How do I get a Verpflichtungserklärung (formal invitation) to invite my family to visit?

A Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter, often just called an 'invitation') is an official document saying you will cover your guest's costs. It comes from the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), which in Berlin is the LEA.

First you fill in the online pre-check and application form and pay the fee online. The office reviews the application within 3-6 weeks. Then you get an appointment and collect the document at the office. The fee is 29 euros and covers one adult or one married couple, children included.

Because one fee covers a married couple, a mother and father can be on the same document. Another adult, such as a sibling, may need a separate one. Experiences differ on how many documents you need, so check with the LEA before you apply.

The document may carry notes such as 'up to 5 years' and '90 days', which seem to be standard. But the consulate issues the visa: it has given a 4-month multiple-entry visa although the document said 5 years.

For the visa application the document must not be older than 6 months. If no Verpflichtungserklärung is asked for, your guest may need to show with other documents how they will support themselves.