Visa Sponsorship in Germany: Formal Guarantee and Liability

A friend or relative asks you to “just sign something” so their German visa goes through. What you are signing is not a letter of support. A Verpflichtungserklärung (formal declaration of commitment) is a written promise to cover another person’s costs while they visit or move to Germany, submitted at your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

If their own funds are not enough, the embassy may require this document. Authorities can hold you liable for living costs, health care, and in some cases return travel. The commitment can last up to five years. Treat it like enforceable debt, not a favor.

For family reunification income rules without sponsorship, see Family Reunification in Germany.

What you are promising

By signing, you accept responsibility for the sponsored person’s costs, including:

• Living expenses (food, housing, daily needs) under Section 68(1) AufenthG
• Health insurance, medical care, and nursing care under Section 68(1)
• Return travel and deportation costs if a removal order is issued (separately under Section 66(2) AufenthG)

How long it lasts. Liability usually runs for up to five years. It can end earlier if the person leaves Germany or becomes a German citizen. Getting an employment-related residence title under Sections 18–21 AufenthG (skilled work, Blue Card, research, Opportunity Card, self-employment) or international protection does not end the obligation early. Some other independent titles may interact differently; confirm with your Ausländerbehörde before you sign.

If the state pays costs on your behalf, it can recover them from you.

When embassies usually ask for one

Often required:

• Visitor or tourist visas when the applicant has limited income or savings
• Family reunification when the sponsor’s income is borderline or the embassy wants extra assurance
• Some business visitor cases when requested by the embassy

Usually not required:

• Family reunification where you clearly meet income and housing rules
• Work visas where the employer is the main sponsor
• Student visas funded by a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or scholarship (see Student Visa for Germany)
• EU citizens and many cases with straightforward financial proof

Embassies decide case by case. If the checklist asks for a Verpflichtungserklärung, you need the original document issued in Germany. A scan is usually not enough.

How to get one

The process is local. Forms and exact document lists differ by city, but the steps are similar.

1. Download the application form from your local Ausländerbehörde website.
2. Book an in-person appointment. This cannot usually be done fully online or by post.
3. Gather typical documents:
   • Passport or national ID
   • Proof of legal residence in Germany (permit or registration)
   • Income proof (payslips, employment contract, tax assessment)
   • Rental agreement showing housing situation
   • Details of the person you are sponsoring (passport copy, planned dates, relationship)
4. Attend the appointment with the completed form.
5. Pay the fee (currently about €29 in most offices).
6. Receive the original declaration, often the same day.
7. Send the original to the visa applicant abroad by secure mail.

The applicant then submits it with their visa application at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. Book your Ausländerbehörde appointment early enough that the original can arrive before their embassy date.

Legal basis and where to start

The main rules are in the Residence Act (AufenthG):

• Section 68(1) defines the Verpflichtungserklärung and the costs the sponsor must cover (living expenses, housing, health care, and nursing care)
• Section 66(2) separately covers the sponsor’s liability for repatriation and deportation costs
• Section 68a is only a transitional rule for declarations made before 6 August 2016 (shorter liability period for those older declarations)

Find your office via BAMF NAVI. Forms vary by city; always use the version from your local immigration office. Sample layouts (not substitutes for your city’s form): Berlin PDF, Ravensburg district forms.