copyright: InsideCreativeHouse - stock.adobe.com
Declaration of commitment for long-term stays
The declaration of commitment for long-term stays is required if the stay in the federal territory exceeds 90 days within a period of 180 days.
This page was translated from German using artificial intelligence. The translation may contain errors or inaccuracies. In case of doubt, the German original version prevails.
Declaration of Commitment as Proof of Securing Livelihood
The declaration of commitment is a written statement and includes the reimbursement of all public funds used for the livelihood of a foreigner, including housing provision as well as care in case of illness and need for nursing.
It is generally valid for five years from the date of entry or issuance of the residence permit, regardless of the duration of the underlying residence title. Periods of potential unauthorized stays are included.
A declaration of commitment for long-term stays may be required if a foreigner does not have sufficient means of their own to secure their livelihood.
If the declaration of commitment is required for entry into Germany, the declaration must be presented to the competent German foreign mission (embassy or consulate general). If the foreigner is already residing in Germany, the declaration must be presented to the competent local immigration authority.
Required Documents
Only those proofs of financial capability that are current (not older than six months) and cannot be subsequently altered can be recognized for creditworthiness assessment.
For the creditworthiness assessment, the following documents must be submitted:
-
Valid identification document (passport or ID card)
-
Pay slips from the last 3 months
-
In case of self-employment, a confirmation from the tax advisor regarding the monthly net income available over the last 3 months as well as the latest available tax assessment
-
Proofs of income from rental and leasing (if available)
-
Tax certificate (to be requested from the competent tax office)
-
Complete Schufa credit report
-
Ongoing loan contracts or proof from the bank of debt freedom
Requirements and special features
The submission of a declaration of commitment generally requires the creditworthiness of the commitment giver. The garnishment exemption limits under §§ 850 ff. ZPO are considered, as income below these limits cannot be accessed in enforcement.
Creditworthiness must be demonstrated by presenting suitable evidence:
The livelihood for stays according to §§ 16a to 16c, 16e, and 16f AufenthG - excluding participants in language courses that are not intended for study preparation - is considered secured if monthly funds in the amount of the monthly needs determined under §§ 13 and 13a Para. 1 BAföG are available (currently: €934).
If accommodation is provided with rent and ancillary costs lower than the amount specified in § 13 Para. 2 No. 2 BAföG, the required attachable excess amount is reduced accordingly. If the foreigner lives rent-free, the accommodation needs are calculated based on the amount specified in § 13 Para. 2 No. 1 BAföG.
The livelihood for stays according to §§ 16d, 16f Para. 1 AufenthG - excluding participants in language courses that are not intended for study preparation - is considered secured if monthly funds in the amount of the monthly needs determined under §§ 13 and 13a Para. 1 BAföG plus a surcharge of 10% are available (currently: €1,027).
If accommodation is provided with rent and ancillary costs lower than the amount specified in § 13 Para. 2 No. 2 BAföG, the required attachable excess amount is reduced accordingly. If the foreigner lives rent-free, the accommodation needs are calculated based on the amount specified in § 13 Para. 2 No. 1 BAföG.
The submission of a declaration of commitment for family reunification is generally only relevant in cases of entry for marriage or in cases under § 36 Para. 2 AufenthG (family reunification of other relatives).
The creditworthiness check in these cases is carried out based on the social welfare regulations concerning the needs or household community according to SGB II or SGB XII. To provide proof of creditworthiness, the income of the needs or household community from employment and from any public funds as defined in § 2 Para. 3 Sentence 2 AufenthG must cover the increased needs (standard needs, any additional needs, housing costs) and the contributions to health and nursing care insurance caused by the immigrant.
To submit a declaration of commitment, please arrange an appointment with the responsible contact person by phone or email, after you have gathered all the necessary documents. Responsibility is determined by the last name of the person for whom the declaration of commitment is to be made.
After reviewing the documents, you will receive an appointment with the local authority.
Contact
General foreigner affairs
(Responsibility by last name of the commitment giver)
Ms. Köster (A - Alu)
Ms. Ulbrich (Alv - Cho)
Ms. Cogal (Chp - Haj)
Ms. Griesenbruch (Hak - Koc)
N. N. (Code - Mat)
Ms. Hardenbicker (Mau - Raub)
Ms. Jung (Rac - Sur)
Mr. Becker (Sus - Z)
