Liability ends when the legal framework changes.

If the invited person receives international protection (for example, asylum), your liability under the declaration of commitment ends. You are therefore not liable indefinitely, even if you signed an additional declaration.

The obligation is limited to five years.

Your financial obligation lasts for a maximum of five years. This applies even if the person's stay is longer. The law limits your liability to this period.

Short visits: Fewer proof of income documents required

For a Verpflichtungserklärung (formal declaration of commitment to cover costs) for a visit without work of up to three months, it is enough to make your financial capacity credible. Exact proof of salary does not need to be examined in that case.

Sign a Declaration of Commitment

Sign your formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) in person at the State Office for Immigration.

At a glance

What happens when you sign the formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung)?

You have submitted a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) online? Then you still need to sign it in person on site at the State Office for Immigration (LEA). Only then will it be handed to you.

The LEA reviews your documents submitted online and will inform you of an appointment for the handover. The signing may also be done by a person you have authorised.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You have already submitted the formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) online and the State Office for Immigration has reviewed your documents and informed you of an appointment.

Additional requirements

You must appear in person. The signing may also be done by an authorised person.
If you cannot attend the appointment, cancel it on the ServicePortal. For a new appointment, contact Department B 5 via the contact form. You need the transaction number from the PDF of your online application.

How to apply

First submit the formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) online, if not yet done

Wait for the review of your documents and the appointment from the State Office for Immigration (LEA)

Bring your passport or identity card and, if applicable, your residence title to the appointment

Sign the formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) on site at the LEA

Done! You will receive your signed formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung)

Good to know

Your obligation ends when the invited person receives a residence title for a different purpose of stay. This is stated in the standard form of the declaration of commitment.

vom Tag der voraussichtlichen Einreise am ……. bis zur Beendigung des Aufenthalts des o.g. Ausländers/in oder bis zur Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels zu einem anderen Aufenthaltszweck

VAB A.68, S. 556-558

You cannot withdraw or revoke the Verpflichtungserklärung (formal declaration of commitment) after signing it. The declaration is binding on you. This applies from the moment the authority officially accepts it.

Ein "Widerruf" oder eine "Rücknahme" der Verpflichtungserklärung ist nicht möglich.

VAB A.68, S. 556-558

After signing, you receive a copy of the signed supplementary declaration. This is your proof. The authority MUST give you this copy.

Der Verpflichtungsgeber erhält einen Abdruck der unterschriebenen Zusatzerklärung und -bestätigung zur Verpflichtungserklärung.

VAB A.68, S. 556-558

Contact & Responsibility

Standort Keplerstraße

Verpflichtungen/Visa

Responsibility

Verpflichtungserklärungen für C- und D-Visa, Verlängerung Schengen-Visa

Keplerstraße 2, 10589 Berlin

Mo/Di 07:00-14:00, Mi 08:00-14:00, Do 09:00-17:00, Fr 08:00-12:00 (NUR MIT TERMIN)

(030) 90269-4000 Contact form

U Mierendorffplatz (U7), S+U Jungfernheide (S25/S41/S42), Bus M27/N7

Rollstuhlgerecht, Aufzug

Girocard (PIN), Kreditkarte (Visa/Mastercard), kontaktlos

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