Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa speaks to real people and explores the endless reasons and paths they take to japa.
Wendy had always wanted to live in Germany, but never pursued it because the student route was hectic. So when she heard about the country’s new skilled worker visa, she jumped at the opportunity. Now, she wants other people to know how surprisingly easy it is to do.
Why she chose to move through the work route
Even though she had always wanted to relocate to Germany, Wendy never felt the need to move through the study route, as that would take more time than she could spare.
“I knew I didn’t want to move through the study visa because it can take up to two years to get that from Nigeria. The opportunity card was just what I needed, so I decided to jump on it when I came across it,” she said.
What the opportunity card is
Wendy is such a huge fan of Germany’s opportunity card and believes more people would feel the same when they find out about it. She said the visa “allows non-EU citizens to stay in Germany for up to one year to look for qualified employment” and that it’s fashioned that way to attract skilled workers into the country.
The kinds of skills prioritised by German immigration authorities
The way Wendy explains it, the opportunity card does not discriminate; it accepts various cards of workers, ranging from programmers to teachers, and artisans who went to vocational schools. “You only need to show them that you’ve acquired that skill,” Wendy said, explaining how important it is to have the required documents.
How to secure the opportunity card
“Surprisingly easy” is exactly how Wendy described the process of applying for the visa. Here are the things you need to do and have:
- Have a skill that can be proven through paperwork.
- Pay for your health insurance.
- Have your proof of funds ready. If you have friends or family members already in Germany, you can use a sponsorship letter.
- Get your passport and other necessary documents ready. You can find out about them from this website, and everything about the process can be done online.
What it costs to secure the opportunity card
- The application fee- €75
- Proof of funds- €12,000.
- Health insurance charge-€380
- Recognition for proof of qualification-€208
How to stay back after the visa expiration
The German opportunity card allows skilled workers to move to the country without a job, allowing them one-year to find employment. But if you want to remain in the country even after the validity period, Wendy advises you to do either of the following:
- Stay back as a student. You can study for free if you can speak German
- Find a permanent job
What it’s like to live in Germany
When Wendy spoke with us in 2025, she said she misses her friends back home in Nigeria, but is adjusting and likes the country so far. She also listed reserved people, speaking moderately, and the cold weather as things to get accustomed to while living in Germany.
The perks of living in Germany
For Wendy, Germany’s world-class, free education system is one of the best parts of living in the country. She was also specific about its healthcare system, which she describes as solid.
“I came to Germany with an allergy that started in Nigeria. I would typically spend ₦600,000 to get it treated, and still have to wait for hours to see a doctor. But here, the doctor was willing to work with my schedule, and it was practically free.”
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