blocked account

Why do I need a blocked account?

When entering Germany from another EU country to study, take a language course or for other employment purposes, the traveller must prove that they are financing their stay in Germany from their own assets. The blocked account offers one possibility. International travellers from non-EU countries must transfer an amount to the blocked account. From 2023, the standard requirement, which must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a visa, will be increased to 12,208 euros. You can find all other relevant information here in the article.

Visa application

Anyone applying for a visa for Germany must fulfil the following requirements:

  1. Plausibility and traceability of the purpose of the journey in Germany
  2. Financing of living and travelling expenses from own assets or income
  3. Willingness of the visa holder to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires,
    Presentation of travel health insurance valid for the entire Schengen area and for the entire duration of the stay with a minimum cover of 30,000 euros. (You can find suitable travel health insurance here)

What is a blocked account?

You can think of a blocked account as proof of funding. This proves to the authorities that you can finance your stay abroad from your own assets. You must open the account before travelling and transfer a certain amount to it. The amount depends on the duration of the trip; previously you had to transfer 1,117.33 euros for each month. If the trip was planned for one year, at least 12,208 euros are required. The account will then be blocked until you enter Germany. Once you have arrived in Germany, you can withdraw up to 1,117.33 euros per month. This maximum amount is fixed, unless more money has been transferred to the blocked account. The blocked account proves to the authorities that you are financing your living expenses and other costs from your own assets. From this year, the standard requirement will increase to 12,208 euros.

This affects all visa applications submitted from 2023 onwards. You can withdraw up to €1,117.33 per month to finance your costs. Again, the 12,208 euros is only a minimum amount, you can also transfer more so that you have more money each month.