By submitting a declaration of commitment, a third party undertakes to the state to pay for the costs of living for a foreigner in order to help him or her to stay in Germany if he or she does not have sufficient funds himself. This is regularly associated with the costs of leaving the country or, if applicable, deportation. The submission of a declaration of commitment is dispensable if the foreigner (guest) is able to secure his livelihood himself and proves this in the respective embassy.

In the event of an obligation, all public funds that have to be spent on the foreigner's livelihood, including the provision of housing and care in the event of illness and need for care, must be reimbursed.

A declaration of commitment can be made by natural and legal persons (e.g. companies, charitable associations). The submission of the declaration of commitment by an authorised person is not permitted. The personal visit of the obligor is required.

The declaration of commitment does not constitute an obligation towards the invited foreigner. The declaration of commitment allows public authorities to make financial use of you (as the employer) if, because of the foreigner's residence, public funds that are not based on contributions have to be used (e.g. social assistance costs, but not pension or unemployment benefit if the foreigner has paid contributions for them).