Declaration of Commitment in Germany – A Full Guide for Students and Sponsors

For the visitor, it’s a required part of the visa application process, but it also comes with certain obligations for the sponsor. Let’s explore the essentials of this legally binding document, including who needs it, how to get it, and how Fintiba supports this process.

What is a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)?

A Declaration of Commitment is a formal document that proves a person living in Germany agrees to cover your living expenses during your stay.

By signing it, the sponsor takes full financial responsibility for you, so that the German state will not have to provide support for costs such as housing, food, healthcare, and other expenses.

The Foreign Office (Ausländerbehörde in German) is the authority that decides if the host meets the criteria to become your sponsor. Because of this, the host will undergo an examination, and the Ausländerbehörde will require evidence of income, their residence rights, and the accommodation conditions they can provide for you after submitting the formal application to commit.

Definition and Legal Purpose

A Declaration of Commitment is a formal and legally binding document in which the person living in Germany agrees to cover your living expenses during your stay.

This document is regulated under Sections 66–68 of the German Residence Act and also doubles as proof of financial means when applying for a visa. In most cases, it can be used as a substitute for a Blocked Account.

When is it Required for a German Visa?

International students often use a Declaration of Commitment when:

• A family member or close friend in Germany agrees to act as their financial sponsor.
• They do not have the full Blocked Account amount available and have someone in Germany who can help.
• They are applying for a language course visa, student visa, or sometimes even a visitor visa.

If the Declaration of Commitment submitted by your sponsor is accepted, it will be included in your visa application and serve as official proof that your living expenses in Germany are covered for the period stated in the document.

How Long is the Declaration of Commitment Valid for?

The Declaration of Commitment can be valid either for a short-term stay, as part of a Schengen visa, proving that someone is covering your costs during an up to 90-day stay, or for a long-term stay.

In the latter case, the Declaration of Commitment can be valid for a maximum of five years. Students usually use this document for the duration of their studies, typically two to four years, depending on the course.

Another advantage of the Declaration of Commitment is that it can be extended. For example, if you came to Germany on a student visa, to complete a three-year bachelor’s program and your Verpflichtungserklärung was valid for exactly three years, but due to certain circumstances you could not finish within that time and needed an additional year, your sponsor could extend it for that year.

Just note that extending a Declaration of Commitment does not happen automatically, your sponsor must reapply and pay a fee again.

Secure Your Declaration of Commitment with the Fintiba Blocked Account

Fintiba has made it as simple as possible for you to provide proof of financial capability for your Declaration of Commitment. With our fully digital solution, we help you bring your guest to Germany. You will receive your digital financial proof easily and quickly thanks to the app-based process and step-by-step guidance.

Why Combining Both Increases Approval Chances

If you use both a Declaration of Commitment and a Fintiba Blocked Account, you can strengthen your application - the declaration shows that a trusted sponsor in Germany is committed to supporting you financially, and the Blocked Account provides direct proof that you have personal funds available.

Both of them prove you have a reliable financial profile, reducing doubts about your ability to cover expenses and increasing the likelihood of approval. However, having both is not necessary.

Fintiba Blocked Account Features and Benefits

The main benefits of a Blocked Account opened with Fintiba are:

• The account is accepted by all German authorities worldwide
• Account opening takes less than 10 minutes
• You get an instant blocking confirmation with a credit card payment via Fintiba Transfer
• You have the highest security guarantee & deposit protection of up to €100,000.00
• You get an annual opportunity to apply for the Fintiba Scholarship
• No registration letter (Anmeldung) needed to ensure fast money access in Germany
• You also get step by step guidance through the process in your Fintiba app

Who Can Issue a Declaration of Commitment?

Any person who lives in Germany with permanent residence and has sufficient finances can submit a Declaration of Commitment.

This can include relatives, friends, or acquaintances of the applicant.

That being said, the sponsor must prove that they can cover your living costs in Germany. This obligation applies for the entire duration of your stay.

Who Can Provide It? (Family, Friends, Legal Entities)

The Declaration of Commitment can be provided by family, friends, or legal entities. For example:

• An international resident in Germany with a valid permanent residence permit can bring their family members to Germany using a Declaration of Commitment.
• Companies wishing to hire you can submit a Declaration of Commitment on your behalf to speed up your entry into Germany.
• Although rare, exchange organisations can submit Declarations of Commitment for students and participants in educational programs.

Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor

In order to be accepted by the immigration authorities, your sponsor must meet the following requirements:

• Show that they earn enough to cover both their own living expenses and yours.
• If the host is not a German or EU citizen, they must have a valid residence permit allowing them to take on financial obligations.
• Have no unresolved legal obligations that could affect their ability to provide support.

Once the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) confirms these criteria, the Declaration of Commitment can be issued.

Who Needs a Declaration of Commitment?

A Declaration of Commitment will be required if you cannot, or do not want to, show the required funds in a Blocked Account.

Foreign embassies and consulates accept a Declaration of Commitment as an alternative way to prove that you can support yourself financially.

Requirements for Sponsors in Germany

If you want to become a sponsor for someone applying for a German visa, you should be aware of the specific legal and financial criteria you must meet.

First of all, there are certain situations in which you cannot be a sponsor for someone applying for a German visa:

• If you need financial assistance from the German government;
• If you have a temporary stay permit;
• If you have a tolerated stay permit;
• If you have a temporary asylum stay permit.

Minimum Income and Financial Stability

Sponsors must show that they have a stable income sufficient to cover the visitor’s costs, including accommodation, food, health insurance, and other expenses.

The exact amount depends on factors such as the number of people in the household (for example, whether the host is married or has children under their care), the length of the visitor’s stay, and the city you live in.

As a general rule of thumb, depending on these factors, a sponsor would need a net monthly income of approximately €2,500 to €3,700.

Proof of Accommodation and ID Documents

In addition to financial proof, you as a sponsor will also need to provide details about where the visitor will stay. This can include a rental agreement, proof of property ownership, or a confirmation of available living space.

You will also need a valid German ID card or residence permit to confirm your identity and legal status in Germany.

How to Apply for a Declaration of Commitment

The process involves submitting an application to your local Ausländerbehörde and providing all required documentation. In most cases, you will need to make an appointment in advance.

Where to Apply (Local Ausländerbehörde)

You can only apply at the Ausländerbehörde in the area where you are registered as a resident. The office will review your documents, check your financial status, and issue the Declaration of Commitment if you meet all requirements.

Required Forms and Documents

Typical documents include:

• Completed application form for a Declaration of Commitment
• Valid ID or residence permit
• Proof of income (recent payslips, tax assessment, or bank statements)
• Proof of accommodation
• Payment of the application fee of €29

Step-by-Step Submission Process

If you want to make sure the submission process goes smoothly, here is a step-by-step list of everything you need to do in order to get your Declaration of Commitment.

Make an Appointment

You must make an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde in your city. During this time up until the appointment, you should make sure to gather all the documents you need.

Submit Documents in Person

You must provide the local Ausländerbehörde with the following documents

1. Application form (or Angaben zur Verpflichtungserklärung)
2. A valid passport
3. A permanent residence permit
4. Details for the person you are sponsoring
5. Proof of a relationship (between host and the sponsored person)
6. Confirmation of accommodation
7. Proof of financial independence (letter from employer, payslips, monthly net income, existing business evaluation, etc.)

Receive Official Confirmation

If you submitted the documents correctly and prepared for the interview with the German officials you will get an official confirmation for the letter of commitment from the authorities.

You will need to send the original document to the applicant, because it will be needed in their visa process.

Obligations and Legal Responsibilities of the Sponsor

When you sign a Declaration of Commitment, you’re making a legally binding promise to the German state. It’s important to understand exactly what that means before agreeing to be a sponsor.

What the Sponsor is Financially Responsible for

By issuing a Declaration of Commitment, you agree to cover all living costs of the visa applicant during their stay in Germany. This includes rent, food, health insurance, and any other daily expenses. You’re also responsible for any public funds they might use so the German government doesn’t bear the financial risk.

Can the Sponsor Withdraw Later?

In most cases, once the Declaration of Commitment is issued, you cannot simply revoke it.

As a sponsor, your responsibility continues until the end date specified in the document, or until the person leaves Germany permanently.

This is why it’s important to be certain you can meet the obligations before signing.

Declaration of Commitment vs. Other Visa Documents

A Declaration of Commitment is just one way to prove you meet the financial requirements for a German visa. Here’s how it compares to other common documents.

Comparison with Blocked Account

A blocked account is a personal bank account in Germany where you deposit a set minimum amount (currently €11,904 for one year) and withdraw it in monthly instalments.

Unlike a Declaration of Commitment, which relies on a sponsor’s financial guarantee, a blocked account shows you have your own funds ready to use. Many students choose a blocked account if they do not have a qualified sponsor in Germany.

Comparison with Formal Invitation Letter

Both the invitation letter and the declaration of commitment serve as supporting documents for German visa applications. However, while the invitation letter focuses on the purpose and logistics of the visit, the declaration of commitment addresses financial responsibility.