This is a highly viable path to working in Germany! The German logistics sector is critically short of drivers and has a specific visa process to bring in professional drivers from non-EU countries, including Nigeria.
The term “Free Visa Sponsorship” in this context means German transport companies are actively hiring, offering the required job contract, and assisting with the complex licensing and visa paperwork, often covering associated costs.
Here is the step-by-step process for African truck drivers to secure a job and visa in Germany.
Your Route to Germany: Truck Driver Jobs with Visa Support
The demand for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers is so high in Germany that the government has a special pathway for them under Section 24a of the Employment Regulations.
Germany Unskilled Worker Jobs for Foreigners with Free Visa Sponsorships
1. The Mandatory Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
To qualify for the work visa as a professional driver, you must meet these criteria, ideally before you apply for the job:
| Requirement | Description | Why it’s Needed |
| Driving License | Valid Category C or CE (Heavy Truck/Truck with Trailer) license from Nigeria. | Proves your core skill. You must start the process to convert this to a German/EU license within six months of arrival. |
| Code 95 (Driver CPC) | The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is mandatory for all professional drivers in the EU. | Proves you have completed EU-mandated safety and professional training (often 140 hours or more). |
| Medical/Vision Check | A recent medical fitness certificate and eye test confirming you are fit for commercial driving. | Mandatory for safety and licensing purposes in Germany. |
| Basic German Skills | A2 or B1 German is strongly preferred (though some international companies accept strong English). | Essential for passing theory tests, understanding dispatch instructions, and communicating safely on site. |
Key Insight: Many German employers, desperate for drivers, will offer to pay for your Code 95 training and assist with the license conversion process in Germany, which saves you thousands of Euros—this is the “free sponsorship” benefit.
2. The Visa Pathway (Securing the Contract)
As a non-EU driver, you will apply for a National Work Visa (D-Visa) for employment as a professional driver, which is later converted into a Residence Permit in Germany.
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Secure a Job Offer: You must have a signed employment contract from a licensed German transport company (e.g., DHL, DB Schenker, Metro Group). Your salary will typically range from €2,430 to €3,500 gross per month (depending on experience and routes).
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Employer Approval (BA): Your German employer submits the job offer to the Federal Employment Agency for approval. This approval confirms that the working conditions meet German standards and that you are needed.
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Visa Application: You submit your application to the German Embassy in Nigeria, including your passport, signed work contract, license proof, and the approval. Processing usually takes 1 to 2 months once all documents are complete.
The Two Main Employment Scenarios
The job contract often falls into one of two categories:
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Scenario A: Ready-to-Drive: You already have the C/CE license and the equivalent EU Code 95 qualification (rare for non-EU). You start working immediately.
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Scenario B: Qualification in Germany (Most Common): The employer hires you and signs a contract for alternative work (e.g., warehouse or logistics assistant) while obligating you to complete your Code 95 and licence conversion training within a maximum of 15 months. They pay your salary during this training period.
3. Finding Sponsoring Companies
Focus your search on large German logistics and transport companies, as they have dedicated HR departments used to processing foreign visas:
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Global Logistics: DHL, DB Schenker (German Rail), Kühne + Nagel.
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Retail/Wholesale: Metro Group, Amazon (for their large distribution centres).
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Recruitment Agencies: Many drivers are placed by agencies specializing in foreign workers. Search terms like “LKW Fahrer Visa Sponsorship” (Truck Driver Visa Sponsorship) on job portals like StepStone, Indeed Germany, and the official “Make it in Germany” portal.
The process is structured, and the biggest hurdle is getting the initial contract from the German company.