What Is a Sponsorship Letter in Germany?

 

A  declaration of commitment , or declaration of commitment, is a formal document required for certain visa applications in Germany. It serves as a guarantee from a resident in Germany who pledges to financially support a visitor during their stay. This document is crucial for individuals applying for either short-term or long-term visas, as it assures the German authorities that the visitor's living expenses will be covered.

Requirements for Declaration of Commitment

To successfully apply for a declaration of commitment, the sponsor must meet specific criteria:

• Residency : The sponsor must be a legal resident of Germany, either a citizen or holding a valid residence permit.
• Financial Stability : The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support the visitor. This typically means having a net monthly income of around €2,500, although this can vary by city.
• No Social Benefits : The sponsor should not be receiving social benefits like unemployment assistance.

Income Requirements for Declaration of Commitment

The income requirements can vary based on the purpose of the visitor's stay and the location in Germany. Generally:

• For most cities, the sponsor's net income should be at least  €2,500 per month .
• In larger cities like Berlin, this amount may be slightly lower (around €2,450).

The income can be verified through salary statements, tax assessments, or other financial documents.

Documents Required for Sponsorship (Declaration of Commitment)

When applying for a declaration of commitment, the following documents are typically required:

• A completed application form for the Declaration of Commitment.
• A valid passport or national ID of the sponsor.
• Proof of residence status (for non-EU citizens).
• Personal details of the guest, including:
  • Name and surname
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality
  • Address in their home country
  • Copy of their valid passport
• Proof of financial means to support the guest:
  • For employed sponsors: salary statements from the past three months.
  • For self-employed sponsors: recent tax assessments and proof of monthly income.
• Proof of relationship with the guest (if applicable).

Application Process for Sponsorship Letter

The application process involves several steps:

1. Gather Documents : Collect all necessary documents listed above.
2. Visit Local Authorities : The sponsor must apply in person at their local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or Bürgerbüro.
3. Complete Application : Fill out the application form on-site and submit it along with all required documents.
4. Pay Fees : A fee of approximately  €29  is charged for processing the application.
5. Receive Document : Once approved, the host receives a stamped and signed letter which must then be sent to the guest for their visa application.

The processing time is usually quick, often taking just a few minutes to an hour.

What Is Joint Sponsorship?

Joint sponsorship occurs when two or more individuals collaborate to provide financial support for a visitor's stay in Germany. This can be beneficial if one sponsor does not meet the income requirements alone. In such cases, each sponsor must provide documentation proving their financial capability and relationship with the visitor.

Conclusion

The declaration of commitment is an essential document for anyone looking to invite someone to Germany on a visa. It ensures that visitors have adequate financial backing during their stay and helps prevent reliance on public assistance. Understanding its requirements and processes is crucial for both sponsors and visitors to navigate German immigration effectively.

Citations:

[1] https://www.mygermanuniversity.com/articles/Declaration-of-Commitment-for-German-Visa

[2] https://visaguide.world/visa-letters/germany-visa-letter-of-commitment/

[3] https://www.germany-visa.org/pflichtserklarungen/

[4] https://stadt.muenchen.de/en/info/foreign-visitors-formal-obligation.html

[5] https://www.southafricansingermany.de/visas-and-immigration/types-of-visas/inviting-someone-for-a-visit/