For Nigerians eyeing Europe in 2026, the Germany Opportunity Card for Nigerians (Chancenkarte) is a game-changer: enter without a job offer, search for a job for 1 year, and earn €50,000+ in high-demand sectors such as IT, engineering, logistics, and healthcare.
Launching fully in Q1 2026, this visa replaces the traditional job seeker visa and introduces a points-based system, flexible 20 hours/week work rights, and a path to EU Blue Card / Permanent Residency within 3 years.
Over 10,000 Nigerians currently live in Germany, and more than 80,000 Nigerian diaspora support integration and job placement — especially in Berlin and Munich hubs.
Pengman makes it simple: score 6+ points, apply, and launch your EU career.
Why the Germany Opportunity Card in 2026?
Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act aims to close its 1.2 million labor shortage by attracting skilled non-EU talent. The Germany Opportunity Card for Nigerians allows job hunters to enter Germany without a job offer and look for work legally while earning part-time.
Why Nigerians Are Getting Accepted Faster
- High demand for English-speaking talent
- Nigerian candidates score high on IT and shortage occupation points
- Germany now prioritizes non-EU skilled migration
Key Wins for Nigerians:
- No job offer is needed to enter Germany.
- Work 20 hours weekly while job hunting.
- Convert to an EU Blue Card once you secure employment.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency.
Pengman notes that Berlin and Munich have strong Nigerian communities, making it easier to settle and secure employment.
Also read: Top 7 Best Countries to Study Abroad for Nigerians 2026—Germany tops for free tuition + work.
Eligibility & Points System for Nigerians
To qualify for the Germany Opportunity Card for Nigerians, you need 6 points based on education, age, experience, and language.
Points Breakdown
| Category | Points | Nigerian Example |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | 4 (Degree) / 3 (Vocational training 2+ yrs) | B.Sc IT (4 pts) / WAEC + coding bootcamp (3 pts) |
| Language | 3 (B1 German) / 1 (A1 German) / 1 (English C1) | IELTS 7.0 (1 pt) |
| Experience | 2 (5+ yrs) / 1 (2+ yrs) | Software developer with 3 yrs exp |
| Age | 2 (<35 yrs) / 1 (35–40 yrs) | Applicant aged 28 (2 pts) |
| Shortage Occupation | 1 | ICT, Engineering, Care roles |
| Previous German Stay / Spouse | 1 | N/A for most Nigerians |
Minimum score required: 6 points
Calculate your score using the official evaluation tool:
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/job-search-opportunity-card
Step-by-Step Application Guide (Nigerians – 2026)
Apply online via the German Embassy (Lagos or Abuja).
Checkpoints (minimum 6)
Prepare documents
International passport
Proof of qualification (translate to German/English)
Work experience documents
Proof of funds (€11,208 blocked account)
Apply online via VIDEX
Pay €75 application fee
Attend an interview at VFS Global
Receive a 1-year Opportunity Card
Also read: How to Secure a UK Job Offer from Nigeria (2026 Guide)
Top Jobs & Estimated Salaries
Germany currently needs talent in:
| Job Field | Salary (€ / year) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | €55,000 – €65,000 | Very High |
| Mechanical / Electrical Engineer | €60,000+ | Very High |
| Healthcare Workers & Nurses | €45,000 | Extremely High |
| Logistics / Supply Chain | €48,000 | High |
| Data Analyst | €50,000 | High |
Pengman recommends: focus on IT jobs — English is often enough, and companies sponsor Blue Cards faster.
Also read: Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Nigerians 2026 (200+ companies hiring)
Visa Cost & Funding Options
| Requirement | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €75 |
| Blocked Account (proof of funds) | €11,208 |
| Health Insurance | €110 / month |
| Flights to Germany | €500–€800 |
| Total | €12,500 (estimated) |
Funding Options
- DAAD scholarships help Nigerians reduce the burden of a blocked account.
- Employers often reimburse relocation costs after hiring.
PRO TIPS (Pengman Recommends)
- Learn basic German (A1/A2) — gives you +1 point
- Use LinkedIn (set job location to Germany)
- Use German job boards such as StepStone.de and Arbeitsagentur
2026 Update Plan
When Germany releases the first quota numbers, Pengman will update:
- Slots allocated to Nigerians
- Job placement success rate
- Change in required documents (if any)
The Germany Opportunity Card for Nigerians is the easiest pathway into the EU job market in 2026 — no job offer required, job hunt for 1 year, and move to PR in 3–5 years.
Start today:
- Calculate points
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/job-search-opportunity-card - Open a blocked account
- Apply Q1 2026
Pengman recommends: Germany is the No.1 European opportunity for Nigerians in 2026.
FAQs
1. What is the Germany Opportunity Card for Nigerians?
A points-based visa that lets Nigerians enter Germany without a job offer and search for work legally.
2. How many points do Nigerians need?
You need 6 points.
3. Do Nigerians need German language?
No. English alone can qualify you. German adds more points.
4. Can you work full-time with the Opportunity Card?
You can work 20 hours per week until you secure a full-time role.
5. Can the Opportunity Card become Permanent Residency?
Yes — once you convert to Blue Card, PR can happen in 3–5 years.
6. When can Nigerians apply?
Q1 2026, through the German Embassy, Lagos or Abuja.