Welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions regarding an application, on how top apply or how to contact us? Please check our FAQ-page before contacting us.
📞 Contacting the consulate
Please reply directly to an email previously sent by us so that we can see the full conversation. Our only contact email is info@lago.auswaertiges-amt.de.
Include the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Barcode/reference number (if available)
Please explain your request in complete sentences and with proper context. Messages that do not contain the above details or are unclear will not receive a response.
🌍 Jurisdiction and Responsibilities
This is the German Consulate General in Lagos, Nigeria. We are responsible only for applicants within our consular district, which covers visa questions in Nigeria.
If your issue concerns another country, please contact the appropriate German mission there.
We do not forward such messages.
📅 Appointments & Waiting Lists
All appointments must be booked exclusively via our online portal. New slots become available regularly throughout the day — please check back often.
If you are part of a group of at least 5 persons, you may book one appointment and then contact us at least 8 weeks before your desired appointment with the details so we can schedule a group appointment.
Please do not ask for manual bookings or exceptions.
Due to high demand, waiting times may be long. Rest assured the waiting list is active and functioning.
The waiting-list is processed in chronological order. Appointments are assigned as capacity allows. We cannot prioritize or fast-track your spot.
Yes. Unless you used the cancellation link, your registration remains valid. If you did cancel, you must re-register..
No. If you selected the wrong category or entered incorrect information, you must cancel your appointment and book a new one.
We cannot make manual corrections.
You may cancel and rebook using the link provided in your confirmation email.
Important: If you book multiple appointments in different categories, only one will be retained. The others will be deleted without prior notice.
To retain a specific category, cancel the others yourself.
🛂 Visa Applications
Please visit the relevant section of our visa page
We cannot assist you in gathering your documents or provide individual consultations by email.
All required documents, procedures, and forms are listed clearly on our website.
Please refer to the detailed document checklists on the visa section of our website. We do not send document lists by email.
Yes. Each family member must book their own appointment. Once appointments are booked, you may contact us to schedule them as a group.
No. Your documentation must be complete at the time of your visa interview.
If documents are missing, your application may be rejected.
Exception: In family reunion cases, an A1 language certificate may be submitted later if not yet available at the time of the interview.
No. Applicants must appear in person for visa interviews. No proxies are allowed.
No. The only way to ensure faster processing is to:
- Submit complete and correct documentation at your appointment
- Respond to any requests from the consulate promptly and clearly
We do not offer expedited processing.
Processing times vary depending on visa category and individual circumstances.
We cannot provide a specific time frame, but all applications are handled as quickly as possible.
You do not need to follow up for updates or request faster processing — doing so will not change your timeline.
📤 After Submission
Please avoid requesting status updates unless more than three months have passed without any communication from us.
Repeated inquiries delay processing for everyone. Your application is being reviewed and you will be contacted when a decision is made.
Please be patient. Processing takes time. You will be contacted as soon as there is an update.
🧾 Special Visa Categories & Insurance
The Consular Services Portal is part of Germany’s new digital visa application process.
Certain visa categories are already processed through the portal; others will follow.
If instructed, please complete your application on the portal as directed.
No. If you are already on the waiting list, please wait for your appointment.
Only new applicants should use the portal.
The A-List now corresponds to the portal category “Students with Specific Qualifications.”
Please read the student section on our website to see if you qualify, and select the correct category during your application.
Incoming Krankenversicherung (Incoming Health Insurance) provides medical coverage for your initial period in Germany — from the time you arrive until your permanent insurance (e.g. from an employer) begins.
Even if you will be insured later through a job or family insurance, you need coverage for this transition period.
The policy must meet the standards set by SGB V (German Social Code, Book V). Not all plans qualify — it’s essential that your insurance remains valid even after your official residence shifts to Germany.
⚠️ Usually, only German providers offer such qualifying insurance.
📄 Document Questions
Translations into German are generally recommended, but for most visa categories, English documents are accepted.
Please refer to the document checklist for your visa category on our website to confirm translation requirements.