Inviting Your Parents to Germany
Bring your parents over for a visit on a Schengen visitor visa, up to 90 days. Here is what they need, the Declaration of Commitment you may sign, and exactly how to apply.
Visiting you for a few weeks or months — holidays, a new grandchild, or simply spending time together.
Living in Germany long-term. Permanent parent reunion is only possible in genuine hardship (e.g. care needs no one else can meet).
Document checklist
You obtain it in person at your local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office). Bring your passport, residence permit, Meldebescheinigung, employment contract and recent payslips — the office checks you earn enough to support the visitors. They issue the signed form, which your parents include with their application.
Step by step
You prepare the invitation (in Germany)
Parents gather their documents (in India)
Apply online and book the appointment
Decision, then travel
Show strong ties to India, property, pension, a return job, and the rest of the family staying back — so the consulate is confident they will return.
Make funding unambiguous: your Declaration of Commitment + payslips, or your parents' own healthy bank balance. Avoid last-minute large deposits.
Provide a clear, realistic itinerary and a round-trip booking matching the dates you request.
Apply 3–4 weeks ahead, but no earlier than 6 months before travel. Buy insurance for the full requested period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about inviting parents to Germany.