Declaration of Commitment: Your Uncomplicated Path to a German Visa
Why Is This Topic Important for You?
Anyone who wants to learn German in Germany must prove to the embassy that their financing is secured. If you do not have sufficient personal savings for a blocked account, a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungseklarung) is often the easiest solution. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this document so you can safely plan your German language course at the German Institute in Stuttgart.
What Is a Declaration of Commitment?
With a declaration of commitment, a third person (ex. a friend or relative living in Germany) signs a legally binding statement at the immigration office confirming that they will sponsor all of your living expenses.
Important for the sponsor:
The liability does not only include rent and food, but in serious cases also medical costs or the expenses of an involuntary return to your home country. You can find the official regulations at the German Federal Foreign Office.
Who Can Sign a Declaration of Commitment?
The person who signs for you is called a host or sponsor. This can be:
- a friend
- a family member
- an acquaintance
This person must:
- have a permanent residence in Germany
- provide proof of a regular income
- appear in person at the immigration office
Which Costs Are Covered by a Declaration of Commitment?
By issuing a declaration of commitment, your host takes on significant responsibility for you. In an emergency, they may have to pay for:
- food and accommodation
- clothing and personal expenses
- doctor visits or medication (if no insurance exists)
- the return trip to your home country
Which Documents Must the Sponsor Provide?
To issue a declaration of commitment, the immigration authority requires certain documents. These usually include:
Proof of income (Einkommennachweis): The last three salary statements.
Proof of housing (Wohnraumnachweis): Rental contract or land register extract.
Identity documents: National ID card or passport.
Creditworthiness check (Bonitätsprüfung): The net income must be high enough to cover your living expenses (in addition to the sponsor’s own obligations). Details on the financial assessment are available on the Service Portal of Baden-Württemberg.
Information about the guest:
- Name, date of birth, nationality
- Copy of passport
- Proof of the purpose of stay (e.g. language course registration confirmation or Anmeldebestätigung)
Proof of housing of the sponsor:
It is important that the sponsor not only has sufficient income, but often also enough living space if you plan to live with them. The authority checks the size of the apartment in relation to the number of people living there.
Step by Step: How to Obtain a Declaration of Commitment
If you want to attend a German language course in Germany, the process usually works as follows:
- Registration: You register at the German Institute and receive a course confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung).
- Appointment: Your host schedules an appointment at the immigration office (e.g. in Stuttgart).
- Assessment: The authority checks the host’s income (salary statements).
- Fee: The declaration of commitment usually costs €29.
- Delivery: The original document is sent to you by post.
- Visa application: You take the document to the German embassy and apply for your visa.
Comparison: Blocked Account or Declaration of Commitment?
| Feature | Declaration of Commitment | Blocked Account |
| Funds required | Low (approx. €29 fee) | High (€11,904 initial deposit) |
| Source of financial support | Sponsor with regular income | Personal savings |
| Advantage | No large upfront payment | Full financial independence |
The Combination: Declaration of Commitment + Blocked Account
In rare cases, the immigration authority may require both if the sponsor’s income is only slightly above the minimum threshold. In such situations, a partial declaration of commitment may cover health insurance costs, while a smaller blocked account secures the remaining living expenses.
Professional Tips for a Successful Visa
The 6-month validity window:
At the time of your visa appointment, the declaration of commitment is usually not allowed to be older than six months.
Health insurance:
Even with a sponsor, the embassy requires travel health insurance for the initial period.
Original document:
You must submit the original document at the embassy, not just a copy.
Visa rejection:
If your visa is rejected despite a declaration of commitment, the guarantee remains legally valid as long as it has not expired. However, the sponsor does not have to make any payments because you do not enter Germany. It is advisable to keep the original document safe in case you submit an appeal or reapplication.
Do You Still Have Questions About Your Visa?
Don’t worry—you don’t have to go through this process alone. As a student of the German Institute, you benefit from our experience. We help you prepare the correct documents for the embassy.
Book your consultation appointment today!
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