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Livelihood security for students
Visa: How student livelihood security works
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About this Page
what livelihood security means for students
how foreign students secure their livelihood
what living options students have
everything about blocked accounts and livelihoods
Table of Contents
1. Livelihood security for students
2. Livelihood and Blocked Account
3. Health insurance for students
4. Proof of accommodation for students
5. FAQ Living expenses for students
6. Conclusion Living expenses for students
1. Livelihood security for students
Before entering Germany, international students must prove that they can independently support themselves during their studies. This is regulated by the Residence Act: Section 5, Paragraph 1, No. 1 in conjunction with Section 2, Paragraph 3, Sentence 5 of the Residence Act requires proof of sufficient funds to cover the maximum BAföG (student financial aid) rate . This is approximately €950 per month. In Berlin, a reduced rate of €906 per month often applies, as the nursing care insurance surcharge is sometimes not taken into account.
Securing a living for foreigners is one of the fundamental principles of the Residence Act. This also applies to students. Students can secure their livelihood in various ways: through their own assets, support payments from parents, declarations of commitment under Section 68 of the Residence Act , scholarships, or bank guarantees. However, the most common form of support is a blocked account .
2. Livelihood and Blocked Account
The blocked account – also called a " blocked account " – is the most common and often preferred method by authorities to prove that you have enough to live on while studying in Germany. An amount equal to the annual minimum must be deposited into this account. Once the money is deposited, a so-called " blocking note " is entered in favor of the immigration authorities. The money is then paid out to the student in fixed monthly installments . This is intended to ensure that living expenses are covered every month.
Providers like Fintiba also allow you to open such an account from abroad . The respective blocked account provider then issues a confirmation of the blocked account opening. In addition to proof of the blocked account, other forms such as letters of commitment or scholarships are only accepted if they fully cover the visa requirements.
3. Health insurance for students
Proof of adequate health insurance is also a mandatory requirement for a student visa or the corresponding means of subsistence. During the visa process, travel health insurance covering the period up to enrollment is sufficient. However, proof of statutory or private health insurance that takes student status into account (see, for example, Feather insurance ) is required at the latest upon enrollment at the university.
Monthly contributions to health and long-term care insurance are included in the living expenses assessment. Currently, the student contribution to statutory health insurance, including long-term care insurance, is approximately €109 per month. Without valid insurance coverage, a residence permit cannot be issued or renewed. Students should therefore clarify in advance which type of insurance is suitable for them.
4. Proof of accommodation for students
Proof of accommodation is not mandatory at the beginning of the visa process. Unlike with family reunification or other residence permits, students are generally required to provide proof of financial means of subsistence. However, some immigration authorities require information about the planned accommodation or a reservation confirmation for plausibility checks. Most students, for example, provide a letter of acceptance from a student residence hall .
However, after entering Germany, an address must be registered to obtain a residence permit. Therefore, students should start looking for accommodation early. Rent is already included in living expenses (approximately €325 in the BAföG rate) and does not need to be documented separately.
5. FAQ Living expenses for students
What does livelihood security mean for students?
International students must prove that they can independently finance their living expenses while studying in Germany. According to the Residence Act (Section 5, Paragraph 1, No. 1 in conjunction with Section 2, Paragraph 3, Sentence 5 of the Residence Act), the minimum monthly amount is approximately €950 (slightly less in Berlin). This proof is a prerequisite for the issuance of a visa or residence permit.
How can I prove my livelihood as a student?
Livelihood can be secured through personal assets, maintenance payments from parents, scholarships, declarations of commitment (Section 68 of the Residence Act), or bank guarantees. However, a blocked account is the most common method.
What is a blocked account?
A blocked account is a special bank account into which you deposit a one-year amount in advance (currently around €11,000–€12,000). The money is then paid out monthly in installments. Providers like Fintiba allow you to open such an account from abroad and provide the necessary confirmation for the immigration authorities.
Do I need health insurance as a student?
Yes. Adequate health insurance is mandatory. Travel health insurance is sufficient for the visa process. After enrollment, statutory or private health insurance for students is required. The monthly premium is currently approximately €109.
6. Conclusion: Securing a livelihood for students in Germany
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence is a key criterion for obtaining a student visa. This proof is most commonly provided through a blocked account, but alternatively, it can also be provided through declarations of commitment, scholarships, or assets. Health insurance and housing situation also play a role. VISAGUARD supports international students with all questions regarding financing their studies in Germany. Whether it's a blocked account, health insurance, or documentation for the immigration authorities – we help you keep track of everything and start your studies legally compliant.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Hofmann (ed.), Aliens Law, 3rd edition 2023, § 16b
[2] Kluth/Heusch, BeckOK, Aliens Law, 3rd edition 2025, § 16b
[3] Visa Handbook, Scholarship Holders, 75th Supplement, Status: 08/2022
[4] Visa Handbook, Students, as of June 2024
[5] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, § 16b
[6] Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals For research or study purposes, to complete an internship, to participate in voluntary service, student exchange programs or educational projects and to carry out au pair activities (“REST Directive”)