# Haftungserklärung: Sponsor Declaration for Austria (2026)

> Updated June 2026. A Haftungserklärung is a formal sponsor declaration accepted as proof of funds for Austrian student permits and several visa routes. Learn who can sponsor, what documents are needed, and how to submit.

Updated: June 7 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration

Updated June 2026. **A Haftungserklärung is a formal declaration by a sponsor who agrees to cover your living costs in Austria. Austria accepts it as proof of funds for students (sponsor resident in the EU) and several visa and family routes. The sponsor must show income and bank statements proving capacity, and the declaration is usually notarised. A liability declaration can stay legally binding for up to 5 years, so sponsors should understand the commitment before signing.**

## What is a Haftungserklärung?

A Haftungserklärung (literally "liability declaration") is a legally binding document in which a third party, the sponsor, formally commits to covering the costs of another person's stay in Austria. It functions as a guarantee to the Austrian state that the applicant will not become a burden on public funds. The sponsor accepts **personal financial liability**for the applicant 's subsistence, accommodation, and any costs incurred during the declared period.

The declaration is governed by Austrian immigration law and must follow the format accepted by the relevant authority. It is distinct from a simple letter of support: once notarised and submitted, it creates a **legally enforceable obligation** that can last **up to 5 years**. This means the sponsor can be held liable even after the applicant leaves Austria, if costs were incurred during the covered period.

The form itself is usually obtained from [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) or the relevant Austrian consulate. For student applicants, [OeAD](https://oead.at) (the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation) provides additional guidance on accepted formats.

## Who can be a sponsor and what must they prove?

For student permit applications, the sponsor must be **resident in the EU**. This is a firm requirement for most cases handled by Austrian universities and [OeAD](https://oead.at). For certain visa categories and dependent family applications, the residency requirement may differ. Always confirm with the relevant authority or consulate before relying on a non-EU sponsor.

The sponsor must demonstrate **sufficient financial capacity**to cover the applicant's costs. The evidence authorities typically scrutinise includes:

- **Payslips** for the last 3 months, showing regular net income above the required threshold.
- **Bank statements** for the last 3 months, showing consistent positive balance.
- **Tax returns** for the previous year, sometimes requested to confirm long-term income stability.
- **Employment contract**or proof of self-employment, confirming the sponsor's current income source.

The authority assesses whether the sponsor's income, after their own living costs, leaves enough to cover the applicant's minimum subsistence amount in Austria. The current minimum subsistence rates are published by [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) and updated annually. Officers have discretion to request additional documents if the initial submission leaves capacity in doubt.

## Which permits accept a Haftungserklärung?

A sponsor declaration is accepted as proof of funds on several Austrian immigration routes:

- **Student permit (Aufenthaltstitel Studierender)**: the most common route where a Haftungserklärung is used. The sponsor must be EU-resident. The declaration covers the required minimum maintenance amount for the permit duration.
- **Schengen visa (Type C)**: a sponsor declaration can support short-stay visa applications when the applicant cannot self-fund the visit.
- **National visa (Type D)**: accepted on some longer-stay pre-permit visa applications, subject to consulate discretion.
- **Family reunification and dependent applications**: a sponsor declaration from the anchor family member in Austria can serve as proof of subsistence for the joining family member.

A Haftungserklärung is **not the primary route** for the **Red-White-Red Card** or the **EU Blue Card**, where the applicant's own employment contract and salary are the core proof of funds. Attempting to substitute a sponsor declaration for self-funding on those routes is unlikely to succeed.

## How do you complete and submit one step by step?

The process below applies to the standard case of a student permit or short-stay visa. Specific details may differ by permit type and consulate.

- **Obtain the official form.** Download the current Haftungserklärung form from [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) or from the Austrian consulate responsible for your country. For student permits, [OeAD](https://oead.at) may specify the accepted format.
- **Sponsor completes the declaration.**The sponsor enters their full name, date of birth, address, and a clear statement of liability. The applicant's details and the intended permit duration are also entered.
- **Have the signature notarised.** The sponsor signs the form in front of a notary public. The notary certifies identity and signature authenticity. In some cases the signature can be certified at the Austrian consulate instead.
- **Attach financial supporting documents.** The sponsor compiles the required evidence: payslips, bank statements, and any other documents specified by the authority (see the checklist below).
- **Submit with the visa or permit application.** Include the notarised declaration and all sponsor attachments in the complete application package and submit to the Austrian consulate or authority.

Copy-paste request to send to your sponsor

Send this by email once you have confirmed they are willing to sponsor you.

Subject: Request for Haftungserklärung – Austrian [student permit / visa]

Dear [Sponsor name],

Thank you for agreeing to support my Austrian [student permit / visa]
application. To proceed, I need you to sign a Haftungserklärung
(Austrian sponsor declaration).

What this involves:
- Filling in the attached official form with your name, address, and a
 declaration that you will cover my living costs during my stay.
- Having your signature notarised by a local notary public.
- Attaching your most recent 3 months of payslips and bank statements.

The declaration is legally binding for up to 5 years. Please read the
form carefully before signing.

I need the completed, notarised documents by [date]. Please let me know
if you have any questions.

Thank you,
[Your name]

## What documents must the sponsor attach?

The checklist below covers the standard requirements. The authority or consulate may request additional documents depending on the sponsor's employment situation.

- ✓**Completed, notarised Haftungserklärung form**Original with notary seal; copies are not accepted.
- ✓**Last 3 months of payslips**Must show employer name, gross and net income, and the pay period.
- ✓**Last 3 months of bank statements**From the account that receives the salary. Must show account holder name.
- ✓**Employment contract or employer confirmation letter**Confirming current employment and monthly salary.
- ✓**Most recent tax return (if self-employed)**To demonstrate income stability over the previous 12 months.
- ✓**Copy of sponsor's ID or passport**Certified copy may be required; confirm with the consulate.
- ✓**Proof of EU residency (if required)**Utility bill, registration document, or residence permit in the EU country.

Pair sponsor support with your own funds

Combining a Haftungserklärung with your own savings strengthens your application. If you prefer to handle the blocked account yourself, you can [set up a blocked account yourself](/blocked-account/diy-setup). To hold additional savings in Austria, open a normal bank account: [guide to opening an Austrian bank account](/banking/open-bank-account). To move money from abroad to Austria with low fees, use [Wise](https://wise.com).

## Related Guides

[### Blocked Accounts Overview All accepted proof-of-funds methods for Austrian visas and permits.](/blocked-account)[### What Is a Blocked Account? How a Sperrkonto works and why Austria requires it for many permits.](/blocked-account/what-is-a-blocked-account)[### Do You Need a Blocked Account? Check whether your permit type requires a blocked account or allows alternatives.](/blocked-account/do-i-need-one)[### Blocked Account Providers Compare fees and setup times for Expatrio, Coracle, and other providers.](/blocked-account/providers)[### Set Up Your Own (DIY) How to set up a blocked account yourself without a specialist provider.](/blocked-account/diy-setup)[### Proof of Funds Calculator Enter your age, rent, and dependants to calculate your exact 2026 total.](/blocked-account/calculator)[### Source of Funds How to document where your money comes from for Austrian immigration.](/blocked-account/source-of-funds)[### Student Visa Proof of Funds Minimum amounts, accepted documents, and how to calculate your requirement.](/blocked-account/student-visa)Sources: [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at), [OeAD](https://oead.at). Updated: June 2026.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can my parents abroad sponsor me?

For most **Austrian student permit** applications, the sponsor must be **resident in the EU**. Parents living outside the EU generally cannot provide a Haftungserklärung that satisfies the student permit requirements. They may be accepted for certain visa categories, but always verify with [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) before relying on a non-EU sponsor.

### How long is a Haftungserklärung legally binding?

A **Haftungserklärung** can remain legally binding for **up to 5 years**from the date of signing. During that period the sponsor is liable for the declared costs even if the applicant's permit is renewed or extended. Sponsors should understand this commitment fully before signing.

### Does the sponsor need to live in Austria or the EU?

For **student permit applications** processed by the Austrian authorities and [OeAD](https://oead.at), the sponsor must generally be **resident in the EU**. For other visa and dependent family routes, requirements vary. Confirm the specific rule for your permit category on [migration.gv.at](https://www.migration.gv.at) or with the relevant Austrian consulate.

### Is notarisation required for a Haftungserklärung?

In most cases **yes**. Austrian authorities and consulates typically require the sponsor's signature to be **notarised or certified** before a notary public. Some application routes accept a declaration witnessed at the consulate instead. Check the specific requirements for your permit type before having the document certified.

### Can I combine a Haftungserklärung with my own savings?

**Yes.** Many applicants combine a sponsor declaration with their own **bank savings** or **blocked account** to meet the total proof-of-funds threshold. The authorities assess the combined picture. Make sure each element is clearly documented and that the total meets or exceeds the required **monthly minimum**.

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Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration
Last updated: Updated: June 7 2026
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