The German blocked account as financial proof | Sperrkonto

The following article will give you detailed explanations about blocked accounts and explain how to open a blocked account in Germany.

1. Do I Need to Present Financial Proof for My German Student Visa?

International students from countries outside the EU or EEA must provide proof of their financial resources to demonstrate their ability to finance their studies in Germany. You can check if you need financial proof by following our detailed information below:

• If you're a citizen of an EU country (including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), you don't need to provide financial proof

• If you're a citizen of a non-EU country that requires a visa to come to Germany, you MUST provide financial proof to apply for a student visa.

• If you live in one of these countries: Australia, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, or the United States, you MUST provide financial proof to apply for a residence permit.

In general, the German federal student loan program (BAföG = Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) requires that an international student has at least 11,904€/year (992€/month) to cover all living expenses in Germany since 2024.

2. Five Methods to Prove the Financial Resources Needed to Apply for a German Student Visa

The steps to obtain proof of funding and the required documentation may vary depending on the student's country of origin and their situation at the time of the visa application. In general, you can choose one of the following methods to prove your financial resources during your stay in Germany:

• Open a blocked account at a German bank and deposit a guarantee deposit.

• Submit documents from your parents or guardians as proof of their annual income and your financial assets.

• If you've obtained a scholarship from a recognized German organization, you can present the scholarship award document.

• Prove that a person with permanent resident status in Germany can finance your studies and living expenses.

• Present a bank guarantee.

3. Blocked Account ("Sperrkonto")

3.1 What Is a Blocked Account?

A blocked account is a personal account that only allows a certain amount to be withdrawn each month, equivalent to the BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz = German Federal Education and Training Assistance Act) aid ceiling. The fact that it's called a "blocked account" doesn't mean that withdrawing money is impossible — it's only meant to ensure that there are always sufficient funds to cover living expenses.

Since 2024, the German federal student loan program (BAföG = Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) requires that a foreign student has at least 11,904€/year (992€/month) to cover all living expenses in Germany. Unless you've paid more than the minimum monthly amount, this amount is also the maximum available for withdrawal or transfer within a predetermined period. Hoping to increase their chances of obtaining a visa, many students allocate more than the minimum amount to their account.

This account allows international students to prove that they have sufficient financial resources to live for one year in Germany and obtain a visa. Although this isn't the only way to prove financial capacity, opening this account is the most popular option among international students.

3.2 When Should You Open a Blocked Account If You Plan to Study in Germany?

Generally, your blocked account will be activated within one week from the date you submit your application. The processing time may vary depending on

• your nationality,

• specific account providers,

• your administrative documents, etc.

International students often complain that opening a blocked account takes more time than usual due to bureaucratic procedures or the timing of the application. There are peak periods when banks are overwhelmed by a large number of applications, which leads to delays in confirming your bank account. Therefore, it's best to start the procedures as soon as you receive your admission letter.

However, opening a blocked account is now much easier with the help of digital solutions. EDUBAO, for example, is a provider that offers blocked account opening in 10 minutes via the website or app, and digital confirmation of the blocked account right after your money arrives in your bank account. To learn more about EDUBAO's blocked account, you can quickly visit our website.

3.3 What Criteria Should You Consider When Choosing a Blocked Account Provider?

EDUBAO has summarized the following criteria that are important for you to choose the right provider:

• How long does it take to open a blocked account?

• Is an online application possible?

• What's the amount of the initial service fee?

• What's the amount of the monthly management fee?

• Do documents need to be certified by the German embassy/consulate?

• Can I open a blocked account if I'm under 18?

• Can I subscribe to my health insurance at the same time as opening my blocked account?

• Does the account need to be approved by the German Federal Office?

• Is the procedure complex if I want to withdraw money after arriving in Germany?

3.4 How Can I Withdraw Money from My Blocked Account?

A blocked account isn't designed for withdrawing money when you start your life in Germany. In fact, you need to open a current account (Girokonto), on which you receive your income and with which you pay your monthly expenses, like rent, study materials, food, etc. To answer all your questions about the blocked account, EDUBAO has written an article about it. Check out this article to learn more.

Here are the necessary steps for an international student regarding the blocked account:

1. Choose a bank/service provider based on the criteria listed above;
2. Fill out the application form, pay the service fee, and transfer at least 11,208 euros to the blocked account;
3. Receive the financial proof and submit it for your visa application;
4. Register your address at the citizens' registration office after arriving in Germany;
5. Extend your German student visa.

4. Other Proof of Funding for Your Studies in Germany

4.1 A Bank Guarantee

In countries where the percentage of students attending German universities is high, students can borrow the required sum of money to obtain proof of their funds from many banks. Depending on the different banks offering loans, students may have to pay a very low or even zero interest rate.

If you choose this solution as proof of your financial resources, you must ensure that the bank commits to covering all your living and study expenses in Germany by presenting a bank guarantee document.

4.2 Documents Related to Parents' Income

If your parents or guardian earn enough money to support you during your studies in Germany, you can show the German government that you have adequate financial support by presenting their income documents.

In general, when you apply for a German student visa, you need to provide a bank statement of your parents' salary for at least three months from the date of your application. Another solution is to present a declaration of commitment from a person with sufficient income, deposit a security deposit into a blocked account, or make annual deposits as a guarantee in a German bank.

4.3 Scholarship Award Documents

It's also acceptable to present proof of a scholarship from public funds or a recognized organization in Germany. The German embassy will only accept the scholarship as proof of financial support if you can present documents showing that you received a scholarship from a recognized organization in your country. The amount and duration of the financial support must be specified on the documents.

Here are some recognized scholarship providers: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), The German Research Foundation, The Protestant Church Social Service Agency, The Friedrich Ebert Foundation, The Friedrich Naumann Foundation, The Hanns Seidel Foundation, The Heinrich Böll Foundation, The Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD), The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, The Federal Representation of Medical Students, etc.

4.4 A Permanent Resident in Germany Who Can Cover Your Expenses

If you have a person with permanent resident status in Germany (host person) who can guarantee to support you financially for the duration of your studies, you must submit a declaration of their income and a document containing the terms and conditions of your agreement to the German embassy.

In the context of executing a declaration of commitment, the host person's financial situation will be verified and their signature certified. The commitment expresses the wish to cover all accommodation costs, from housing to emergency situations such as illness. Regarding solvency, you must be financially capable of covering the most necessary expenses. This amount depends on your marital status, maintenance obligations, and residence.

The following documents are required:

• German identity card (Personalausweis) or passport
• Copy of the visa applicant's passport
• Certificate of current marital status and maintenance obligations, including life partners, spouses, or minor children
• Proof of solvency such as net income or employment contract for the last six months
• Duly completed "Addition to the Declaration of Commitment" form (Zusatzerklärung zur Verpflichtungserklärung)
• Certificate of registration of main residence in the area and written confirmation from the landlord confirming occupancy

Conclusion

The proof of funding ("Finanzierungsnachweis" in German) is one of the essential documents for applying for a student visa and a residence permit for studies in Germany. For more information about opening a blocked account via the EDUBAO app, check out our other articles that will provide you with all the necessary information.