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Please eh, everyone that has gone for appointments, is there anything like legalization of documents like going to Abj to legalize ur waec certificate

Lizzypleroma:
My Experience at the German Consulate in Lagos – Visa Interview

Hey everyone,

I felt led to share my experience at the German Consulate in Lagos for my student visa appointment on 22nd July 2025 especially for those attending private universities in Germany. This group has helped me so much and I hope this post will be helpful for someone else out there.

I got to the embassy by 6:30 am and many applicants were already there. Arrive early, stay calm and don’t let fear or anxiety distract you. You need your full attention and composure.

Please print and photocopy all your documents before you arrive. The cybercafé vendors around the embassy will charge:
• ₦3,000 for colored printing
• ₦2,000 for regular black & white
• ₦1,000 for photocopying

They’re nice but they’ll bleed your pocket if you’re not prepared.

They may also tell you to:
• Drop your bag (you can’t enter with it anyway)
• Rearrange your documents

All these things cost money, so come organized and carry cash just in case.
Pro tip: the security guys at the gate of the German consulate can help you keep your bag “for something small” (I didn’t tell you sha 😂)

At the Gate: What to Expect
You’ll be asked to submit:
• Your passport
• The printed appointment confirmation mail (with date, time and ref number)

Listen carefully to the security team, they’ll give instructions.

Document Tips:
• Remove all staple pins (yes, even from transcripts and photocopies)
• Arrange documents: Original, then photocopy, original, then photocopy (no strict order, just that format)
• Hold your passport photo, don’t include it in the submitted docs
• Come with an ATM card that can pay at least ₦140,000 (visa fee)
• Don’t bring cash, they may not take it


During the Interview
Once inside, just follow instructions and breathe. The most important thing is getting in. From there, stay alert and listen carefully.

I was nervous at first, but once I got to the visa officer, I calmed down. The questions were basic:
• Your name
• Date of birth
• When you graduated, etc.

Then came the real part…
Private School Students – READ THIS!

She asked:
• How much did you pay as deposit?
• What’s your full tuition?

I told her the answers. Then I presented my Verpflichtung (Declaration of Commitment) and my school’s payment plan.

She went to ask her supervisor and came back saying it wasn’t going to work as the rule for private schools is FULL TUITION payment upfront, not payment plans.

So:
• My documents were not collected
• I didn’t write any test
• I didn’t pay the visa fee
• I was given a paper stating incomplete requirements
• The visa officer told me that once I pay full tuition, I can email them and get an earlier appointment (no need to wait another 1+ year for a new date)


I felt lost. I travelled from my state, booked a place in Lagos and spent a lot of money just to be turned back. It felt like a waste. But I trust God. This is a delay not a denial.

If you’re in this situation too, don’t lose hope. Just plan better and go again.

Final Tips
• Be fully prepared with all required documents and extra cash
• Don’t let fear eat you up they’re humans just doing their job
• Remember: God pass them 😂
• For private uni students: FULL TUITION OR BLOCKED ACCOUNT.
• Don’t rely only on Verpflichtungserklärung unless your sponsor is super loaded and the money has already been moved or shown clearly in bank statements


Wishing everyone good luck with their application.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer. ✨
GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS 💖

Please what I see in the German consulate is full tuition for 1year, m going for 3yrs bachelor but I’ve paid my full tuition for a year. When you say full tuition do you mean full tuition for the whole 3yrs