People from third countries who wish to enter or stay in Germany generally require a visa or residence permit. When applying for a visa or residence permit, they must prove that they are able to support themselves for as long as they are in Germany.

People from third countries are people from countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

If you invite people from third countries to Germany and wish to allow them to enter or stay in Germany, you can undertake to bear the cost of living for the person or persons invited. In addition to food, housing and clothing, living expenses also include care in the event of illness or the need for care. The obligation to pay also includes the assumption of any costs of repatriation to the home country. Before you submit the declaration of commitment, you must describe your own financial situation and prove your ability to pay.

The declaration of commitment enables third-country nationals to prove that they meet the financial requirements for the issue of a residence permit or a Schengen visa.

A declaration of commitment can be submitted by natural or legal persons (e.g. companies, charitable associations).