When we think about starting studies in Germany, we come to know that we need to prove financial means to bear our expenses. For this, we have two options block account or sponsorship.
This blog focuses on the sponsorship method, providing a detailed step-by-step guide for getting sponsorship to study in Germany.
What is sponsorship or declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)?
In simple terms, sponsorship or declaration of commitment is proof that your sponsor is taking a formal obligation that they will support your living expenses during your stay in Germany.
Can you apply for a visa with sponsorship?
Now that we know about the declaration of commitment, one thing that is still unclear is whether it is possible to apply for a visa with it. So the answer is yes.
You can apply for the following visa:
- Student visa
- Jobseekers visa
- Vocational Training visa (Ausbildung)
- Visa for attending a language course/school.
Steps to Get a Declaration of Commitment
Getting a declaration of commitment can be a long and difficult process and you may feel frustrated if you are not familiar with this process.
So, I have simplified this process and explained it to you in 6 easy steps.
Step #1: Find a Sponsor
To find a sponsor, you may think of your relative or a friend who is in Germany. For example, you may think about whether you have an uncle or aunt who lives in Germany.
Then you may think about whether you or your father has any friends or friends of friends in Germany. And so on… You should keep thinking unless you find someone.
Step #2: Check the eligibility of your sponsor.
Hopefully, you have found someone ready to sponsor you. Now contact them and check whether they are eligible to sponsor you or not. To check this, you must know the eligibility criteria for a sponsor which is explained below.
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If you want to apply for study / vocational training:
Your sponsor should have a monthly income of at least 2700 euros if he/she has no maintenance obligations / 3750 euros with maintenance obligation for 1 person / 4378 euros with maintenance obligation for 2 persons
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If you want to apply for a language course/school:
Your sponsor should have a monthly income of at least 2660 euros if he/she has no maintenance obligations / 3690 euros with maintenance obligation for 1 person / 4437 euros with maintenance obligation for 2 persons.
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If you want to apply for a job search:
Your sponsor should have a monthly income of at least 2830 euros if he/she has no maintenance obligations / 3930 euros with maintenance obligation for 1 person / 4468 euros with maintenance obligation for 2 persons
Step 3: Get an appointment for a Declaration of Commitment
Now you have checked about the eligibility of your sponsor, and you have come to know the good news that they are eligible to sponsor you. So, ask them to apply for a Declaration of Commitment. This process can vary depending on the city. But here we will discuss the general process.
- The sponsor will book an appointment at the local immigration authority near his/her address. This can be done both online and in person.
- Tell him/her to type ‘Verpflichtungserklärung + [city of residence]’ on Google.
- When the sponsor applies for an appointment, they will be asked about the type or purpose of their visa and the employment status of the sponsor.
- With this information, they will tell you about the required documents. However general required documents are listed in step 4.
Step 4: Visit the immigration office
After your sponsor has booked the appointment, he/she will need to visit the immigration office with the required documents. These documents can vary from city to city and case to case. Some of the generally required documents are as follows:
Required Documents
- A copy of your passport
- A filled Formal Obligation form (Angaben zur Verpflichtungserklärung). Find this on the immigration website or on-site. A sample of this form for Berlin can be found here.
- A filled Additional declaration of commitment form (Zusatzerklärung zur Verpflichtungserklärung). Find this on the immigration Office website or on-site. A sample of this form for Berlin can be found here.
- Proof of income:
- If the sponsor is employed then the last six payslips.
- If the sponsor is retired then pension statement.
- If the sponsor is self-employed:
- A certificate from a tax advisor or auditor affirming his/her current net income of the last six months
- Proof of the amount of his/her health insurance contributions if he/she is privately insured or proof of his/her contribution to statutory health insurance
- German ID or passport
- Proof of residence
- Bank statements from the last 6 months.
- Information about marital status and existing maintenance obligations
After providing these documents, the sponsor will be informed whether his/her application was successful or not. If successful, the sponsor will receive the declaration of commitment. The sponsor will have to pay a fee.
Step 5: Receive the declaration of commitment
After the sponsor has made a declaration of commitment, ask him/her to send it to you through the post or any trusted courier company. You need to attach this to your visa documents, so you need an original physical document.
Step 6: Apply for Visa
Now you have got your declaration of commitment you can apply for a visa with this declaration of commitment.
Validity Period of Sponsorship
It is valid for a maximum of 5 years. Usually, it is valid for the period of your studies. It continues until you leave Germany or get a residence permit in Germany.
In conclusion, by having a relative or friend in Germany sponsor you, you can avoid the need for a block account and fulfill the financial requirements for your visa application. We have divided the whole process into simple and easy steps, from finding an eligible sponsor to applying for the declaration and eventually obtaining your visa.