Letter of covenant for visa applications
Hosts are usually required to submit a letter of covenant for foreign visitors who require a visa to enter Germany. In this letter the host declares that he/she will cover the visitor's costs of living, including any payments required in the event of illness or for their departure, for the duration of the stay. The host can guarantee the visit of his/her guests via a minimum income, a savings book or a guarantee.
The following persons may not submit a letter of covenant
- Recipients of benefits under the German Asylum Seekers' Benefit Act (AsylbLG), German Social Insurance Code II (SGB II) or German Social Insurance Code XII (SGB XII)
- Foreign citizens who have the following: temporary suspension of deportation (Duldung), temporary residence permit for the period of the asylum request procedure (Aufenthaltsgestattung),
visitor's visa, temporary residence permits.
Further, the visitor must have health insurance that is also valid for the duration of their stay in Germany. Travel insurance is also acceptable as an alternative.
Procedure
The District of Soest can issue the letter of covenant as soon as the full details of the guests are available and the agreed sum has been provided to guarantee the costs of their stay. The host then sends the letter of covenant, if necessary with a private travel insurance policy, to his/her guest. The guest can then apply for the visitor's visa at the German embassy in their home country.
Guarantee options
There are three different options for guaranteeing that the costs of the guest's stay are covered. To determine the level of the guarantee, you need to call or visit the citizens' service office in advance.
Guarantee of minimum income
- Proof of income for the last three months (e.g. pay slips, pension statement); your spouse's income may also be taken into account if a corresponding authorisation (no specific form required) and his/her passport/ID card are submitted.
- For the self-employed: a current certification from a tax advisor that indicates the anticipated net income (after deduction of income tax and all social security contributions) in the last quarter. It must also be evident that the business is not facing liquidation.
Guarantee via a savings book
The host can deposit a savings book with an access restriction at the citizens service office as a form of guarantee. The following access restriction must be entered by the bank. "This access restriction can only be amended or cancelled with the consent of the District of Soest, Aliens' Registration Authority, Hoher Weg 1-3, 59494 Soest. For claims arising out of the guaranteeing of the costs of the stay (board, lodging etc.) and the return trip of Mr./Ms.... (first name, surname, date of birth)."
Security via a bank guarantee
A bank guarantee may also be deposited with the citizens' service office as security. The bank guarantee must guarantee a sum of money that exceeds the limit of exemption from execution. The bank must include following details in the guarantee: "Addressee: District of Soest, Aliens' Registration Authority, Hoher Weg 1-3, 59494 Soest. For claims arising out of the guaranteeing of the costs of the stay (board, lodging etc.) and the return trip of Mr./Ms.... (first name, surname, date of birth)."
Costs
- Letter of covenant: €29
- Where relevant a further €2 for an invitation for visitors from the former USSR (no specific form required)
Required documents
Valid ID card or passport. Plus, depending on the individual case:
- proof of income for the last three months or certification from a tax advisor,
- savings account book,
- or bank guarantee
Guests' details:
- surname, first name (German spelling)
- date of birth
- place of birth
- home address
- passport number (if available)
- relationship
