Germany raises blocked-account requirement for international students in 2026
The annual financial proof needed for a German student visa has increased, reflecting updated cost-of-living estimates.
Germany has raised the minimum annual amount international students must hold in a blocked account when applying for a student visa. The increase reflects updated cost-of-living estimates.
- Published
- Location
- Germany
- Reading time
- 4 min
- Category
- Policy & Regulation · International Students
New blocked-account amount
Germany requires most international students to prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living costs for the first year. The standard proof is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a German bank.
The required annual amount has been increased for the 2026 visa cycle. The new figure is published by the Federal Foreign Office and is typically updated each year based on cost-of-living data.
What students need to know
- Annual sum: Check the exact current amount on the German Federal Foreign Office website before applying for a visa.
- Monthly release: The blocked account releases a fixed monthly amount to the student once in Germany.
- Alternative proof: Some applicants may use a scholarship letter, a guarantee from a resident relative, or other accepted proof of funding.
- Timing: Open the account and transfer funds early; processing can take several weeks.
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