Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) — Proof of Financing for Germany
For certain German national visas and residence titles, you must prove that your living expenses are secured. A blocked account can be one way to provide that proof. The minimum amount depends on the purpose of stay.
What is a blocked account?
A blocked account is a special German bank account into which one full year of living expenses is deposited before entering Germany. After arrival, only a fixed amount may be withdrawn each month — hence 'blocked'.
How much is required?
As of January 2026, the official federal overview distinguishes by purpose of stay: studying under Section 16b AufenthG: at least €992 net per month (€11,904 per year). Seeking a place in university under Section 17(2): at least €1,091 net per month. Language acquisition under Section 16f(1): at least €1,091 net per month; this category concerns German courses that do not serve as preparation for academic studies. A blocked account is only one possible form of proof. The specific purpose of stay and the competent German mission or Consular Services Portal are decisive.
Official federal overview of minimum amounts (2026-01)Which cases does the federal overview distinguish?
- Studying (Section 16b AufenthG): at least €992 net per month or €11,904 per year (2026)
- Seeking a place in university (Section 17(2) AufenthG): at least €1,091 net per month (2026)
- Non-study-preparatory language acquisition (Section 16f(1) AufenthG): at least €1,091 net per month (2026)
- Other purposes of stay may have different amounts or acceptable forms of proof; the competent authority makes the binding assessment.
How opening one typically works
- 1First check the exact purpose of stay and the applicable proof-of-funds requirement with the competent German mission or in the Consular Services Portal.
- 2If you want to use a blocked account, choose a provider yourself and open the account under that provider's procedure.
- 3Deposit the amount required for your specific purpose of stay; do not assume that €11,904 applies to every category.
- 4Submit the confirmation together with the other required documents in the visa or residence-title procedure.
Blocked-account providers
The Federal Foreign Office does not recommend individual blocked-account providers. Blocked accounts are offered by different banks and service providers on different terms; you choose the provider yourself. Whether the proof is sufficient in your specific procedure is decided by the competent authority.
Kundenservice
Responsible for: Basti Blocked Account
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Further information
- Schengen visa and national visa comparedThe Schengen visa concerns short stays, the national visa longer stays with a specific purpose. Which category applies to an application is decided by the competent mission.
- Information CenterThis page organises the information pages of this website by topic. It contains no recommendation and no rating of individual plans. Visas are decided by the competent authorities, contracts by the respective insurer.
- Sources and editorial methodologyThis page describes which sources are used, how they are classified, and how updates, translations and corrections are handled.