Documents

1. What is a Formal Declaration of Obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung)?

Declaration of Obligation “Verpflichtungserklärung” (VE) is a document used as a proof of secured maintenance funds to get a German visa. By signing this formal obligation letter, a relative, friend or business, who is a legal resident or registered legal entity in Germany, pledges Federal authorities to cover your entire livelihood, medical and return costs related to your visit here.  An invitation letter is issued in favor of a invitee to guarantee for his/her living expenses, and serves as proof in administrative proceedings that the economic conditions required , as stated in § 5 paragraph 1 of the Residence Act.
By providing a Formal Declaration of Obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung), the host accepts his/her duty to bear all the costs related to the applicant's living and travelling expenses. This role can be performed by an individual or a legal entity.

2. What is an informal invitation letter and what does it look like?

When submitting an application for a visa to visit your family or friends, you should provide an informal invitation letter written by the person who is inviting you.
Accommodation provided by family/friends in Germany: applicant’s host’s recent (not older than 1 month) cover letter (signed & dated) - confirming travel period and address of stay - is required, along with a copy of host’s passport’s bio page and host’s permit of stay in Germany, if host is non EU citizen.

3. Where can I find detailed information about the required documents?

You can find the detailed information regarding the required documents on our website in the Required documents section.

4. What should be the requirements of my travel health insurance?

Travel health insurance should meet the following criteria:

• name and surname of person insured (according to the passport);
• the insured period of travel (the minimum period – the period of first travel to Schengen area);
• number of days for the insured period (the minimum number of days – number of travel days according to the tickets provided);
• the territory insured (Worldwide or Schengen counties);
• amount insured (€ 30.000 minimum).
   

5. What are the additional documents to be provided for minor applicants?

Minor applicants are required to submit all the documents listed in the checklist. You can find more information regarding the necessary documents for minors on our website in the Minors section.

6. What are the passport requirements?

Only undamaged valid passports which have been signed by hand can be submitted.
In addition to this, according to the Visa Code, Schengen visas can be issued only to applicants whose passport
- is valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip,
- were issued within the last 10 years,
- have at least two blank and unmarked pages (for the visa sticker)

7. What language should I use to fill in the form?

The form can be filled in German or in English.

8. How can i fill the Visa application form?

You can fill Visa application form online. This application form has to be printed out and signed. You can find more information regarding the application form on our website in the Online application form section.