Which VIDEX version do I use for a German student visa?

VIDEX – Long-term stay. The German Missions in Nigeria say VIDEX – Short-term stay is for Schengen visas and transit visas, and Long-term stay is for national long-term visas, with students named as an example. 1

Can I submit the VIDEX form online?

The VIDEX page says: 'Your application cannot be submitted online.' It says the application can only be submitted at the competent German mission or through an external service provider the mission authorises, after booking an appointment. The Lagos University studies page separately describes applying online via the Consular Services Portal. The pages do not say how these two fit together. 13

Can I print the VIDEX form in another language?

No. If you filled it in using another language, switch back to English or German before printing. The German Missions in Nigeria website says only the German or English version is accepted at the interview. 1

Should I staple the VIDEX pages together?

No. The VIDEX page says not to staple or attach the printed pages together. 1

Sources

  1. 1Instructions for using the application form VIDEXOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 2026
  2. 2Frequently Asked QuestionsOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 2026
  3. 3University studiesOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 2026
  4. 4Sorting of application - National Student (Lagos PDF, Status: June 2026)OfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 29 Oct 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.