Submit a Declaration of Commitment
Commit to covering the living costs for a person entering Germany so that they can obtain a visa.
At a glance
How do you submit a formal obligation declaration (Verpflichtungserklaerung)?
A person wants to enter Germany and needs a visa? If this person cannot prove sufficient own funds, you as a person living in Berlin can submit a formal obligation declaration. By doing so, you commit to covering all costs for this person''s livelihood.
The formal obligation declaration is valid for 5 years from entry. It covers all costs such as food, housing, clothing, medical treatment and medication. You must also reimburse any public funds spent, for example by the social welfare office. The costs of a possible deportation under Sections 66, 67 of the Residence Act are also included.
You can submit a formal obligation declaration for short stays with Schengen visas (up to 90 days) or for long stays with national visas (more than 90 days).
You must use the online application. First check with the Quick Check whether you meet the financial requirements. After the online application, you will receive an appointment at the State Office for Immigration (LEA).
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You have your main residence in Berlin and have sufficient financial means to cover the livelihood costs for the person entering Germany.
Additional requirements
- A visa application has been or will soon be submitted at a German embassy, and the person entering Germany cannot prove sufficient own funds.
- If you do not hold German nationality or the nationality of an EU or EEA state, you need a valid residence title. An Aufenthaltsgestattung (temporary stay permit for asylum seekers), toleration status (Duldung) or Fiktionsbescheinigung is not sufficient.
- The fee must be paid before submitting the online application by credit card or PayPal.
- If you cannot prove financial capacity, the formal obligation declaration will be issued with the note "creditworthiness not verified". The German embassy will then not recognise it.
How to apply
Check with the Quick Check whether you meet the financial requirements
Complete the online application and upload all required documents in PDF, JPG or PNG format (maximum 50 MB total, maximum 4 MB per file)
Pay the processing fee by credit card or PayPal before submitting the application
Save and print the PDF confirmation of your application
Wait for your appointment at the State Office for Immigration (LEA) and bring all documents
Done! You will receive your formal obligation declaration at the appointment at the LEA
Formal obligation declaration for an adult person or a married couple (with or without children)
- Formal obligation declaration for minors only14,50 EUR
Good to know
You can authorise another person to submit the declaration of commitment on your behalf. A copy of your identity document should be attached to the power of attorney. This allows the authority to compare your signature.
Auch wenn es sich bei der Abgabe einer Verpflichtungserklärung um eine einseitige Willenserklärung handelt, ist die Vertretung des sich Verpflichtenden durch eine andere Person grundsätzlich möglich.
VAB A.2/A.5/A.68, S. 22-558
Your commitment can end early. This happens when the invited person receives a residence title for a different purpose. However, the commitment does not end for titles under Section 5 of the Residence Act.
Daraus folgt nach Weisung der Senatsverwaltung für Inneres und Sport vom 07.09.2016 im Umkehrschluss, dass mit der Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels nach einem anderen Kapitel und zu einem anderen Aufenthaltszweck die Verpflichtung erlischt.
VAB A.2/A.5/A.68, S. 22-558
The information about your finances on the form is voluntary. The authority must not reject your declaration if you provide no information. However, you will be informed that this may lead to the visa being refused.
Die Angaben zur finanziellen Leistungsfähigkeit sind freiwillig. Nimmt ein Verpflichtungsgeber den Hinweis auf die Freiwilligkeit zum Anlass, keine oder unzureichende Angaben zu machen, rechtfertigt dies nicht die Zurückweisung der Erklärung.
VAB A.2/A.5/A.68, S. 22-558
Contact & Responsibility
Standort Keplerstraße
Verpflichtungen/Visa
Verpflichtungserklärungen für C- und D-Visa, Verlängerung Schengen-Visa
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Submit a Declaration of Commitment
After reviewing your complete digital application, you will be notified of an appointment. This may take three to six weeks. The declaration of commitment is issued at the appointment. Please refrain from status enquiries.