Ways to Prove Your Finances for Studying in Germany (2026 Guide)

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, and strong job market. However, before you can begin your studies, one crucial requirement must be met: proof of financial resources.

When applying for a German student visa or residence permit, you must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This requirement ensures that international students can cover their living expenses without relying on public funds.

In this VisaFlow guide for the Summer Intake 2026, we’ll break down the three most common ways to prove your finances for studying in Germany, including:

• Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
• Letter of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)
• Scholarships

We’ll also explain eligibility, required amounts, pros and cons, and common mistakes, so you can choose the best option for your situation.

Why Proof of Finance Is Required for Germany

The German government mandates financial proof to ensure students can cover essential living costs such as:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Health insurance
• Transportation
• Study materials

Since 2025, students are required to show €11,904 per year (or €992 per month) to meet Germany’s minimum living cost requirement.

Without valid proof of funds, your student visa application may be rejected, even if you already have university admission.

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1. Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

What Is a Blocked Account?

A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is the most commonly accepted way to prove financial resources for international students in Germany. It is a special bank account where students deposit funds in advance to demonstrate they can cover their living expenses during their stay.

How Much Money Is Required in a Blocked Account?

As of 1 January 2025, the required amount to be deposited into a blocked bank account when applying for a German visa is €992 per month, corresponding to €11,904 per year. 

Once you extend your residence permit in Germany, you are required to show proof of funds again for the extended period.

How It Works

1. Open a blocked account with a recognized provider
   
2. Deposit the required amount
   
3. Receive a confirmation certificate
   
4. Submit the certificate with your visa application
   
5. After arrival in Germany, open a current (checking) account in Germany
6. Access your monthly funds, which are transferred from the blocked account to your current account

Advantages of a Blocked Account

• ✔️ Accepted by all German embassies
• ✔️ Straightforward and transparent
• ✔️ No sponsor required
• ✔️ Suitable for most students

Disadvantages

• ❌ Large upfront deposit that must be organized in advance
• ❌ May require taking a loan or arranging significant funds beforehand
• ❌ Limited monthly access to funds
• ❌ Processing fees may apply

Who Should Choose a Blocked Account?

• Students without sponsors in Germany
• Applicants seeking the safest and fastest approval
• First-time international students

💡 VisaFlow Tip: Make sure your blocked account provider is officially recognized to avoid visa delays. You’ll find a list of recognized blocked account providers on the VisaFlow platform.

2. Letter of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)

What Is a Letter of Commitment?

A Letter of Commitment, known in German as Verpflichtungserklärung, is a legal document where a person living in Germany commits to financially supporting you during your stay.

This sponsor could be:

• A family member
• A relative
• A close friend
• Any legal resident of Germany with sufficient income

What Does the Sponsor Commit To?

By signing the Verpflichtungserklärung, the sponsor agrees to cover:

• Living expenses
• Accommodation
• Healthcare costs
• Possible emergency or repatriation expenses

The obligation usually lasts up to 5 years.

Requirements for the Sponsor

• Must live in Germany
• Must have a stable income
• Must provide proof of employment, income, and residence
• Must apply at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde)

How to Get the Letter of Commitment

• The sponsor visits the responsible Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) in their city or district.
  
• They submit required documents, such as:
  
  • Proof of income and employment
    
  • Proof of residence in Germany
    
  • Valid identification or residence permit
    
• The authorities assess whether the sponsor’s income is sufficient on a case-by-case basis.
  
• If approved, the Verpflichtungserklärung is issued.
  

💶 Cost: The document typically costs €29, payable by the sponsor.

Advantages of a Letter of Commitment

• ✔️ No need to deposit €11,904 upfront
• ✔️ Ideal for students with family support
• ✔️ Fully accepted by German authorities

Disadvantages

• ❌ Sponsor must meet strict income requirements
• ❌ Legal responsibility for the sponsor
• ❌ Not suitable if no one lives in Germany

Who Should Choose This Option?

• Students with close family or relatives in Germany
• Applicants who cannot afford a blocked account
• Those with long-term support arrangements

⚠️ Important: Incomplete or weak sponsor documentation is a common reason for visa rejection.

3. Scholarships

Can a Scholarship Be Used as Proof of Finance?

Yes. A fully or partially funded scholarship is one of the strongest forms of financial proof for studying in Germany.

Scholarships can be awarded by:

• German government institutions
• Universities
• International organizations
• Foundations and private entities

Minimum Scholarship Requirement

Your scholarship must cover at least €994 per month or clearly state that it covers living expenses equivalent to the required amount.

If your scholarship covers only part of the amount, you may need to combine it with a blocked account or sponsor.

Popular Scholarship Providers in Germany

• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
• Deutschlandstipendium
• Erasmus+
• Heinrich Böll Foundation
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation

Advantages of Scholarships

• ✔️ No blocked account needed (in most cases)
• ✔️ No financial burden on family
• ✔️ Adds credibility to your visa application
• ✔️ May allow priority or faster processing, depending on the embassy

Disadvantages

• ❌ Highly competitive
• ❌ Limited availability
• ❌ Strict eligibility criteria

Who Should Choose This Option?

• High-achieving students
• Research-oriented applicants
• Students with strong academic or professional backgrounds

🎓 VisaFlow Tip: Always submit an official scholarship award letter with detailed funding information. VisaFlow helps you review your documents and provides access to informative resources about scholarships on our platform.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Submitting unrecognized bank statements
• ❌ Using outdated funding amounts
• ❌ Incomplete sponsor documents
• ❌ Late blocked account setup
• ❌ Scholarship letters without funding details

These errors can lead to visa delays or even rejections.

Final Thoughts

Proving your finances is one of the most critical steps in your German student visa journey. Whether you choose a blocked account, letter of commitment, or scholarship, the key is ensuring your documents are accurate, complete, and compliant with German regulations.

At VisaFlow, we help students simplify complex visa requirements and avoid costly mistakes - so you can focus on your education, not paperwork.

‍Need Help With Your German Student Visa?

VisaFlow provides step-by-step guidance, detailed explanations of required documents, where to obtain them, and expert support for your study-abroad journey.

FAQS about Proof of Finances for German Student Visa

1. How much money do I need for a German student visa in 2025?

As of 2025, the German government requires international students to prove they have at least €11,904 for their first year. This is based on the national BAföG rate (student aid), which assumes a monthly cost of living of €992.

2. Can I use a bank statement instead of a blocked account?

No. A regular bank statement is usually not accepted by German embassies because it doesn't guarantee the money will stay in your account or be used specifically for your studies.

The "Blocked Account" (Sperrkonto) is the gold standard because the bank "blocks" the total sum and only releases the monthly allowance (€992) to you. 

3. What is the minimum amount for a German blocked account for the summer intake 2026?

The minimum amount you must deposit for a standard 12-month student visa is €11,904.

• Monthly Payout: €992
• Setup Fees: Most providers charge a one-time setup fee and a small monthly service fee. You should transfer a little extra to cover these fees and any international bank transfer charges so that the final "blocked" amount is exactly €11,904.

4. Can a relative abroad provide a letter of commitment for Germany?

Generally, no. A formal Verpflichtungserklärung (Letter of Commitment) must typically be signed by someone who is a legal resident of Germany with a stable income. This is because the German authorities need to be able to legally hold the person accountable for your costs.

5. Is a partial scholarship enough for a German visa?

Yes, but only if you cover the "gap." If your scholarship gives you €500 per month, you are still €492 short of the required €992.

To bridge this gap, you can:

• Open a blocked account with the remaining amount (e.g., €492 x 12 months).
• Combine it with a Letter of Commitment for the difference. The embassy will "deduct" your scholarship amount from the total requirement, making the blocked account much more affordable!