Germany Tightens Visa Rules for Nigerians, Others

Germany has announced it will scrap its global visa appeal system known as the remonstration procedure from July 1, 2025, cutting off a key channel used by foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to challenge visa rejections without going to court.

The German Federal Foreign Office made the announcement in an official policy update, stating that the decision eliminates a process that had been granted “voluntarily” but was not legally required.

“This eliminates a legal remedy in the visa process that was not provided for by law,” the statement read.

What This Means for Visa Applicants

Until now, rejected applicants could submit an appeal (remonstration) directly to the German embassy that denied their visa, often leading to a review and possible reversal without formal legal action.

Starting July 1, this option is gone.

Applicants will instead receive a written explanation for the rejection and must choose between:

1. Filing a lawsuit in a German court

2. Submitting a fresh application with revised documents

Who Is Affected?

The change affects all non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals, including applicants from:

Nigeria

India

Somalia

Afghanistan

And other countries that require long-term visas before entering Germany

Meanwhile, nationals from visa-privileged countries like Canada, the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the U.K. can still enter Germany without a visa and apply for residence permits after arrival.

Long-Term Stay Rules Remain Unchanged

Germany reiterated that anyone planning to stay over 90 days for work, study, family reunification, or self-employment must obtain a national visa (Type D) before entering the country  and this process could take up to three months or longer.

Applications that require local immigration office approval — especially for study and family reunification — will still face lengthy processing due to coordination with multiple agencies.

However, employment-based visas typically move faster since they may not require extra approvals.

Schengen Privileges Remain

Holders of Germany’s national visa will still be allowed to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, once inside the country.

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