Blocked account for foreign students

All information about the blocked account for foreign students in Germany.

Here you learn ...

what a blocked account is
why a blocked account is necessary
how to set up a blocked account
Alternatives to the Blocked Account

1. Legal background of blocked accounts

2. What is a blocked account?

3. Requirements for the blocked account

4. Alternative proof of livelihood

5. FAQ: Blocked account for foreign students

6. Conclusion Blocked account for foreigners

1. Legal background of blocked accounts

For many foreign students wishing to study in Germany, the so-called blocked account is a central component of the visa application process. It serves as proof of financial security —a legal requirement for the granting of a residence permit for study purposes under Section 16b of the Residence Act.

Therefore, under immigration law, securing one's livelihood during study visits is a key admissibility requirement , the purpose of which is to avoid dependence on social benefits. The REST Directive allows member states to set reference amounts , as provided for in Section 2 (3) Sentence 5 of the Residence Act for Germany (Article 7 (1) (e) of Directive (EU) 2016/801 (REST Directive). The legislature has opted for a blanket approach here, eliminating the need for individual needs assessments. This increases administrative efficiency and, at the same time, creates a degree of planning security for students and authorities alike.

2. What is a blocked account?

The blocked account for students is a special account that must be set up so that only one-twelfth of the total amount deposited is available each month. This is intended to ensure that the student's stay is not financed through the use of public funds.

According to Section 2 Paragraph 3 Sentence 5 of the Residence Act, the applicant's livelihood is considered secure if he or she has funds available that cover the monthly needs pursuant to Sections 13 and 13a of the Federal Student Assistance Act (BAföG). These amounts are published annually by the Federal Ministry of the Interior in the Federal Gazette. For 2024, the standard monthly requirement is €934, meaning €11,208 must be paid into the blocked account for one academic year.

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3. Requirements for the blocked account

The most important legal requirements are:

The account must be in the student’s name.
Only 1/12 of the total amount may be released each month (currently 934 euros).
The blocking notice must be entered in favor of the responsible immigration authority .
Only the immigration authorities or German diplomatic mission abroad may lift the ban.
The financial institution must be based in Germany or at least have a banking license in the federal territory.

These requirements arise from the Application Instructions Ordinance to the Residence Act (AVV-AufenthG), in particular No. 16.0.8.1 AVV-AufenthG.

The Federal Foreign Office maintains lists of providers offering blocked accounts in accordance with legal requirements on the websites of the respective German diplomatic missions abroad . It should be noted that the terms and conditions of the providers vary considerably, particularly with regard to fees, account opening times, and service quality.

Opening an account is usually required before applying for a visa , as confirmation of the blocked account (e.g., a blocking certificate) must be submitted upon application. The use of foreign banks is permitted, provided they comply with the requirements and cooperate with German authorities.

4. Alternative proof of livelihood

A blocked account is a common, but not necessarily the only, way to prove sufficient financial resources. Equivalent proof includes, among others:

Declaration of commitment according to Section 68 of the Residence Act
Scholarships from German or recognized foreign organizations
Bank guarantee with annually renewable term
Parental proof of income and assets
Own income from permitted employment according to §§ 16b para. 3, 16 para. 4 AufenthG

It is always crucial that your living expenses for the following year are considered secure. Tuition fees are not considered part of your general living expenses and must be documented separately if required by the respective university.

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5. FAQ: Blocked account for foreign students

What is a blocked account and why is it needed?
A blocked account is a special bank account that international students must open to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves. It is a prerequisite for obtaining a student visa (Section 16b of the Residence Act).

How high must the amount in the blocked account be?
The current minimum annual amount is €11,208 (€934 per month). This amount is based on the maximum BAföG rate and is published annually in the Federal Gazette.

Who is allowed to lift the blocked account?
The lifting of the ban may only be carried out by the competent immigration authority or German diplomatic mission abroad.

Can I submit other evidence instead of a blocked account?
Yes, letters of commitment, scholarships or bank guarantees can also be accepted as proof of livelihood.

Who is the market leader in blocked accounts?

The market leader in blocked accounts for visa applications for foreigners and foreign students is Fintiba .

6. Conclusion Blocked account for foreigners

The blocked account for foreign students is an established mechanism in Germany for securing a living during the residency process. It is subject to clear legal requirements and, if properly structured, provides legally binding proof for visa issuance. Alternatives are possible, but must meet the strict requirements of the Residence Act.