Blocked account in Germany for foreign students

A blocked account serves as a proof of finance, proving that you are able to spend a year on your livelihood in Germany. When you apply for your visa in your home country at the German Embassy, you must provide proof of your blocked account.

Why do foreign students in Germany need a blocked account?

All persons who would like to stay in Germany for longer period and do not come from the European Union (EU) or from the European Economic Area (ERW) need a blocked account. The reasons for a stay include studying as well as a German language course in Germany.

How does a blocked account work in Germany?

  • The minimum amount to cover your livelihood in the Federal Republic for 12 months amounts to 8,640 euros. Every month, foreign students and German learners in Germany should have 720 euros available.
  • The blocked account is a special bank account that you cannot access before you arrive in Germany. After entry, you can withdraw a maximum of 720 euros per month.
  • After you arrive in Germany and begin your German course or study in Germany, you can open a normal bank account, and transfer money from your blocked account.
  • Please do not forget that during the first three months you have to register at the foreign office in your place of residence in Germany. Even then, it is necessary to present the proof of financing.

How do foreign students and learners of German open a blocked account in Germany?

How the registration process works and what documents you actually need to prepare depend on the bank you choose. Better check with the internationally known banks such as Deutsche Bank about which documents you need.
Frequently, the company Fintiba is recommended as a service provider for opening a blocked account, since the account opening is easy, fast and can be online set up.

It may take up to a month in some cases to open an account. Therefore, we recommend that you check with a bank in Germany immediately after receiving the admission letter from the university.

Alternatives to the blocked account for German learners and students in Germany?
A blocked account is often not needed if you can provide other proof of financing for a one-year stay in Germany.

If you have received a scholarship for your studies in Germany, the German embassy may waive the need of a blocked account.

Another alternative is a certified statement from parents or other related persons. The undersigned guarantee to financially support you in the scope mentioned there. The income of each person must be documented.

There is another possibility.  A person who lives in Germany guarantees in writing to pay for your studies or your German course in Germany.
Some banks offer a loan as a proof of financing. Then you have a bank guarantee. This means: The bank says in writing, “you are full supported as students or German learners in Germany.

Finally, the German Embassy in your homeland decides whether these alternatives in individual cases work or not.