Nurse Moving to Germany from Nigeria
This guide is specifically for a Nigerian Nurse planning to relocate to Germany. It covers Nigeria-specific banking, documents, visa process, and salary expectations.
For information only. Visa rules, banking regulations, and document requirements change frequently. All information is sourced from official government and banking sources and is accurate as of the date shown. Always verify your specific situation with the relevant embassy, bank, or a licensed immigration adviser before taking action.
Documents to Get Before Leaving Nigeria
Start gathering these at least 8–12 weeks before your planned departure date.
Obtain a NYSC discharge certificate to prove completion of national service.
Get a certificate of good conduct from the Nigerian Police Force.
Have your nursing degree from a Nigerian university authenticated at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Verify your credentials with the Nigerian Nursing Council.
Obtain a health certificate from a reputable Nigerian hospital.
Get a certified true copy of your NIN slip.
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Key financial steps before and after your move.
Open a domiciliary account to receive foreign earnings in Nigeria.
Notify FIRS of your move to Germany to avoid tax penalties.
As of PENCOM's 2025 guidelines, Nigerians abroad can now voluntarily participate in Nigeria's Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in foreign currency and access certain pension benefits abroad. However, early lump-sum withdrawal before retirement age remains restricted. Request a Retirement Savings Account (RSA) statement and pension contribution history letter from your PFA (e.g. ARM Pensions, Stanbic IBTC Pensions) — these documents support a German Rentenversicherung credit application.
Update your BVN with your new address to avoid account restrictions.
Consider consulting a tax professional to minimize tax liabilities.
Notify your Nigerian bank of your move to avoid account restrictions.
What to Close or Keep in Nigeria
Close your Nigerian bank accounts if not needed for domiciliary transactions.
Maintain your NHIS health insurance to cover family members in Nigeria.
Convert your Nigerian driving licence to a German licence.
Keep your RSA (Retirement Savings Account) active with your PFA — contributions made before departure remain invested and can be accessed at age 50 or on medical grounds; do not close the account.
Consider closing your Nigerian utility accounts to avoid unnecessary charges.
Staying Connected with Nigeria
Register with the Nigerian embassy in Germany for consular services.
Use remittance services like Western Union to send money to Nigeria.
Keep a Nigerian mobile number active for family and friends.
Consider purchasing a German SIM card for local communication.
Join Nigerian expat groups in Germany for community support.
Complete Nurse Guide for Germany
This page covers Nigeria-specific preparation. For the full guide including salary data, visa types, qualification recognition, and employer information:
Full GermanyNurse Guide →Also considering other European countries?
Dedicated /from-nigeria/ pages for these destinations launch with Tier 2.