As I mentioned in a previous post about the requirements and procedures for applying for a Schengen Visa, we opted to get a formal obligation for my parents' visit this coming July. This document is only needed if the visitor's travel will be sponsored or paid for by a host in Germany. Applicable for the purpose of business, visiting family/friends and participation in a Language course. Remember this is just an option but you may have to provide other and sometimes more documents in absence of this formal obligation.
WHAT IS A FORMAL OBLIGATION (VERPLICHTUNGSERKLÄRUNG)?
In our case, since we will be sponsoring my parents' travel, we opted to get a formal obligation rather than just sending my parents an informal invitation. A formal obligation seems more, well, formal and binding as it involves going to the aliens authority (Ausländerbehorde) to get one. And because we want to make sure or at least increase our chances of getting a visa for them, this option seems more viable. Additionally, this means that my parents do not have to submit their bank statement of accounts for the last 6 months to the embassy but I asked them anyway to get one as well. More is better in this case.
By signing a formal obligation, the hosts agree to the following responsibilities:
- to pay all costs of subsistence for the visitor
- to refund any public resources, if the visitor should need social assistance (including accommodation, medical care, nursing care)
- to pay any costs for removal procedures (if the visitor should have to be sent back to the country of origin by German authorities)
Hosts have to live in Germany. Non-EU nationals need to be holders of a permanent residence permit or a temporary residence permit exceeding the validity of the formal obligation. A formal obligation may also be signed by a company residing in Germany.
The obligation includes all the costs which are needed to ensure the visitor´s maintenance and accommodation during the stay, such as expenses for food, clothing, accommodation (private or hotel) as well as costs for seeing a doctor, medicine, nursing homes or other medical treatments that are necessary. For this reason, it is recommended to take out a health insurance policy. In the case of sickness, the inviting party also has to pay the costs which are not covered by the insurance company or which exceed the insured amount. The inviting party also has to bear the costs in case of enforced removal. Such removal costs are for instance travel expenses (flight ticket and/or other transportation costs), possibly the costs for escort as well as costs for detention.
Note that the formal obligation should not be older than six months when the visa application is submitted (interview). The original document should be sent by the sponsor/host to the visitor as part of the Schengen Visa requirements.
REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR FORMAL OBLIGATION (VERPFLICHTUNGSERKLÄRUNG):
The host or inviting party should go or call the Ausländerbehorde responsible for their area of residence in Germany and make an appointment.
On the date of appointment, the host should bring the following.
- Passport or Identity Card of the host
- Salary statement for the last three months of the host. If not applicable, other proof of income (rental contracts, current statement of income, savings account, etc.) may be presented to show that the host is able to sufficiently support the visitors during their planned stay. To be sure, ask your Ausländerbehorde about which documents will suffice. Note also that there is a minimum required amount (income) that a host/sponsor should meet in order to be approved and it is different from municipality to another. In our case, it was a minimum of 1,200€ monthly net income to host both my parents.
- Personal details of the visitors:
- Full Name (including middle name)
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- Residence address
- Passport number or copy
- €25. This the issuance fee you have to pay per formal obligation. The formal obligation we got applies already for both my parents.
- Additionally, our Ausländerbehorde also required us to bring our Mietvertrag (tenancy agreement/apartment rental contract). This is for them to check that we have enough space to accommodate them during their stay. This was not included in the list of requirements when I did my research online. But the Ausländerbehorde in your area has the prerogative to ask for other supporting documents like this one.
The whole process of applying took us about less than an hour. Then we had to go to the Payments counter to pay the fee. After paying we went back to the Ausländerbehorde to present the receipt and we were able to take the Formal Obligation with us on the same day.
Andrei says
Another question is, if the person who will give a formal obligation is not in germany at the moment, can someone do it for him? Example his wife. Or can he get the form elswhere?
Bebs says
I only know that the sponsor has to get it from the Ausländerbehörde responsible for his area. If the wife is in Germany and can sponsor the husband's parents, like Armin did for my parents, then she can apply for the formal obligation herself. Provided , of course, that she can show that she is financially capable to do so.
Joseph Dacosta Adjei says
Hello Dear,
i recently got admission to germany.
but due to the pandemic my sponsors finances has taken a dip ,i contacted the german embassy and i was told i could provide a financial obligation letter if i have someone eligible to provide such.
i am pleading with your outfit if you could help me with the letter.
Bebs says
Hi Joseph, I think you misunderstood what the embassy meant. They mean that you have to get someone else to sponsor you and this sponsor will get the formal obligation letter. Because this is not just any letter that anyone can write. It is a government-issued document that only the foreign affair's office where your sponsor lives can issue and give to your sponsor and he/she will then give to you to submit to the embassy.
Jean Yap says
Hello! I read that they usually don't allow the Formal Obligation as an option for the Blocked Account with Student Visas. I was wondering if you're familiar with its significance? My aunt is a resident in Germany and we were planning on using the Formal Obligation option.
Bebs says
Sorry, this article is based on our experience in applying for visa for my parents at the time they visited us in Germany. For your specific case, I suggest asking the German Embassy directly via email. They normally respond quickly.
Kriston István says
Hello!
I have a question for you.
My girlfriend was at the immigration police hearing today but was not allowed to board the plane because she needed the CERTIFICAT FORMAL OBLIGATION.
We have the official document you posted on your blog. What do you think might have been the problem?
Bebs says
If she was given a visa then she does not need that normally anymore but that depends on the immigration requirement of the country. But like I said if she got a visa, it means this was already checked before so should not be a problem/ Maybe you should contact the immigration office and ask why they require it.
Purvi Shekar says
Hi there!
My boyfriend lives in germany have the
Verpflichtungserklarungen with him.
Should he have to post me to India or will it be OK if he sent through email??
For schengen visa.
Bebs says
Normally, in the Philippines, the embassy needs the original document. You have to ask them directly to be sure.
Sagarika says
Heyy,my husband stays at Germany so i have verpflichtungserklärung for short term visa.My doubt is does they give verpflichtungserklärung for long stay visa under Family Reunion visa?
Please help me with this
Bebs says
Do they require it for family-reunion visa? If yes, then they will.
HASSAN says
Dear Bebs, please how many pages is this document?
Bebs says
Ours was just 1 page.
abid says
Hi dear, I have a short question. My brother who does not live in Germany want to support me financially by getting letter of declaration and I am in Germany studying. So my question can he get one and send it to me so i could extend my visa? the immigration office told me even if my brother doesnt live in Germany he still can get the obligation letter if has enough income. thank you
Bebs says
Hi Abid, if you are studying in Germany then you must have a student visa, right. I suggest going to the Ausländeramt for your area and ask them directly what you need to extend your visa.
Bushra says
Dear Bebs:
Thank you for posting such informatics articles. I hope you and your family are fine in this pandemic. I am from Pakistan and want to marry a girl in Germany and I have never met her. I have few questions it would be so nice of you if you could help. As in my case I can not visit the local immigration consultants because it would be the same sex marriage and consultants in Pakistan in this case would freak out because it is illegal and majority are homophobe here. I am an Engineer and would give any German Language exam if required. She, my partner is student and German national and got financial help from government 750 euros monthly through Bafög and earn nothing. I got some savings too. I want to go and get marry to her. Kindly tell me which type of visa is suitable for me to apply. I can not go on Student Visa because it requires at least 5000 euros to submit in blocked account which we do not have right now. I have the following questions:
-Please tell me the cheapest and valid Visa type to go to Germany and get married with her?
-Could I be able to do full time job or study after marrying her.
-As in Pakistan they do not recognize same sex marriage so is the documentation would take the same time or less.
-Can she invite me as a friend and after that we will marry?
-How much money she needs to invite me for Friend Visit Visa cause she is a student and she gets financial help from government through Bafög?
-Would I get residence Permit Visa after spending 3 years with her?
Its ok if you could not answer all the questions I can understand but please answer some of them. It would be so helpful. And if there is someone who could help me regarding my situation kindly connect me with them.
Once again I would like to praise your article. Thank you so much for reading.
Bebs says
Hi Bushra, I wish I could help you with your situation but my knowledge in this subject is limited as well. Try to search for family reunion visa or fiance visa -Germany. There is a checklist of all the requirements for you to get a visa and marry in Germany.
Donna says
Hello Miss,
Thanks for your blog, I have two questions.
1. My boyfriend already got this, will the embassy get the original copy of it when I apply for visit visa?
2. There's a post in the group that I'm following and the reason of her offload is she doesn't have Affidavit of Support, is it the same with this one?
Thanks in advance.
Bebs says
Yes the embassy needs the original formal obligation letter. This is the document that shows he would be covering all your expenses and take responsibility while you are visiting him.
Kriz says
Hi! I want to ask if the formal letter of proof obligation is the same with letter of sponsorship. And what about letter of declaration and declaration of relationship. Also, do my boyfriend needs to include the sponsorship in his invitation letter?
SOLO says
My uncle has requested for the formal obligation letter since June but has not received it.
After his first visit to their office at stuttgart, it took 3 weeks to be called to the office.
On his second visit, they said he will hear from them but for two weeks now, we have not heard from them whilst the visa interview too is just at the corner.
Bebs says
He can, of course, follow it up with them. If the interview date is close then you may have to reschedule. The important thing is you let the embassy know that you are still waiting for your documents to be complete and not just cancel without letting them know.
khaled says
Hello
howmany day it takes from my spouse in germany to bring the obligation letter ?
thx
Bebs says
Hi Khaled, you have to check with your local post about the delivery times. In our case, it arrived the Philippines in 2 weeks.
Casey says
Since we don't have much time for this, I already have my sponsor's bank statement, earnings per hour and certificate of employment. Do you think I can still have the visa if ever? What makes me sad also is I don't even have a bank statement. Thank you!
Bebs says
The formal obligation is a written agreement or a promise from your sponsor that he/she is financially and legally liable for whatever you do or happens to you while in Germany. That is why it is easier if you have it. I cannot say if you will get a visa or not, that is up to the embassy. You can email them and ask if what you have is enough. But normally you have to complete the requirements, in this case, in the absence of a formal obligation, you should provide an informal letter of invitation and your bank statements...
FRANCIS says
Hi Bebs
I need ur help with formal obligation statement. Please help me with it
Contact me on
francisokyere51@gmail.com. I need ur personal email account
Bebs says
Please contact the embassy directly.
Yara says
Thank you for sharing this!
I have a question. My brother wants to send me a verpflichtungserklärung, he stays in kempten and the ausländerbehorde there they said that they don't issue formal obligation letters. Can he issue this from a different place like munich? Even though he resides somewhere else
Bebs says
Hi Yara, you can ask your brother to ask the Ausländerbehorde in Kempten where he should go to apply for a Verpflichtungserklärung. They should be able to tell him if they are not issuing it themselves.
Ramya says
Hi Bebs,
I recently got the formal obligation letter to invite my boyfriend to Germany but somehow mentioned his name with a space in between (not matching as per his name in the passport). Do i need to get another letter with a name correction or does the existing one is sufficient? Please reply!
Bebs says
Normally, they would ask you to check it before printing it. To be sure I would say yes so you do not have to think about it or worry if the person who will review his application would be in a good mood and let it pass or not. 😉
Jamilah says
Hallo, I would like to thank you for sharing good Information. I am from Indonesia, and I want to ask you some Q. On Oct 2019 my mother send me Verpflichtungserklärung from Germany. But I didn't go to Germany, I canceled to apply Visa. Is it possible to arrange a refund? Because my mother already paid a security (sponsor) deposit.
Bebs says
Hi Jamilah, I am not sure what you are talking about because as far as I know there is no required security deposit to get a Verpflichtungserklärung. We only paid a small amount for the document and that was it.
Beverly says
Hello Ms. Bebs,
I would only like to know, i already have my boyfriends Formal Obligation, however im kinda worried because the passport written in the document was my old/invalid passport. Question is can i still use it? Or does my boyfriend need to get a new Formal Obligation stating my new valid Philippine passport? Thanks in advance on your reply ☺️
Bebs says
Hi Beverly, I suggest you email the embassy directly and ask them if they will accept the formal obligation as it is. You can tell them that you have the old passport to support it.
Murtezan says
Hi Bebs,
It has been 4 weeks since my friend made an appointment for 'declaration of commitment' at the Berlin Foreigners Registration Office. I would like to ask you how long may it take until he gets an appointment there. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.
Christy says
Hi Ms. Bebs,
Is it okay that I check the cash and credit card on the visit visa form? My husband is my sponsor. I read from your reply to the other person that it should be "all expenses assumed.....
Thank you in advance.
Bebs says
Hi Christy, will you be only visiting or will you be joining him in Germany for good. If it is the latter then you have to apply for a different visa.
Bebs says
Hi Christy, will you be only visiting or will you be joining him in Germany for good. If it is the latter then you have to apply for a different visa.
Jean says
Hi Bebs! I'm having struggle filling up the form. To break it down, I have all the documents with me, including a formal obligation, but I'm not sure if I only need to check one or both under the "Assumption of costs" section:
1. the applicant him/herself
2. a third party (host, company, organisation)
Also, under the "Means of support"...
Cash
Traveller's cheques
Credit card
Accommodation paid in advance
Assumption of all expenses during the stay
Transport paid in advance
Other (please specify)
should I only check "Assumption of all expenses during the stay"?
Bebs says
Since it is a sponsored stay, then the host will assume the costs (third party). Means of support then is also -Assumption of all expenses during the stay
Jean says
Do you think it will cause a confusion and/or.. *worse, a problem* if I checked both "the applicant him/herself" and "a third party (host, company, organisation)"?
I have a stable job and thought it's good for them to see that I still have my own funds even if someone is willing to cover my trip. Can you help me out with your opinion? 🙂
Bebs says
I would say just choose one, I would suggest the sponsor route since it also shows that someone (in Germany) will be responsible for you during your visit and they will be accountable for any problems and the costs that may occur which is more important for them than knowing that you can support yourself. You still need to attach a copy of your ITR or payslip and if you like, your bank certificate (although not needed if you have a formal obligation) as proof of rootedness in PH which is also a requirement.
Jean says
Last question, Bebs!
We have a problem and no way could I find any information from Google (lol).
The date stated on the formal obligation is from August 2 and the estimated length of stay says 3 weeks but since his package hasn't arrived yet, I had to move my appointment. So, that means I am basically moving my planned trip as well. Now, I'm arriving on August 16 (2 weeks later that what's stated on the formal obligation).
Can we still use the document for my application even if it states August 2 when I'm actually arriving on August 16? Is it still valid? :/
Bebs says
As long as it covers the period of your stay, it should be fine.
Eva says
I’m in the same boat! Did you change the date on the visa application and the sponsorship letter as well? Please let me know
Vanesa Lee says
Hi Bebs... my bf's parents will be my sponsor for getting a visa to germany ( tourist) does he needs to make an appointment in local authority in konstanz or he can go directly to get the obligation letter? as we are planning to go by 3rd week of October this year.
Bebs says
Hi Vanesa, yes they will have to make an appointment, by phone should do and it will be his parents who should apply for it personally they will be your sponsor...
Effah Darko Emmanuel says
Please am Emmanuel FROM Ghana. I have been able to get admission in Paderborn University in Germany but here is the case I don't have any relative there. Please can you assist me in getting the Formal obligation letter that will be used for my visa processing. I will be much pleased if you can help me out. Thanks
Bebs says
Hi Effah, I am sorry but there is no way I could help you with that. I am not in Germany anymore and even if I am, I will not apply for a formal obligation for someone I don't know. Sorry.
Mike says
Hi Bebs,
Thanks for sharing this information. I have a few questions. I’m planning to get a tourist visa here in German embassy. And I have a friend living in Germany and he wants me to visit him for couple of months and he’ll be the one to sponsor me during my stay thru formal obligation. Is there any chance that my visa will get approved even though we haven’t met yet personally?
Bebs says
Hi Mike, I honestly cannot answer that since I am not connected with the German Embassy. You are asking if there is a chance, well I say there is always a chance to get an approval you just have to wait and see...
Carol says
Hello Miss Bebs,
Thank you for sharing your very informative blog, i was a first timer and it helps me a lot. I got my Visa. But i just wanna ask you what if my sponsor don't contact me before my flight, can i still go there? I mean can he revoke the Formal Obligation anytime?
Thank you for your reply. 😊
Bebs says
Hi Carol, very unusual question and I am not sure if am the right person to ask. But in my own opinion, technically, you should be able to go there since you were granted a visa. But if your sponsor is not talking to you anymore, who will be responsible for you and your stay? The thing is, if you can financially support your stay as a tourist and have the proof to do it you will not need a sponsor at all and should have applied for a tourist visa.
Idah says
Hi Miss Bebs,
I am idah from Indonesia.
Thank you for sharing ,I am on processing visa visit my boyfriend in Switzerland,they also asking additional document for Verpflichtungserkärung.
i had the interview on last Monday 20th of May ,and yesterday my bf got email from the embassy to send theVerpflichtungserkärung, so he did it for the Verpflichtungserkärung immediately and now sending to swiss embassy in Jakarta which will take about one week to deliver.
My intend depart to swiss is actually on 1th June 2019,I know it's very very tight,it was my agency mistake with helping for interview appointment we get chance for interview so close time even we submitted early in March ,theh say fill schedule.
My question is ,do the embassy can approve the visa not as same the date on itenery ?I meant we still can change the flight date if visa got approve.
and my other question is what to do with my insurance, which is already written 1th June to 29th August, should we change the date on insurance as well ?and what if we didn't, is this will effect ?
Thank you in advance
Bebs says
Hi Idah, I am sorry that I cannot help you with this. It is better to ask your Swiss embassy directly. As for the insurance, it has to cover the period of travel from departure and then until you are back to your country, so if you have to change flights but is still within the dates of coverage then no need but if it is not within then yes you have to ask them to move the coverage dates.
Mercy says
Hello bebs, nice to read your blogs here. I have an interview next week at the embassy but unfortunately the dates on the obligation letter does not match with the invitation letter. Secondly can my host send me a scanned invitation letter on email?
Kindly advice.
Mercy
Bebs says
Hi Mercy, if you have a letter of obligation from your sponsor, then no need for an invitation letter. If the obligation letter states the correct date of your visit then there is no problem.
muhammad shakeel says
Dear Sir/Madam,
From which place/Department , I can able to get FORMAL OBLIGATION (VERPFLICHTUNGSERKLÄRUNG) and how many days take to get this letter? thank you
Bebs says
Hi Muhammad, as already mentioned in the article, the sponsor get this from the aliens' authority (Ausländerbehorde) from his town or city. As to how many days, it varies, but they can answer that more accurately
Basab Chatterjee says
Hi,
Your blog is really precise and useful, thanks. I have just one query, which you may please confirm: whether the guest can submit the copy of scanned formal obligation letter or the original must be submitted. Because in that case the original has to be sent by courier for time constrain.
Bebs says
Hi Basab, yes, as mentioned above the original should be sent by the host to the visitor. This document is valid for 6 months so it is better to send it early enough.
Ipheoma says
Hi Bebs,
I got a formal obligation to arrive next month in April but I can’t get an appointment date for the visa till May 22. Does it matter or do we have to change it and change the date on the form?
Bebs says
Based on the German Embassy site in the Philippines, the formal obligation is valid for 6 months, so if your visa appointment is within 6 months after the document was issued then it is still ok.
ahmed says
Hi Bebs,
Do we need two form for the parents. one for the father and one for mother?
Bebs says
No, just one for both of them. Then the first to be interviewed will submit the original to the embassy and you can make a copy for the last just in case they look for it, but normally they take a note already.
Ipheoma says
Hello,
I used a formal obligation last time I applied though I was denied based on my finances. I want to apply again but I’m not certain if I’m meant to attach a copy of my host’s German passport data page or the formal obligation is all encompassing?
Ipheoma
Bebs says
Hi, I am not sure how you got denied based on your finances when you have a formal obligation as it should be your host's finances they checked (and passed if he or she got the document) because your host is the one who will cover all your travel and whatever expenses that may arise while you are visiting. Are you sure this is the reason you got denied? You can ask them so you can fix it next time you apply.
About your question, if the embassy is not asking for it then no need to attach it. But have it anyway just in case. They would ask you to submit additional documents if needed.
Chris says
Hi Bebs,
First of all thank you for this blog! I got the formal obligation (one copy for both of them) for my parents in the Philippines. My question is, since only one copy was issued do I need to have the other copy notarized? Or a photocopy will suffice? I'm confused because in the checklist it needs the original and I only have one original.
Thanks for your help!
Bebs says
Hi Chris, no need. Just use the original for the parent who will be interviewed first and a photocopy for the second. Just note or tell them that the original was already submitted during the first interview. They usually file them together anyway.
Chris says
Thanks for your reply. For the old/expired passport, did you submit the original together with the photocopy or just the photocopy. Thanks a lot.
Bebs says
original and photocopy.
mary ann rueda says
Hi! I am in a process of Familienzusammenführung, I am still gathering the informations for the process etc , someone told me to get Verpflichtungserklärung as well, I wanted to really know about the Mietvertrag, because right now I live in the house under my employer it is 3 Zimmer, the vertrag is not under my name but under my employer, but I am paying it monthly. my employer only gave me a Meldebescheinigung that I am currently living there, and that I am renting .Do you have any idea if the Ausländer behörde accept the Mietvertrag even it is under my employer? Thanks
Bebs says
Hi Mary Ann, I would suggest contacting your Ausländerbehörde directly because only they can give you the correct answer. The answer can differ from one office to the other. Present them all the documents you have and explain everything to them.
NanaYaw Ofosu says
Hello bebs!
Please how did you get the document to your parents for the visa interview? Did you scan it to them or by post to them?
Bebs says
No, you have to mail it or send it via courier because the embassy requires the original document.
Vangie says
Hi Beb, I’m planning to apply a schengen visa in german embassy. To visit my friend with my boyfriend.And my boyfriend from italy will be the one who will sponsor me. So, my friend from Germany will send me an invitation and at the same time my boyfriend from italy will send the formal obligation letter. Do you think it’s pissible for me to get the visa? Thank you .
Bebs says
Hi Vangie, as far as I know the host or sponsor has to be a legal resident in Germany if you are to apply for schengen visa through German Embassy. The formal obligation has to be applied for by the sponsor from the Aliens Registration Authority in Germany.
The option I see is that you apply for schengen visa thru Italian embassy since your sponsor will be from Italy. If you want to apply thru the German embassy then it has to be your friend who lives in Germany that should sponsor you. If your friend is unable to sponsor you then he or she can send an informal invitation but you should be able to show the embassy that you are able to support your stay financially by yourself by providing documents like bank statements of accounts.
vangie says
hey Bebs, thank you for your reply. the thing is me and my bf will stay in germany.
just what to ask where to get the formal obligation form with english translation. the one i got is written in english. thank you.
Bebs says
Like I said the sponsor has to be a legal resident of Germany if you will apply at the German embassy. As I already mentioned in the article, the sponsor will have to go to the Ausländerbehorde (Aliens Registration office) in his/her town where he/she lives in Germany to apply for the formal obligation and if your sponsor meets all the requirements, the office will issue the formal obligation. No need for an English translation because it will be submitted to the German Emabssy and they require the original. Since your boyfriend lives in Italy he cannot apply for a formal obligation in Germany. Like I said, you should apply for your visa thru Italian embassy since your sponsor if from there. Once you have your schengen visa then you can go to any country that is a member of schengen, Germany included.
WILLS says
I applied for german student visa in Nigeria and I got my approval mail two weeks after my interview but i couldnt send my passport immediately because my sponsor have not given sponsorship letter. aftera while i got a mail from embasssy requesting for financial proof which i later summitted when it was ready withinn the time limit the embassy gave me to summit it. But since then I have not had from embassy and my enrollment deadline have crossed and my school refused to give an extension. I have tried to contact the embassy they initially told me that the are processing my application later the only refer me to send mails which I have but no reply. I also contacted the city foreign office in germany the told me that the approved my application that i sould contact my local embasssy.
what should I do?
is there any tendency of getting visa so that I will apply for summer semester once i enter germany?
Bebs says
I am sorry Wills but I cannot help you with this question as I am not an expert. I was only sharing how we got a Family Visit Visa for my parents in the Philippines to Germany and yours is totally a different case. I am afraid you can only ask the embassy in your country about it.
emily says
hi ms bebs,,i just finish my online application for schengen visa going to germany.my boyfriend send me the formal obligation.do i need to have invitation letter from him? or is it enough to show the formal obligation to the embassy? thank you hope to get your reply.
Bebs says
No need Emily, the formal obligation already states that he will be sponsoring your vacation so that is definitely more than enough proof that he invited you to visit. Here is the link to my other post for the requirements https://www.foxyfolksy.com/schengen-visa-application/. Hope that helps...
Mi says
Hi, sorry that I keep asking questions .
The same person in Germany is inviting and sponsoring me. my friend sent me the Formal obligation letter (verpflichtungserkärung) only, but is it enough document from her to apply for a visitor visa? if yes then thats fine, if not then what can I do what type of visa I should apply to, visitor or tourist, and should I mention that I will be staying with the host or what do you suggest.
please I need an answer.
Thanks in advance.
Bebs says
Hi Mi, first of all, I would like to say that this is our personal experience in applying for a visitor's visa in Manila embassy, other countries might have different requirements. In our case, the formal obligation was the only document we send my parents so they could apply for the visa. But I asked them to bring for the interview additional proof of our relationship, like a copy of my birth certificate and some photos of our wedding or anything to show that we are indeed related to each other, does not hurt to be ready, but they didn't use it at all, they only asked for the formal obligation.
When we filled out the online appointment and visa application form, we were already asked to indicate what kind of visa and who will be shouldering the cost of the visit. It is very important to apply for the right or appropriate visa and give the correct information from the beginning. Here are the links to the appointment system: https://service2.diplo.de/rktermin/extern/choose_realmList.do?request_locale=en&locationCode=mani and visa application form https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start . I suggest you get a look first and see what info you need to complete.
Mi says
Hi Bebs,
Thanks for the article,
I have received the formal obligation letter from my friend in Germany but it doesnot has my passport number on it because at the time they got me the VERPFLICHTUNGSERKÄRUNG my passport was not issued so I gave them my visa (seperate paper not on passport). what can I do, would that affect my visa application, is it compulsory to have the passport number on the formal obligation letter.
And what other documents required from the inviting and sponsor person?
Thanks in advance
Bebs says
Hi Mi, I do not quite get it. What visa did you give them? In our case, the passport number was required but if your friend was able to get you the Formal Obligation without it then it should be fine, just explain it as it is if asked in the interview. Note that you should have the original document and not just a copy and it should not be older than 6 months at the date of your interview.
I have a separate post for the requirements for Visa Application, here--> https://www.foxyfolksy.com/schengen-visa-application/
Mi says
It is a humanitarian visa it comes as an A4 document not attached on passport it has your photo and details. thanks for thr quick reply very helpful website.
Sylvia says
Hello bebs, please with formal obligation letter how long will it take for a visa to be ready. I mean how many weeks? I am a student from Ghana and has admission in Germany.
Bebs says
Hi Sylvia, that would depend on the German embassy in your country. I would suggest that you ask them directly by email.
Jonah says
Hello Ms. Bebs, Can some one not residing in Germany do a formal obligation for me?
Bebs says
Hi Jonah, I think your sponsor needs to be in Germany because he or she will be responsible for you throughout your visit and not only financially but also answerable to the authority if, for example, you overextend your stay or things like that, which what the formal obligation is for.
Yusif says
I please Want to know bebs that does one need a specific amount before he can invite some one who wants to sturdy his masters, if yes what are the processess.thank you
Bebs says
Hi Yusif, it is better if you ask the Ausländerbehörde directly for this information as it can vary and change all the time.
Akinde Emmanuel says
Hi Ms Bebs,
Please how long does it take to get a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) for Masters degree study in Germany?....Could it in anycase take up to a week or 2?
Bebs says
As I mentioned previously (in a comment), we got the formal obligation for my parent's visit on the same day we went to Ausländerbehörde to apply. Ask the issuing Ausländerbehörde directly as in may differ from one place to the other.
Akinde Emmanuel says
Thanks a million Ms Bebs.
The issue is, i am Nigerian and currently in Nigeria, it is not possible for me to ask the Ausländerbehörde directly my self which is why i asked you to shed more light on it for me. Reason being that my sponsor is a Nigerian who currently lives and hold a permanent resident permit in Germany told me that he already submitted the required documents but the verifications of those documents and other records about him is going to take 2 weeks or there about. So i got kind of confused when you stated that you yours the same you applied for your parents. Do you a different perspective to all u have said? Should i be worried?
Thank you Ms Bebs
Bebs says
Hmmm...2 weeks seems a bit long, but like what I said, it differs from one office to the other. Maybe your sponsor's Ausländerbehörde is more strict than ours since we submitted the requirements and got the formal obligation in less than an hour, we did not wait for her to verify it since the documents are all certified and we live in a small town so it is easier for her to do it later (if needed at all). Perhaps my husband, being a German citizen also is a factor (who knows). But if all the documents check out and your sponsor qualifies then you should have nothing to worry about, just be patient.
MJ says
Hi miss want to ask if how i get the original formal obligation from my sponsor from Germany to manila, is it possible to get original formal obligation letter if my sponsor send it via email online or he really need to sent it via 2GO carrier or?
Bebs says
Hi MJ, you need to submit the original to the embassy so your sponsor has to send it by mail or courier. We sent ours via post (DeutschePost-PhilPost) it is cheaper and only took about 2 weeks, more than enough time before my parent's scheduled visa appointment.
kicker says
Hi Bebs..
I had my visa interviews today for long stay visa( Marriage Visa). I got a formal obligation letter from my fiancee in germany..though the formal obligation letter was marked with "Nacht nach geweisen" however i am not sure yet whether i will be denied a visa or not because i had my interviews today at the germany embassy kampala and gave in all required documents without missing any. We have completed 1 year doing paperwork. And finally i had my appointment today. What are the possibilities of my visa being given to me?
Thank you
Bebs says
Hi Kicker, I cannot give you a guarantee as I am not in any way connected to the German Embassy, but I can only say that based on my experience, Marriage/Fiance Visas are usually approved as long as all of the requirements are complied with.
Evelyn says
Greetings from Kenya Bebs,
Im just enquiring, in my case, I'm applying for German visa, my host had send me an invitation letter and her bank statements, I have also provided my bank statements, my question is, is it a must I also take an obligation letter? Thanks
Evelyn
Bebs says
Hi Evelyn, I am not sure about the requirements of German Embassy in Kenya. In the Philippines, a formal obligation may be provided instead of a bank statement for the previous 6 months with bank confirmation. I would suggest asking the German Embassy directly to be sure in your case.
allysa says
Hi Miss Bebs, your Posts are very helpful!! Thank you so muchiiee! I want to invite my youngest brother in Manila using the Formal Obligation from Ausländerbehörde. I was able to book him visa appointment today using the links you included above, he must wait a month though but we are both thankful that we dont have to call the call center anymore. Manny many Thanks! Kind regards and please keep it up! 🙂 - ALLYSA
Bebs says
I am glad the article was able to help Allysa. Yes, it was quite convenient being able to fill out the form and set the appointment online. Enjoy your time with your brother in Germany!
INDRANIL says
Thanks for the article. My situation is I want to bring my parents and in-laws together but they agreed to give this document only for my parents as my salary was not sufficient. They told me the option of asking one of my friends to sponsor them. Now if my friend sponsors my in-laws, will they be able to stay with us?
Bebs says
Hi Indranil, well usually the Ausländerbehorde would also check if your accommodation can fit all the people you are planning to invite. They only ask for a tenancy contract for this usually. So if you and your friend are approved and given the document then I do not see why they cannot stay with you afterward.
Martins says
Hi Ms Bebs,
Please how long does it take to get a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) for Bachelor's degree study in Germany?
Bebs says
Hi Martin, we got the formal obligation for my parents' visit the same day we went there and applied for it. As long as you have the requirements they need then they can print it the same day, usually. Of course, it can be different depending on the personnel or the office but I do not see a problem to delay it since it is only a form that they fill out and print. To get a direct answer I suggest asking the nearest Ausländerbehörde where your sponsor will apply for it.
Noble says
Gud am.....nice post....pls one of my uncle tried getting me such letter but he was told he could not due to the numbers of kids he has.......i wanted to know if himself and my other uncle can combine to get it for me?
Bebs says
Hi Noble, I am not sure if this is possible. I think you can only get one sponsor unless they are a couple (husband and wife) and their combined income and accommodations are enough to cover your expenses and incidentals during your stay. To be sure, ask your uncle to call the Ausländerbehörde to ask for what other options that are acceptable to them.
Ola says
Hello bebs,
Thanks for this post. i´d like to know if a student can invite his parents to germany with a verpflictung.
if not, what are the process ?
Thanks
Bebs says
Hi Ola, I am not sure as I was only sharing our own experience. Although to be clear, a Formal Obligation is to show that the sponsor (you) will be able to cover the expenses and all the incidentals of the sponsored parties (your parents) while they are staying in Germany. Being a student, I am not sure if the Ausländerbehörde will accept that since they will ask for your income statements and living arrangements as mentioned above. If your parents can finance their visit, then I would say the best option is they apply for a tourist visa instead.
Andrei says
X hi bebs,
I just wanna ask, did they require your parents ITR? Is it also a good idea to provide the contract to sell to the condominium i invested in? Thank you.
Bebs says
Hi Andrei, with formal obligation, your parents do not need to prove financial capability to support their visit, it will be the sponsor's burden.
carmie says
Hello Ms. Bebs! I would like to ask if your parents showed the bank statement or not ? My situation is the same as your parents - sponsored visa. I hope for your response. Thank you!
Bebs says
This is about the requirements for Schengen Visa, right? Just to be clear that you are not asking about the Formal Obligation. To be sure, I asked them to submit a copy of their bank statements as well. It is better to be prepared than to come back to the German embassy again for additional supporting documents. If your parents also have some properties, like land titles, etc (we even also included my dad's car) ask them to bring the original and make copies.