If you are worrying about the obligation letter, this post explains everything about the Obligation letter and documents required for it.
Most foreign guests who do not belong to the European Union require a Job Seeker Visa or Employment Visa or any visa to enter Germany. To obtain a visa, however, it is essential that the applicant has sufficient money to finance his stay in Germany.
However, if the foreign visitor does not have sufficient financial means, there is an alternative option for a person living in Germany to make a Verpflichtungserklärung(declaration of commitment) to the immigration office. Also, we call as an obligation letter
Is Verpflichtungserklärung/obligation letter helpful to get the Visa?
Yes, With this obligation letter for the foreign guest or student, the person who invited the applicant to Germany agrees to bear the maintenance costs for the applicant. The host is then used to cover all maintenance costs that the visitor may not be able to bear. In this way, the German state can ensure that the foreigner does not incur any costs.
An obligation letter, therefore, makes it easier to issue a visa at the German embassy or consulate abroad, even if the applicant himself does not meet the financial requirements. The legal consequences of an obligation letter are regulated in Section 68 of the Residence Act.
In order to issue an obligation letter for the invitation of foreigners who are subject to a visa, the immigration authority responsible for the respective residential area of the inviting person must be visited. There you will also receive the form required for the obligation letter, which must be completed and signed by the host. For the issuing of an obligation letter, the immigration authorities charge a fee of approx. €29
Documents required for Obligation letter:
From the Host:
- Processing sheet for the Obligation letter (This can be found in respective residential area website)
- ID card or valid national passport
- current proof of income (e.g. proof of salary, pension notification or, for self-employed and freelancers, a current tax assessment)
- Blue card if applicable
- Certificate from the employer that there is an employment contract without notice and that there is a prospect of continued employment.
From Foreign Guest:
- First name and surname
- Date and place of birth
- Home address in the home country
- Citizenship of foreigners
- Passport number
After the obligation letter has been approved by the immigration authority, the foreign visitor must present it to the embassy or consulate responsible for issuing the visa.
Important things to keep in mind:
- If the foreign visitor has used social benefits or public funds (e.g. accommodation costs, care costs) during his stay, the person who signed the declaration must reimburse the costs incurred.
- If the visitor is forcibly obliged to return to his home country, the obligor must also bear all costs incurred on the return trip.
- In order for a visa to be issued for Germany, the visitor also needs travel health insurance for all Schengen countries. This insurance can also be taken out in Germany by the person who made the commitment.
- The health insurance must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Sweet note: If you get this letter, you no need to show any financial proof or blocked account while applying for the visa. You just need to bear the costs of visa fees and flight tickets. Also, you can find more details here in German
