Understanding Verpflichtungserklärungen (Declaration of Commitment)

What You Need to Know

A Declaration of Commitment, or "Verpflichtungserklärungen" in German, is a legal document that individuals or organizations in Germany can sign to assume financial responsibility for a foreigner's stay in the country.

 This document is often required when applying for a visa or residency permit in Germany, especially for students or individuals with limited financial resources. By signing the declaration, the sponsor agrees to cover the foreigner's living expenses, healthcare costs, and other expenses during their stay in Germany.

The Declaration of Commitment aims to ensure that foreign visitors do not become a burden on the German social welfare system. It also provides a safety net for foreigners, as they have someone legally obligated to support them during their stay in Germany. A Declaration of Commitment for a Schengen visa remains valid for six months, during a national visa remains valid for five years from the date of issuance. If you need to use the document beyond this period, you must obtain a new valid Declaration of Commitment suitable for the type of German visa you are applying for.

It's important to note that signing a Declaration of Commitment is a serious legal commitment and should not be taken lightly. The sponsor must have sufficient financial means to cover the foreigner's expenses and consider the implications before signing the document.

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