Proof of financial means and blocked account (Sperrkonto)

Financing proof (Finanzierungsnachweis) is part of the visa process for many students who come to Germany from outside the EU or EEA. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is one possible way to show that you can cover your living costs in Germany 23.

Who needs this

• If you come from outside the EU or the European Economic Area (EWR) and want to study in Germany, you usually need to provide a financing proof already when applying for a visa 23.
• You need it at the latest when you apply for a residence permit in Germany 3.
• For a student visa, the current amount to prove is 992 euros per month; since 1 January 2025, the assumed annual standard requirement for a blocked account is 11,904 euros 23.
• A blocked account is one possible form of financing proof 23.

Step by step

1. Check which form of financing proof the German embassy or consulate in your country requires 23.
2. If you choose a blocked account, compare providers carefully and choose your provider yourself; blocked accounts are offered by banks or similar service providers, often online 13.
3. Set up the blocked account early enough, because online providers may need about one week to open the account and confirm receipt of funds, and it can take longer around the start of the semester 3.
4. Submit the required documents in the way your provider requires; some banks ask for certified documents from the German embassy or consulate in your country 3.
5. Pay the required amount into the blocked account and, after arrival in Germany, withdraw only the monthly amount allowed from the account 1.
6. If you want to close the account, the blocking note can be removed only if the beneficiary of the block agrees; if you are already in Germany, contact your foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) 1.

Documents

• Depending on the chosen provider, you may need completed forms and a copy of your passport, and some banks require these documents to be certified by the German embassy or consulate in your country 3.
• For a blocked account, you must also provide the amount required for your purpose of stay 12.
• A financing proof can also be provided, depending on the case, by parents, a person with residence in Germany who undertakes to cover the costs, a scholarship from an approved scholarship provider, or a blocked account 3.

Cost and time

• The amount for the blocked account depends on the purpose of stay and is based on the BAföG maximum funding rates 1.
• The blocked account fee is paid in addition to the blocked amount 1.
• The setup fee is usually 50 to 150 euros 3.
• The account is usually opened for one year, unless the planned stay is shorter 1.

Deadlines

• Financing proof is usually needed when applying for the visa, and no later than when applying for the residence permit in Germany 23.
• The blocked account should be set up early enough, because opening and confirmation can take time 3.

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