How Much Money Do You Need in Your Blocked Account?
The amount of money you need to deposit into your blocked account is determined by the German government and is based on the estimated cost of living for a student. This amount is subject to change, so it's vital to get the most current information.
As of early 2025, table below summarises how much money you need in your blocked account:
This amount is calculated to allow for a monthly withdrawal to cover living expenses such as your accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, and other personal expenses in Germany, as stated in the column Monthly Blocking Amount above.
Important Considerations and Variations:
- For some visa categories, such as those for language acquisition, preparatory courses (Studienkolleg), or the recognition of foreign qualifications, the German authorities may require a higher amount. Often, this is a 10% increase on the standard monthly sum. For example, if the standard is €992 per month, a 10% increase would mean €1091.20 per month, leading to a higher annual total for the blocked account.
- The Total Blocking Amount figure typically applies to a one-year stay. If your intended stay is shorter or longer, you can adjust the total amount accordingly, but the one-year sum is the most common requirement for initial visa applications. Also, the total blocking amount may change depending on the provider's charges, such as the setup fee, monthly fee, payer's fee, and buffer amount.
- Always confirm the exact required amount with the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence before making any transfers. They will provide the most accurate and up-to-date figure applicable to your specific visa type and situation.
- You can also deposit more than the minimum required amount into your blocked account if you wish. However, the monthly withdrawal limit will still apply unless specific arrangements are made.
Blocked Amount and Account Waiver
The German government waives the blocked account requirement in specific circumstances if you can demonstrate financial stability through alternative means. Here are the key exceptions:
1. Citizens from EU/EEA countries (e.g., France, Italy, Spain) and Switzerland are exempt from blocked account requirements due to freedom of movement agreements
2. Students with full-ride scholarships from recognised institutions (e.g., DAAD, Erasmus+, or German universities) covering both tuition and living expenses may bypass the blocked account requirement. If you have received partial scholarships (e.g., tuition fee), you still need to obtain a blocked account for the additional amounts required to cover expenses during your period of stay.
3. If your family member or sponsor already resides in Germany, you can ask them to submit a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) at the local Foreigners’ Office, legally committing to cover all expenses. This requires the sponsor to prove sufficient income (e.g., €1,200–1,500 monthly net income) before the German local Foreigners’ office considers the blocked account waiver.
4. If you are already employed in Germany on a part-time or full-time basis with a stable income, you can submit employment contracts and salary slips as proof of funds to get a waiver.
5. In rare cases, your parental/sponsor bank statements showing sufficient funds or a foreign bank from approved financial institutions by the German consulate can also get you a waiver from obtaining the blocked account.
6. Au pair visas and visas for researchers and scientists with employment/grant/scholarship contracts from German institutions are also considered to secure the blocked account waiver.
Note: Requirements vary by embassy, and you should confirm directly with your local German consulate in your country.