Submit a declaration of commitment for a short stay of up to 90 days.

Here you can find out when and how you can submit a declaration of commitment for a visa of up to 90 days for a foreign guest.

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Detailed description

If you would like to help someone obtain a Schengen visa for a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, you can submit a declaration of sponsorship.


A Schengen visa is a visa for a short stay in the countries of the Schengen Area. Once issued, it is valid for all countries within the Schengen Area.



With a declaration of sponsorship, you commit to covering the costs of living if the person is unable to do so themselves. This includes, for example, costs for food, housing, clothing, medical care, and the cost of returning to their home country. Your declaration of sponsorship then serves as proof of fulfilling the financial requirements in the Schengen visa application process.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • They have reached the age of 18.
  • They are a natural person or the representative of a legal entity, for example a company or a charitable organization.
  • Their income is demonstrably sufficient to cover the living expenses of the person entering the country.
  • If you yourself hold a temporary residence permit, it will be valid for a longer period than the planned stay of your guest.
  • They are not staying in Germany because of:
    • a toleration,
    • a fictitious certificate,
    • a residence permit,
    • a visa,
    • or a short-term residence permit.
  • They will not receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act or the Social Code.

Documents required

  • Proof of identity (for example, identity card or passport)
  • If you come from a third country (not EU/EEA/Switzerland):
    • additional residence permit
  • If you are representing a legal entity (for example, a company, association):
    • Additionally, proof that you are authorized to represent the legal entity.
    • Additionally, an extract from the commercial register (not older than 3 months)
  • Proof that you are able to provide for the living expenses of the person entering the country. This could include, for example:
    • Wage or salary statements
    • Pension statement
    • Unemployment benefit notice
    • Notices regarding child benefit, child supplement or parental allowance
  • If you are self-employed or freelance:
    • current tax assessment
    • current profit and loss statement
    • If applicable, other documentation showing your monthly net income or profit (for example, a certificate from your tax advisor).
  • Proof of identity and current foreign address of the person entering the country

Please note

  • Please note that the Foreigners' Affairs Office is responsible for the Billstedt and Bergedorf locations. Appointments can only be made there via email.
  • In the Altona and Blankenese locations, please also contact the offices for foreigners' affairs regarding declarations of commitment for self-employed persons.
  • You can also submit the declaration of commitment to the relevant foreign mission.
  • You cannot authorize another person to submit a declaration of commitment on your behalf.
  • Allow enough time for the application process and the submission of the declaration of commitment.
  • The assessment will determine whether you have sufficient funds to cover the living expenses of the person entering the country. This assessment will also take into account how many people you are already supporting, how many declarations of sponsorship you have submitted, and why the person wishes to enter the country.

Deadlines

You can submit the declaration of commitment no more than six months before the first day of entry. A declaration of commitment is valid for a maximum of five years.

Procedure

  • You arrange an appointment with the relevant authority. An online service is available for this purpose.
    • Please note any special provisions regarding responsibilities under "Important Information".
  • The responsible authority will inform you about the procedure as well as the necessary documents and evidence.
  • They come to the appointment in person and provide all the necessary information on site.
  • The relevant authority will use the information you provide to assess your ability to support the person entering the country. If any documents or information are missing, the authority will request them from you.
  • You pay the administrative fee.
  • After successful verification, you will receive the declaration of commitment.
  • They sign the declaration of commitment.
  • You will receive the original declaration of commitment to pass on to the person entering the country.

Processing time

Once all necessary documents and information are available, the declaration of commitment can be handed over to you directly.

Fees

29.00 EUR

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Keywords: Invitations from foreign citizens, stay up to 3 months Visits from foreign citizens, stay up to 3 months

Last updated: 11.03.2026