How much money do I need on a blocked account?
The short answer: For a student visa you have to show that you can cover 992 euros a month in 2026 [1]. Most students do this with a blocked account, the Sperrkonto, holding the amount for the first year, which is 11,904 euros [1] [2]. After you arrive, you can withdraw a fixed amount from it every month [3].
How does a blocked account work?
- You open the account with a provider of your choice, usually for one year [3].
- Before you travel, the German mission where you applied has to agree before the block can be lifted. After you arrive, the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) takes over this role. Neither of them can access your money [3].
- Each month you can only withdraw a fixed amount, so the money lasts for the whole year [3]. In 2026 that is 992 euros [2].
- Account fees come on top of the blocked amount [3].
- The Federal Foreign Office keeps no list of providers and does not recommend any [3].
Does the amount change?
- The amount is tied to the BAföG rate for students who do not live with their parents. The Federal Ministry of the Interior announces it for every calendar year [4] [1].
- If you can prove that your rent including utilities is below 380 euros, you need correspondingly less [1].
- If you come to Germany to look for a study place first, 10 percent is added [4].
- A BAföG increase planned for 2027 had not been passed by 15 October 2026. Ask your German mission for the current amount before you transfer the money [3].
What are the alternatives?
The Federal Foreign Office also accepts these proofs of financing [5].
- Proof of your parents' income and financial situation.
- A formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) by someone with enough income or assets. That person is liable for your living costs paid from public funds for five years [6].
- A bank guarantee at a bank in Germany, renewed every year.
- A scholarship from German public funds or a recognised German organisation.
Frequently asked questions
Which provider should I choose?
You are free to choose. The Federal Foreign Office names no providers and is not liable if a provider fails [3]. Compare the fees and ask your German mission if you are unsure.
Does a scholarship replace the blocked account?
Sources
- Federal Ministry of the Interior, notice on the minimum amount for 2026 of 13 August 2025, Bundesanzeiger BAnz AT 29.08.2025 B1 (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/7ZVbxqtVVGzHzr35dka/content/7ZVbxqtVVGzHzr35dka/BAnz%20AT%2029.08.2025%20B1.pdf?inline
- German Embassy Beirut, visa for study (in German), as of 2 February 2026, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://beirut.diplo.de/lb-de/service/05-visaeinreise/2543980-2543980
- Federal Foreign Office, Sperrkonto (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/nationale-visa/visa-schule-studium-sprachkurs/sperrkonto
- Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 2 (3), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__2.html
- Federal Foreign Office, FAQ on proof of financing, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/buergerservice/faq/08-finanzierung/606696
- Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 68, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__68.html
The ClioAI editorial team · Published 15 October 2026 · Last checked 15 October 2026
This text was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the ClioAI editorial team. How our texts are made (in German). Spotted a mistake? Write to kontakt@getclio.ai.
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This page gives a general overview and is not legal advice. Which proof is accepted is decided by your German mission abroad and the foreigners authority.
