Visa warning file; request for information about own organization

If you would like to know what information the Visa Warning File has on file about your organization, you can request information.

Auskunft aus der Visa-Warndatei online beantragen
You can apply online for the issuance of information according to the Visa Warning Date Act.

Antrag auf Erteilung einer VWD-Auskunft zu einer Organisation

This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.

For contact details of the responsible authoritiy and local valid information select under "Select location" a location.

The Visa Warning File (VWD) supports authorities in issuing visas. This includes the German missions abroad. It supports foreigners authorities in the examination of declarations of commitment.

If you would like to know whether and what information the Visa Warning File stores about your organization, the Federal Office of Administration will provide you with information. To do so, you must submit an application.

The Visa Warning File stores information about an organization if persons have acted on its behalf and

acted as an inviter, sponsor or reference person in the visa process and in doing so
- have provided false information, or
- have failed to fulfill their obligations when called upon to do so, or
have voluntarily allowed their data to be stored if, for example, there is suspicion that statements have been made under their name without permission in visa procedures.

The data that the Visa Warning File stores on organizations include:

Name of the organization
Address
Registered office
Mission or field of activity
the name and location of the register in which the organization is registered, as well as the register number
the reason for the storage
the visa warning file number of the Federal Office of Administration
If a person acts on behalf of an organization, the data of the person is also stored in the WVD for the organization.

The application data is stored for up to 10 years, depending on the decision (positive, negative).

There are no legal requirements for the application.

Required document/s
For online applications:
Proof of identity:
- Online ID function (with self-selected, six-digit PIN)
  - of the identity card
  - the electronic residence permit
  - the electronic residence card
  - the electronic permanent residence card or
  - the eID card
For personal applications:
Proof of identity:
- Identity card, passport
If applying by post:
Proof of identity:
- in Germany:
  - by official certification of the signature on the application
    - As a rule, the local town hall or citizens' office can certify the signature. Please enquire about local responsibilities and fees.
- abroad:
  - by notarization of the signature on the application by the diplomatic mission abroad or
  - by certification of the signature on the application by an authority in the country of origin that is authorized to certify it or
  - by a separate letter from a notary certifying the signature with a German translation by a sworn translator.
- In the case of information to a representative (authorized person):
  - Power of attorney with notarization of the signature
Certification is not necessary if the authorized person is a lawyer admitted to practice before a German court.

You can apply online, in person, or by mail.
Online application:

Log in to the federal portal using your online ID card function.
Fill out the online application and submit the data.
You will then receive the requested information in writing by mail (in the future, also in the Federal user account mailbox).

Personal application:

Download and complete the application form from the Federal Administration Office website.
Make an appointment at your local Federal Administrative Office (BVA) location.
- Use the telephone hotline or the e-mail address of the Visa Warning File (BVA, Unit S I 4).
- An overview of the locations can be found on the BVA website.
You will then receive the requested information in writing by mail.

Application by mail:

Download the application form from the Federal Administrative Office (BVA) website.
Send the completed application form along with the required documents to the address of the Federal Office of Administration listed on the application form.
You will then receive the requested information in writing by post