Doctor (General Practitioner) Moving to Germany from Nigeria
This guide is specifically for a Nigerian Doctor (General Practitioner) 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 an authenticated Nigerian Medical Council of Nigeria (MCON) certificate of good standing.
Get a police clearance from the Nigeria Police Force; the certificate must be authenticated at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
Secure your National Identification Number (NIN) card and keep a photocopy for visa purposes.
Collect your NYSC discharge certificate; it is required for certain German residency permits.
Request a certified copy of your medical degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and have it authenticated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Key financial steps before and after your move.
Keep your domiciliary account open to receive salary from German employers and to avoid currency conversion fees.
Use your BVN to transfer funds to a German bank; most Nigerian banks allow online transfers to Euro accounts.
File your annual tax return with FIRS; typically you must declare foreign income to avoid double taxation.
Enroll in the Nigeria Pension Scheme (NPS) to maintain pension benefits while abroad.
Set up a standing order to pay any remaining Nigerian utility bills from your German account.
What to Close or Keep in Nigeria
Keep your domiciliary account open; close any non-domiciliary savings accounts to avoid inactivity fees.
Maintain your health insurance with a Nigerian provider that offers international coverage for emergencies.
Apply for a Nigerian driving licence conversion to a German licence; typically you need a medical certificate and a translation.
Keep your BVN active; you may need it for future Nigerian banking or tax matters.
Close any unused credit cards to prevent unauthorized charges while you are abroad.
Staying Connected with Nigeria
Use Western Union or MoneyGram for quick remittances; they have agents in Lagos and Abuja.
Register with the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin for consular assistance and updates on Nigerian affairs.
Activate a roaming plan with MTN or Airtel Nigeria to keep your local number active while abroad.
Set up a virtual Nigerian bank account with a digital bank like Interswitch to manage local transactions.
Join Nigerian expatriate groups on WhatsApp or Facebook for community support and information.
Complete Doctor (General Practitioner) Guide for Germany
This page covers Nigeria-specific preparation. For the full guide including salary data, visa types, qualification recognition, and employer information:
Full GermanyDoctor (General Practitioner) Guide →Also considering other European countries?
Dedicated /from-nigeria/ pages for these destinations launch with Tier 2.