Asylum via private sponsorship (Privatsponsoring under § 22 sentence 1)

What is private sponsorship under § 22 sentence 1?

The wording of the provision allows a residence permit to be granted for special humanitarian or political reasons if:
“…admission is required for urgent humanitarian reasons.”

In other words: if there is an urgent humanitarian need, the Federal Ministry of the Interior may allow a residence permit to be issued, based on a commitment by a person or entity in Germany to provide support.

This is commonly known as private sponsorship or private admission with a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung).

When is this type of sponsorship used?

• Refugees at risk in countries of first asylum (such as Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye, etc.).

• People who cannot apply for asylum in Germany because they are outside Germany’s borders.

• Vulnerable groups (women, children, patients, survivors of violence).

• Relatives in Germany who want to bring family members in a humanitarian situation.

Who can act as a sponsor?
Any natural person or legal entity (such as an individual, a church, an association, or a civic group), provided the following conditions are met:

1. Full financial capacity
Proof of sufficient income to cover housing, health insurance, food, and living expenses, without reliance on public benefits (Sozialleistungen).

2. Submitting a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)
A legally binding commitment to cover all costs for a period that can be up to five years, depending on the rules of the federal state involved.

3. Suitable accommodation available
Proof must be provided that suitable accommodation is available for the person being admitted.

Practical steps to arrange private sponsorship

• Contact the UNHCR or intermediary organisations.

• The person abroad should be registered as a refugee with UNHCR.

• Contact the competent authorities at federal or state level; procedures vary by federal state.

• Submit typical documents (depending on the case), such as:

  • The beneficiary’s passport

  • A report describing the humanitarian situation

  • Evidence of the sponsor’s financial capacity

  • Support or recommendation letters from humanitarian organisations, if available

• Security and legal screening: the case is reviewed by German authorities.

• Granting of the residence permit: often a permit under § 22 AufenthG for one or two years, renewable.

Important notes

• You generally cannot apply directly at embassies without approval from the competent authorities.

• Once approved, the sponsor cannot simply withdraw the financial obligation.

• Authorities may reject the request for security reasons or procedural reasons.

• Family ties are not required, but a documented relationship or humanitarian connection can strengthen the case.

Real-life examples

• Syrian families brought from Lebanon through German church initiatives.

• Afghan activists sponsored by German universities.

• Patients who could not be treated in the host country and were admitted with medical support.

Does the beneficiary receive asylum status?
No. This is not asylum in the legal sense, but a temporary humanitarian residence permit under § 22 AufenthG.
After years of residence and integration, the person may later be able to apply for:

• a permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

• and possibly later German citizenship, if the requirements are met.

Conclusion
Private sponsorship is one of the most humane protection pathways in German residence law, combining humanitarian action with civic responsibility. It can offer a real lifeline to people stranded in third countries.

At the same time, it requires careful organisation, a long-term commitment, and close cooperation with the authorities. Anyone considering this route should be prepared both legally and humanly so that sponsorship remains genuine help and does not become a burden for either side.

— The site’s authors and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and by consulting multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or certain details may remain unconfirmed. Please treat this as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.