Blocked account for visa: Who needs it?

Who needs a blocked account for a visa in Germany?

For many foreign nationals, a blocked account is a key requirement for obtaining a visa for Germany—especially if they plan to stay for study , study preparation, or attend a language course . However, not everyone automatically needs such an account. The decisive factor is how they will secure their livelihood during their stay.

Legal background: Who needs a blocked account?

The basic rule is: Anyone who does not primarily finance their stay in Germany through their own employment must prove their financial independence by other means – and this is exactly where the blocked account comes into play. It is primarily required by those who come from a so-called third country and cannot prove a regular income from work or self-employment for their stay . Therefore, those who are employed or self-employed do not generally need a blocked account. Working within the framework of the 140/280-day rule for students is usually not sufficient to avoid a blocked account, as this type of work usually does not generate sufficient income to fully finance the stay ( meaning securing their livelihood ).

Alternative blocked account: In these cases, no blocked account is required

Those supported by third parties—such as family members—can waive the blocked account requirement under certain conditions . For example, in the case of a spouse joining you or if parents commit to supporting your stay, a formal invitation confirmation with proof of income is often sufficient. The same applies if you have received a scholarship.

For everyone else—especially students and language students—a blocked account is the most common and secure method of proving " secured means of subsistence " for the first year of residence. A certain amount—currently around €11,208—is deposited in an account in Germany. This balance is blocked and may only be withdrawn in monthly installments to ensure basic needs. The exact amount and requirements vary depending on your living situation and the purpose of your stay.

Conclusion: Who needs a blocked account?

Whether you need a blocked account depends largely on your individual situation and the purpose of your stay. German diplomatic missions abroad will provide individual information on this, but it's still worth checking out the general guidance provided by the Federal Foreign Office. However, the general rule is: If you don't primarily finance yourself through employment in Germany and don't have a family member who supports you, a blocked account (or alternatively, a declaration of commitment ) is often required.

Do you need a blocked account that's recognized by the authorities? Our law firm generally uses Fintiba for its client work and has consistently had positive experiences with it. By signing a blocked account agreement via this link, you support our firm's blog. For the sake of transparency, we would like to point out that there are other blocked account providers.