Blocked account: What is it needed for with a visa?

International students coming to Germany must provide proof to the embassy when applying for a visa that they have sufficient means of subsistence for a full year. This is required by Section 5, Paragraph 2, No. 1 of the Residence Act (so-called " subsistence security " ). The most common form of proof of subsistence for international students is a "blocked account." A certain amount, currently around €11,208 (12 × €934), is deposited once and then released in fixed monthly installments. You can find out why this is the case, what the legal basis is, and what alternatives are available here.

Legal background of a blocked account

The obligation to secure one's livelihood is a central pillar of German residence law : Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act defines "securing one's livelihood" as a prerequisite for the issuance of almost all residence permits. For migrant workers, for example, a livelihood is generally considered secure if an employment contract is presented. For a Schengen visa, however, proof of livelihood must often be provided through bank statements, travel health insurance, or a letter of commitment from an inviting person. And for a student visa, a blocked account is required.

With the provision on securing a living, the legislature ultimately wants to prevent students from entering Germany without having enough money for rent, health insurance , or food. This would otherwise place a strain on the social security system – and this is precisely what the law aims to prevent. Therefore, prospective bachelor's, master's, or language students have little choice: Without a blocked account or equivalent proof of financial resources, they will not be granted a visa.

Procedure for the required blocked account

A blocked account is usually opened through digital providers such as Fintiba, which allow the account to be set up quickly and easily from your home country . After your identity has been successfully verified, the required total amount – usually for a full year – is paid into the account. The special feature of a blocked account is that the money remains blocked initially. Only after entering Germany are fixed monthly amounts (approximately €900) transferred to a regular German checking account to cover living expenses. This ensures that your stay in Germany is financially secure. The official confirmation of the blocked account serves as proof to the German embassy or consulate during the visa process. This proof is also often required by the immigration authorities after entry, for example, when extending your stay or in other residence permit procedures.

Are there alternatives to a blocked account?

Yes, there are alternatives to the traditional blocked account, but they are often more difficult to implement in practice. If parents have a sufficiently high income , they can officially commit to the German government to cover all of their child's living expenses. A full scholarship—for example, from the DAAD—can also fully replace a blocked account. German immigration authorities also accept regular international transfers from parents. However, consistent proof of monthly standing orders is required.

Conclusion

The blocked account remains the fastest and most reliable way to prove your financial security. Providers like Fintiba score highly with digital processing, English-language support, and partnerships with German banks. Even if tying up a five-figure sum may seem daunting at first, the blocked account provides planning security – for students as well as for the German government. Those who open an account early and submit all documents in full lay the foundation for a successful visa application and a relaxed start to student life in Germany.

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 through this link, you support our law firm blog (affiliate link). For the sake of transparency, we would like to point out that there are other blocked account providers.