For OFWs, the desire to explore new horizons and pursue opportunities abroad often leads to the need for visas. When it comes to traveling to Schengen countries in Europe, navigating the visa application process can be complex, particularly when sponsorship is involved. Understanding the intricacies of obtaining a Declaration of Sponsorship is crucial for OFWs seeking to embark on journeys to Schengen destinations.
In this comprehensive guide, we look into the intricacies of obtaining a Declaration of Sponsorship for Schengen visas, providing OFWs with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this aspect of the visa application process with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Getting a Declaration of Sponsorship Needed for Schengen Visa
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from an OFW vlogger living in Turkey. If you want to watch the full video, click on the link below:
Navigating the formalities of visa applications often involves encountering various documents, each with its own set of names and purposes. Among these essential documents is the Declaration of Sponsorship, known by different names across different countries within the Schengen area.
So, what exactly is this document? Put simply, it serves as an official testament, affirming that a third-country national possesses adequate financial resources or accommodations to sustain their stay within the Schengen territory. This crucial piece of paperwork is provided by a host or sponsor who is a resident of the country where the visa applicant intends to visit.
In essence, the host or sponsor takes on the responsibility of financially supporting the visa applicant during their time in the Schengen area. This sponsor can be a diverse range of individuals, spanning from family members to long-time partners, friends, or even business associates. As long as the sponsor is a resident of the Schengen area or their company operates within the region, they are eligible to provide this vital document.
Financial Requirements
- Declaration of Sponsorship needed when applicant lacks funds for Schengen travel.
- Varying financial requirements by country; e.g., Switzerland: 100 Swiss Francs/day for self-funded travelers.
- Students in Switzerland: 30 Swiss Francs/day. Shortfall may require formal obligation document.
- Formal obligation not always mandatory; depends on circumstances.
The need for a Declaration of Sponsorship arises when the visa applicant lacks sufficient means or funds to support their travel within the Schengen area. In cases where doubts exist regarding the applicant’s ability to provide for themselves adequately during their stay, this document becomes essential.
But just how much financial support does the visa applicant require? Daily requirements vary depending on the country of destination. For instance, in Switzerland, self-funded travelers are advised to have at least 100 Swiss Francs per day, while students require a minimum of 30 Swiss Francs per day to cover their expenses.
If the applicant falls short of meeting these minimum financial requirements, the formal obligation document may become necessary. However, it’s important to note that the use of this document is not always mandatory. The key word to remember is “might.”
Not Available in All Schengen Countries
Is the Declaration of Sponsorship available in all countries? The short answer is no. While this document is a standard requirement in many Schengen countries, there are exceptions.
For instance, in Finland, even if you’re visiting friends, family, or relatives for a private visit, the invitation alone does not guarantee visa issuance. Finnish authorities do not consider the financial status of your host or sponsor when assessing your visa application.
Similarly, in Denmark, although sponsorship may be accepted, visa applicants are expected to have sufficient funds at their disposal. The approximate daily amount required is 350 Danish kroner, and if staying at a hotel, it must exceed 500 Danish kroner per day.
Where to Obtain this Document
- In some cases, document available from migration office or foreigners’ authority website.
- These offices often provide detailed instructions and downloadable forms.
- In countries like Switzerland, provided after visa application submission.
- Embassy may request it if applicant lacks proof of subsistence.
- Sponsors should know country-specific requirements for timely completion.
In some cases, the document may be readily available from the migration office or the foreigners’ authority website of the respective country. These offices often provide detailed instructions and downloadable forms for sponsors to complete.
Alternatively, in countries like Switzerland, the Declaration of Sponsorship may be provided after the visa applicant has submitted their application. If the embassy determines that the applicant lacks sufficient proof of subsistence or means to support themselves during their stay, they may request the sponsor to complete and submit the declaration.
Requirements
- Host’s ID depends on citizenship and residency: passport/national ID for citizens, passport/residence permit for residents.
- Host must prove financial capacity with income statements or bank statements.
- Additional requirements for accommodation: rental agreement or extract from land registry.
- Visa applicant must provide passport bio page, birth date, address abroad, and relationship to host.
- Completing registration/application form is mandatory.
Before diving into the details of completing the Declaration of Sponsorship, it’s essential to understand the identification requirements for both the host and the visa applicant.
For the host, identification varies depending on their citizenship and residency status. If the host is a citizen of the Schengen area or the country where the visa application is being submitted, they will typically provide their passport or national ID card.
However, if the host is a resident of the country but not a citizen, they must present both their passport and a valid residence permit at the time of application. It’s crucial to ensure that the residence permit remains valid throughout the visa application process.
Additionally, the host must demonstrate their financial capacity by providing income statements from the last three months. Specific salary requirements may vary between countries, so it’s essential to verify the exact criteria beforehand. Alternatively, bank statements and a recent statement of debt from the enforcement registry may be required in some countries.
If the host will be providing accommodation, documentation such as a rental agreement or an extract from the land registry may be necessary. Certain countries impose size requirements on accommodation, so hosts should verify compliance with these regulations.
For the visa applicant, providing a copy of their passport bio page is essential, along with their birth date, complete address abroad, and their relationship to the host or sponsor. Additionally, completing the registration or application form, whether online or paper-based, is a mandatory step in the process.
It’s important to understand that obtaining the formal obligation document or securing a sponsor in the Schengen area does not guarantee visa approval. The embassy will still assess all other required documents and factors before making a decision on your visa application.