4 simple steps to get a “formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung)” with a sample document

Verpflichtungserklärung

Verpflichtungserklärung in the German language is mentioned with several different words in English.

• Formal obligation
• Declaration of Commitment
• Sponsorship

The formal obligation letter is the obligation letter to cover the living costs of your guest or sponsor. You can get this letter for different purposes.

• Visitor
• Study
• Language course
• Marriage
• Business trip, etc

Where do we get the obligation letter?

You can get the obligation letter from the foreign office (Ausländerbehörde). You can use this link to find your responsible foreign office.

Validity

You can choose the period for which you want to sponsor. Based on the details mentioned in the application form, the validity of the formal obligation will be also defined for your sponsor.

Step by step process

I would like to share my experience of getting the formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung). The process is very simple.

Preparation

In order to get the formal obligation letter, it is necessary to submit some documents. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare the documents.

Documents to be submitted

• Application form with information leaflet
• 6 months
• House contract
• Work contract
• Passport
• Residence permit

Application form

It is quite simple to fill the application form. It contains only basic information which you can get from the above-mentioned document and also the passport, house contract (only for address) of the person whom you are sponsoring.

You have to mention your details in the application form.

• Last name
• First name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Identification document
• House address
• Profession
• Employer

You should mention the following details of the person whom you are sponsoring.

• Last name
• First name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Identification document
• House address
• Relationship to you

If you are sponsoring multiple persons, then it is necessary to mention all your sponsor’s names on the same form. No separate forms are necessary.

Economic details

Following are the details about you as a sponsor of your guest.

• Type of occupation
• Monthly salary
• Marital status
• Number of children
• Monthly maintenance payments
• Monthly house rent
• Encumbrances on property
• House size
• Loan (Car loan was not considered for me)

It is also necessary to mention the purpose of travel, travel date, and duration of stay of your guest.

Salary slip

You should also submit your last 6 months’ salary slip. In some foreign offices, 3 months’ salary slips are enough.

No need to worry if you have changed your employer recently. Just submit the last 3 or 6 months’ salary slip based on the requirement.

Appointment

In most cities, it is necessary to get an appointment. Follow the procedure in your responsible district administration office to get a prior appointment. Make sure that you have prepared all your documents before the appointment. Failing to submit some documents may lead to delay or termination of the application.

Document sumbmission

In some of the foreign offices, digital documents were not accepted. So take the printouts if it is necessary.

On the day of your appointment, you should submit the above-mentioned documents. Take your original passport and residence permit card, house rental agreement, work contract.

Fees

It cost 29 euros to get the formal obligation letter.

Receive the document

You can receive the document on the same day. It may take approximately 15 minutes to get the document. Read the document carefully. Check for spelling mistakes or any typos. Any error in the document may lead to an issue for your sponsor.

Sample verpflichtungserklaerung document

Does the probation period affect getting the formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklaerung)?

In general, there will not be any issues getting the Verpflichtungserklaerung during the probation period. If your salary meets the requirements or if you can show enough bank balance, then the probation period will not affect getting the formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklaerung). I have got the Verpflichtungserklaerung during the start of the probation period, not even at the mid or at the end of my probation period.

This could also be based on your visa or residence permit type. So kindly check it with your responsible foreign office.

Is it possible to sponsor someone who is already living in Germany?

Yes, it is possible to sponsor someone who is already living in Germany. The procedure is the same.

Info

I have got the letter for sponsoring a student. The process is similar to sponsor parents, friends, etc. The documents to be submitted may vary based on the person whom you are sponsoring and also the district administration office. So check the details on your responsible district administration office or foreign office website or contact them directly.

If you are sponsoring someone who is not your family member, there could be also questions from the foreign office about the truthfulness of the sponsor. Make sure that you know the sponsor very well to avoid any issues in the future.

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