What is Declaration of Commitment for German Visa?

Declaration of Commitment for German Visa also known as Verpflichtungserklärung (locally) is a document which is used as proof of secured maintenance of funds to get a German visa. By signing this document, the sponsor gives a formal obligation to cover your entire livelihood, medical and return costs related to your visit here. The Foreign Office is the authority that is responsible for deciding if the host meets the criteria to become a financial sponsor for his/her relative or friend. As you continue reading this blog post, you will find more information about the Declaration of Commitment, why and who needs it, its validity, types and much more.

What is a Declaration of Commitment for German Visa?

The Declaration of Commitment for German Visa is meant for all those people who come from non-EU countries and wish to apply for a visa to come to Germany. However, in this case, it can only be possible if they find a relative or a friend who is ready to sponsor their stay in Germany. Following this, the latter will have to submit a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) to a Foreigners Authority in Germany. 

Through this declaration, he/she will be able to prove that they can financially support you during your stay. During the stay, the sponsor will have to incur expenses such as food, drinks, clothing, accommodation, medical, nursing and return costs.

The Declaration of Commitment for German Visacan be used for various visa types, including:

• German Student Visa
• German Job Seeker Visa
• German Vocational Training Visa
• German Marriage Visa
• Visa for attending language courses
• Visa for family reunification

But the main question that arises is: Does everyone need the Declaration of Commitment to go to Germany? The answer is NO, the document is an alternative to all those who can’t open a blocked account in Germany.

Remember when the student has enough money to support themselves, there is no need for the Declaration of Commitment.

Interestingly, the Declaration of Commitment for German Visa is known by several other names such as Letter of Support, Affidavit of Support and the Letter of Commitment.

Also Read: Can I Study in Germany Without Blocked Account?

Why Do You Need a Declaration of Commitment?

The Declaration of Commitment was introduced by the government to ensure that all international students had the means to support themselves without becoming a burden on the country’s social welfare system. By signing the Declaration of Commitment, your sponsor (the person signing the document) ensures the German government that they will cover costs like accommodation, food, health insurance, and even possible repatriation if necessary.

Who Needs Declaration of Commitment?

Now that we know what is the ‘Declaration of Commitment’, we must look at the following groups which typically require this Commitment.

1. Students: All those planning to enter Germany for study purposes and are from outside of the EU/EEA will need a declaration of commitment if they don’t have enough funds in a blocked account.

2. Chancenkarte Applicants: All non-EU individuals who wish to work in Germany will require this document to show that they have the required financial support to stay in the country.

3. Family Visits: If you are planning to visit Germany to meet a family member, you will require this document.

4. Business Travellers: Finally, all professionals who are visiting Germany for business meetings, training, or conferences for an extended period may need a declaration of commitment from the business partner.

Also Read: Apply for German Opportunity Card from India

Validity Period of a Letter of Commitment

The Declaration of Commitment for Schengen Visa for Indians is valid for 6 months while for national visa (long stay visa) will be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

If you wish to use this document after this period, you will need a fresh valid letter of commitment appropriate for your German visa type.

Types of Declaration of Commitment for German Visa

There are mainly two types of Declaration of Commitment for German visa based on the type of visa:

1. Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa): Schengen Visa is a type of visa which allows people to stay for up to 90 days within a time frame of 180 days. It is typically used for tourist or business visits. 

2. Long-Stay Visa (National Visa): On the other hand, this type of visa is well-suited for longer stays than 90 days which are best for students. They are mostly used by those studying, attending a language course, job-seeking, or vocational training.

Check out:

• Is There an Interview for a Schengen Visa Applicant?
• How to Get Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India?

Who Can Provide Declaration of Commitment for German Visa?

Now, when it comes to the Declaration of Commitment, who can sign this document? The following are the people who can be best suited to signing this document:

1. German Nationals: All those citizens of Germany who have resided in Germany for more than two years.

2. Permanent Residents: Individuals with a permanent residency permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany.

3. EU Nationals: Citizens who are part of the EU countries and are legally residing in Germany. This includes persons who hold an EU Blue Card, as long as they meet certain income and residency requirements. In some situations, anyone living in any EU country can sponsor students to study in Germany, but there may be extra restrictions.

4. Long-Term Residents: Non-EU individuals who have lived in Germany for an extended period, usually with a residence permit or a long-term visa indicating a steady and continuous stay.

5. EU Blue Card Holders: All non-EU nationals holding an EU Blue Card in Germany are subject to meeting income requirements and other conditions.

Application Process for Declaration of Commitment for German Visa

Getting a Declaration of Commitment involves several steps. Take a look at the following application steps which will help you get the form. 

1. Start by gathering all the required documents that will help in completing the Declaration of Commitment form. 
2. The sponsor will then download the Declaration of Commitment form from the German immigration authorities’ website or can also get it directly from their local immigration office.
3. Subsequently, fill out all the details and submit the completed form along with the documents to the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in their area.
4. The office will then check the creditworthiness of the sponsor, following which the Declaration of Commitment will be provided. If the sponsor’s creditworthiness is insufficient, the application for the declaration of commitment will be rejected.
5. The processing time is usually quick and might take and might take only about 30 minutes at the office. Once the form is processed, the form will stamped and signed. 
6. A substantial amount of fee is typically required for processing. 
7. Finally, the sponsor will send the original, signed declaration to you, which you will include in your visa application.

Documents Required for Declaration of Commitment 

Before submitting the Declaration of Commitment form, the sponsor will have to gather the following documents.

1. Legal Residence in Germany: Only German citizens with a long-term residence can sponsor a Declaration of Commitment.

2. Financial Stability: Finally, the Germans will have to prove their financial stability through documents like income statements, blocked accounts, or other proofs of financial standing.

3. Rental agreement or proof of ownership of the apartment

4. The identity card or passport of the sponsor 

5. Tax assessment notice for the previous year

6. Details of the applicant for an opportunity card, such as a copy of a valid passport and

precise information about the planned duration of the stay and the the exact reason for the stay. 

What is the Cost of a Declaration of Commitment?

The cost of the Declaration of Commitment for German Visa is EUR 29 EUR 14 and EUR 50 for minors. An additional fee of EUR 0.50 is also charged for each photocopied page of the original documents (If the host doesn’t provide their photocopies).

How Long Does it Take for Declaration of Commitment to Process?

If they qualify, the host will only need to wait a few minutes before signing the legal obligation on your behalf. If you are late for the application meeting, it may take an additional day to process your application.

When and Where to Get the Declaration of Commitment for German Visa?

Make sure that your application for the Letter of Commitment is not earlier than 6 months from your travel date. The host will have to submit their evidence to undertake the commitment at the “Foreigners Authority” in the city where they’re registered residents.

All this will be done over an appointment to be made by phone, email or in person, through the Information Office of the Foreign Office, also known as the Immigration Office.

Some of the top questions which the host will have to answer include:

• Reason for a visit to Germany.
• Marital and parental status of the visitor.
• number of foreign visitors they will be hosting.
• Period of visit.
• Length of their visit here.

Obligation of Declaration of Commitment

A statement of commitment imposes legal and financial duties on the sponsor. It is critical to understand these requirements before filing the declaration. Keep in mind if the sponsor lies about their financial status in the form, they can face serious criminal charges along with punishment.

Financial Obligations for the Sponsor

By signing and submitting the Declaration of Commitment for German Visa, it means that you are ready to take full responsibility for the expenses of the visitor. Some of the most common expenses to bear will include:

• Accommodation costs
• Living expenses (e.g. food and clothes)
• Costs of medical care and health insurance
• Deportation costs, if applicable

What if I Lose the Letter of Commitment?

Mishaps can happen to anyone. In case, you end up losing the Letter of Commitment, you will have to re-apply for this document by re-sending the needed evidence and paying the respective application fee. This will be compulsory as this is the original document which is accepted by the German consular services abroad and not the reproduced version of it. 

Find more blogs on Germany here!

Requirements To Study In Germany For Indian Students	Intakes in Germany
Study in Germany for Free	Top Universities in Germany
Top 10 Reasons to Study in Germany	Top 20 Universities in Germany for International Students
How to Write Letter of Motivation for German Universities?	Apply for German Opportunity Card from India
Study MBA in Germany Without IELTS for Indian Students	Best English Taught Universities in Germany

FAQs on Declaration of Commitment for German Visa

So this was all about the “Declaration of Commitment for German visa.” Want regular updates on study-abroad universities to study in Germany? Then make sure to subscribe to Leverage Edu today!