₦airaland Forum

Hello Everyone,

I’m interested in applying for the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) program in Germany and would appreciate step-by-step guidance from anyone who has done it themselves.

Here’s my background:
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
• Over 10 years of experience in solar design, manufacturing, and deployment
• Holder of a registered patent in Nigeria
• Multiple trainings in Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Systems, Solar, and Manufacturing
• Have visited Germany before
• Already have the required funds for settlement

Someone quoted me €1,000 to “help with the application,” which feels quite high, so I want to handle the process myself if possible.

Could anyone kindly share:
1. The exact steps to apply for the Chancenkarte on my own
2. Documents typically required
3. Where and how to submit the application in Nigeria
4. Tips on increasing chances of approval

I’d really appreciate practical advice from anyone familiar with the process. Thanks in advance.

engineerbouss:
Hello Everyone,

I’m interested in applying for the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) program in Germany and would appreciate step-by-step guidance from anyone who has done it themselves.

Here’s my background:
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
• Over 10 years of experience in solar design, manufacturing, and deployment
• Holder of a registered patent in Nigeria
• Multiple trainings in Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Systems, Solar, and Manufacturing
• Have visited Germany before
• Already have the required funds for settlement

Someone quoted me €1,000 to “help with the application,” which feels quite high, so I want to handle the process myself if possible.

Could anyone kindly share:
1. The exact steps to apply for the Chancenkarte on my own
2. Documents typically required
3. Where and how to submit the application in Nigeria
4. Tips on increasing chances of approval

I’d really appreciate practical advice from anyone familiar with the process. Thanks in advance.

First step for you should be confirming if your institution and degree are recognized as H+ on the Anabin database if not you’ll have to do a statement of comparability with ZAB.

Once your degree and institution are recognized as H+ get your academic transcripts, degree certificate, Waec Certificate, Secondary School Testimonial and First School Leaving Certificate, birth certificate and passport ready (all originals).

Pick a blocked account service provider (Expatrio or Fintiba) open an account with them and block the required amount for the opportunity card.

Purchase a travel health insurance policy from a reliable provider e.g Dr Walter Educare 24 for a minimum period of 1 year. You don’t have to pay upfront with them.


Search https://nigeria.diplo.de/ng-en/2691130-2691130 and start your application, read through this thread from beginning to pick up most of the key answers to your questions.

engineerbouss:
Hello Everyone,

I’m interested in applying for the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) program in Germany and would appreciate step-by-step guidance from anyone who has done it themselves.

Here’s my background:
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
• Over 10 years of experience in solar design, manufacturing, and deployment
• Holder of a registered patent in Nigeria
• Multiple trainings in Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Systems, Solar, and Manufacturing
• Have visited Germany before
• Already have the required funds for settlement

Someone quoted me €1,000 to “help with the application,” which feels quite high, so I want to handle the process myself if possible.

Could anyone kindly share:
1. The exact steps to apply for the Chancenkarte on my own
2. Documents typically required
3. Where and how to submit the application in Nigeria
4. Tips on increasing chances of approval

I’d really appreciate practical advice from anyone familiar with the process. Thanks in advance.

The entire process you seek is well detailed and proscribed on this thread so I would advice you take your time and go through the thread from page 1 to the latest. Every information you need to proceed is there.
Wish you the best

@ cyberbro
One more question please.
Is this the address for the appointment?
German Embassy/Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, 15 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island,

Orhorho:
@ cyberbro
One more question please.
Is this the address for the appointment?
German Embassy/Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, 15 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island,

Yea, it's Walter Carrington. Just follow the address on the checklist, it is written there and get to your appointment venue 15 mins before.

Not that there will be a short queue so try to get there early cos the officials will check your appointment print-out before you enter the waiting area.

Good day everyone
Does anyone know what date they have gotten to for preliminary review?
Also, the delete button for the document upload option has been disabled. Does anyone know why?

Tomkito:
Good day everyone
Does anyone know what date they have gotten to for preliminary review?
Also, the delete button for the document upload option has been disabled. Does anyone know why?

Preliminary review is still in May and you can not delete a document from the portal after joining the waiting list unless during preliminary review.

Hi guys, please how do I go about cancelling my Dr Walter's health insurance and getting a refund?

Hey, howdy? How have you been? Glad to see you've not forgotten us here. So, how has Germany been treating you? You've not really given us your landing gist. Not that you owe us one, it will just help "us" (yet to come) prepare for what we about to face when we finally arrive. Your first 1 week, geting your phone number, activating your blocked account, accommodation, etc. And above all, how's the work search? Anything that you feel might help us settle quicker. Wishing you luck tho.

Haliimmaa:
Hi guys, please how do I go about cancelling my Dr Walter's health insurance and getting a refund?

Hello has anyone gone for interview recently, if yes what date did you join the waiting list?

Kingsadviser:
I applied myself, did my interview in Lagos on 30th June, 2025 and currently waiting for decision.

Nice one! Did the embassy eventually get back with a decision? I reckon you should've gotten your visa by now...

Kindly update us.

My waiting-time list reverted back to 2-6months after waiting for 2-12weeks, what's does that mean?

Onuchijioke:
My waiting-time list reverted back to 2-6months after waiting for 2-12weeks, what's does that mean?

It's just an estimated waiting period that gets adjusted and readjusted from time to time.

So far, the average waiting period is about 3-4 months based on most application timelines I've seen. There is no cause for alarm.

is there any one from april 30th still in preliminary review?

Kingsadviser:
For those who are interested in securing a 20 hours weekly part-time job to prove their source of sustenance and support their application.
Details:
1. 20 hours part-time job offer
2. Chancenkarte Visa Application Support
3. Degree recognition support

Contact for more details - odion@wesabiwork.ng +2347034101861
NB: Only for Degree or 2 years Vocational graduates.

I applied myself, did my interview in Lagos on 30th June, 2025 and currently waiting for decision.

Please share the test questions that you were given 🙏

Hi everyone and Hannania,

I have gotten to the preliminary stage and have been asked to upload documents. I have about one week left. My primary school issued me a testimonial/certificate after I finished. But I have once read here that what is accepted is a primary school certificate issued by government at primary school education board. Please where is this board located in each state?

Also, I am no longer in the state where I did my primary school and everyone I have there don’t seem to know what to do. I have sworn an affidavit in court for the certificate my school issued. Please will it suffice? I need an urgent response.

Onuchijioke:
My waiting-time list reverted back to 2-6months after waiting for 2-12weeks, what's does that mean?

Same here. From 2-8weeks, now 2-6months.

It doesn’t mean anything. It happens a lot. It could even revert to 6 to 12 months but you don’t need to worry. They should call you within 4 months as that’s my case.

Hi everyone, I joined the wait list on the 24th of April and submitted my documents for preliminary review on the 2nd of September.
My application has been on preliminary review since 2nd Sept and a bit concerned. From what I gathered here most people, the preliminary review takes 1-2 weeks.
Any one with a similar situation or has past the preliminary stage recently should please share timelines

Okay now that i found another person to confirm this. Theres 3 of us that i know of in ending april that have been in preliminary review foe over 4 weeks now.

Word of caution to everyone in the forum. The process has significantly slowed down, i am guessing it has to do with the amount of new people that entered germany "mainly students" september is a busy month for that so the government is probably really busy!.

And to everyone else that has seen their estimated time moved up from 2-8 weeks to 2-6months its probably true because they dont actually know when they will get to you at this point if april people have been waiting for 4 weeks on preliminary review alone. Only god knows how long it will take

EAJG:
Hi everyone, I joined the wait list on the 24th of April and submitted my documents for preliminary review on the 2nd of September.
My application has been on preliminary review since 2nd Sept and a bit concerned. From what I gathered here most people, the preliminary review takes 1-2 weeks.
Any one with a similar situation or has past the preliminary stage recently should please share timelines

Ugonma78:
Hi everyone and Hannania,

I have gotten to the preliminary stage and have been asked to upload documents. I have about one week left. My primary school issued me a testimonial/certificate after I finished. But I have once read here that what is accepted is a primary school certificate issued by government at primary school education board. Please where is this board located in each state?

Also, I am no longer in the state where I did my primary school and everyone I have there don’t seem to know what to do. I have sworn an affidavit in court for the certificate my school issued. Please will it suffice? I need an urgent response.

Hello dear, although i am not Hannania but i can respond to this. a lot of persons used their Testimonials in place of School Leaving Certificate and it sufficed. I used my Testimonial and the VO in charge of my Document has asked me to submit my School Leaving Certificate. It was marked for correction on the portal 3 times. because i am in a different State, I had to ask my brother to help me get it yesterday. this morning, he went there and they issued it to him.

I will advise that you ask a close relation within the jurisdiction where you had your Primary School to help you get it. That is if you wrote the FSLC exam.

Again, kindly note that this OC journey is a journey of peculiarities, what works for me might be rejected for you. make sure you get everything right. All the best dear.

Thank you for sharing.

Diceman8:
Okay now that i found another person to confirm this. Theres 3 of us that i know of in ending april that have been in preliminary review foe over 4 weeks now.

Word of caution to everyone in the forum. The process has significantly slowed down, i am guessing it has to do with the amount of new people that entered germany "mainly students" september is a busy month for that so the government is probably really busy!.

And to everyone else that has seen their estimated time moved up from 2-8 weeks to 2-6months its probably true because they dont actually know when they will get to you at this point if april people have been waiting for 4 weeks on preliminary review alone. Only god knows how long it will take

Kindly update us when they finally respond to you. Thanks

URGENT: Best Intensive German Classes in Abuja (3-Month Study + Exam Prep)

​Hello everyone,
​Thank you to everyone in this community for sharing your knowledge. It's already been really helpful!
​I am an absolute beginner and I need to learn German intensively within the next 3 months to write a proficiency exam (likely A1 or A2) before relocating. I'm based here in Abuja.
​I was hoping to find some advice on the best options that specifically offer fast-track, intensive courses and excellent exam preparation.
​Which language schools or private tutors in Abuja have you used for quick and successful exam results?
​Any personal experiences, recommendations, or tips you have—especially regarding the commitment required for a 3-month crash course—would be hugely appreciated!
​Thank you!

Anyone heard back from ZAB past three months? I sent in an application on 6th of July and nothing yet till date. It will be three months exactly tomorrow.

Hello, as i stated in my previous post. It is a very busy period right now as the german government is dealing with "students" their residence permits etc. Everything has slowed down including the opportunity card applications. So all our processes will probably slow down by 1-2months as thats the average time it takes for students to recieve their residence permits in germany. So i would say around mid october or ending of october everything should be back to normal.

luckygirl02:
Anyone heard back from ZAB past three months? I sent in an application on 6th of July and nothing yet till date. It will be three months exactly tomorrow.

WebKraft:
Nice one! Did the embassy eventually get back with a decision? I reckon you should've gotten your visa by now...

Kindly update us.

Not yet. Still waiting for Decision from the Consulate in Lagos. It's over 3 months now. Praying for positive outcome

foonshur:
Hey, howdy? How have you been? Glad to see you've not forgotten us here. So, how has Germany been treating you? You've not really given us your landing gist. Not that you owe us one, it will just help "us" (yet to come) prepare for what we about to face when we finally arrive. Your first 1 week, getting your phone number, activating your blocked account, accommodation, etc. And above all, how's the work search? Anything that you feel might help us settle quicker. Wishing you luck tho.

Hey Hey. I've been okay. So the first thing I did was to find my way to the city center and got a number with telekom and paid for a prepaid subscription. I then proceeded to open a Revolut bank account. I looked for appointment dates to register my anmeldung and couldn't find one close to me so I booked an appointment in another district. Went for the appointment and got my anmeldung in under 10 minutes. I recently got a job and realized that the DR Walter's health insurance does not provide you with an SVNR(social security number) so I had to register with a public health insurance(registered with TK) and government office sent me my SVNR. I currently need to switch from the opportunity visa to a Blue card so I'm running around looking for an appointment before my start date which is next week. Anyone who can help should please reach out.

I did not use a blocked account so I can't help with that.

As for accommodation, I had it all sorted out before I even got to Germany. The landlord has to put your name plate on your mailbox so you can get letters like your tax id, SVNR, insurance number, insurance card, deliveries, e.t.c

As for my job search, I was fortunate to get a job with the first company I interviewed with. I'm an iOS developer so the interview was first a HR interview, a 90 minutes live coding session and "meet the team". I got a job in 6 weeks of being here. If I could do it, you can as well.

Let me know if you're curious about anything else

Haliimmaa:
Hey Hey. I've been okay. So the first thing I did was to find my way to the city center and got a number with telekom and paid for a prepaid subscription. I then proceeded to open a Revolut bank account. I looked for appointment dates to register my anmeldung and couldn't find one close to me so I booked an appointment in another district. Went for the appointment and got my anmeldung in under 10 minutes. I recently got a job and realized that the DR Walter's health insurance does not provide you with an SVNR(social security number) so I had to register with a public health insurance(registered with TK) and government office sent me my SVNR. I currently need to switch from the opportunity visa to a Blue card so I'm running around looking for an appointment before my start date which is next week. Anyone who can help should please reach out.

I did not use a blocked account so I can't help with that.

As for accommodation, I had it all sorted out before I even got to Germany. The landlord has to put your name plate on your mailbox so you can get letters like your tax id, SVNR, insurance number, insurance card, deliveries, e.t.c

As for my job search, I was fortunate to get a job with the first company I interviewed with. I'm an iOS developer so the interview was first a HR interview, a 90 minutes live coding session and "meet the team". I got a job in 6 weeks of being here. If I could do it, you can as well.

Let me know if you're curious about anything else

Congrats, Haliimmaa. Thanks for this!

Nice

Haliimmaa:
Hey Hey. I've been okay. So the first thing I did was to find my way to the city center and got a number with telekom and paid for a prepaid subscription. I then proceeded to open a Revolut bank account. I looked for appointment dates to register my anmeldung and couldn't find one close to me so I booked an appointment in another district. Went for the appointment and got my anmeldung in under 10 minutes. I recently got a job and realized that the DR Walter's health insurance does not provide you with an SVNR(social security number) so I had to register with a public health insurance(registered with TK) and government office sent me my SVNR. I currently need to switch from the opportunity visa to a Blue card so I'm running around looking for an appointment before my start date which is next week. Anyone who can help should please reach out.

I did not use a blocked account so I can't help with that.

As for accommodation, I had it all sorted out before I even got to Germany. The landlord has to put your name plate on your mailbox so you can get letters like your tax id, SVNR, insurance number, insurance card, deliveries, e.t.c

As for my job search, I was fortunate to get a job with the first company I interviewed with. I'm an iOS developer so the interview was first a HR interview, a 90 minutes live coding session and "meet the team". I got a job in 6 weeks of being here. If I could do it, you can as well.

Let me know if you're curious about anything else

Congratulations Haliimmaa, great news.