Are you planning to travel to Germany as an international student? It’s one of the world’s fastest-growing study destinations and is respected for its excellent education system. Before you go, you’ll be asked to show that you can support yourself financially during your studies as part of your student visa application. There are a few different ways to show financial proof for your German student visa application—read on to learn what they are and what you’ll need.
Build your student budget with our cost of living guide to Germany.
Why is Proof Important?
Before applying for a German student visa, international students who require either a visa or residence permit to study in Germany must show they have enough money to support themselves during their studies. The official document students need is called a Finanzierungsnachweis, which translates to “proof of financial resources.”
In most cases, as of 2025, future students must prove they have access to €11,904 for one year. You might also see this referred to as Regelbedarf, or the minimum budget for students to live in Germany for one year. However, remember that your cost of living may be higher, especially if you’re living in a larger city or the southern part of Germany, so prepare accordingly.
Showing proof of finances is a mandatory part of the visa application process. This measure exists to help ensure international students don’t struggle financially. Without proof of financing, like a blocked account, your student visa or residence permit application may be rejected.
Stay on-budget as a student by using student discounts. Consider picking up an ISIC Card to save on everything from travel to language proficiency tests!
How Can Incoming International Students Show Financial Proof?
Depending on your home country, you may have a few different ways to prove your financial capacity. To understand which options are available to you, ask the German embassy in your country. Here are the different options which may be possible:
- A bank guarantee (Bankbürgschaft) – a statement from your bank which guarantees it will cover your expenses. It can be a more affordable option than a student loan.
- A blocked account (Sperrkonto) – a German bank account which incoming students deposit a set amount into. A pre-set amount may be taken out each month.
- Documents certifying your parents’ income and financial assets are above a set threshold. Usually the three most recent salary statements.
- A guarantor – a permanent resident in Germany can guarantee to the Alien Registration Office that they will cover your expenses.
- A scholarship award notification from a recognized scholarship provider. If scholarships only pay for some of your living expenses, you can also show bank statements to prove you can cover the rest.
If you’re planning to work while studying in Germany, it’s important to understand how many hours you can work, which jobs you’re eligible for, and what documents you’ll need. Read our blog post to learn more!
How Do Most Students Show Proof of Financial Resources?
Most incoming international students use a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to show they have enough funds to study in Germany. The Sperrkonto is a specific bank account designed for international students. Before applying for their visa or residence permit, students deposit a predetermined amount of money—as of July 2025, €11,904—to guarantee that they can cover their living expenses in Germany.
Blocked accounts often have a straightforward setup process. Depending on the bank, they may even be set up online. Some banks may require your application forms and a copy of your passport to be certified by a German consulate or embassy in your country. If that’s the case, budget time for that step in the process!
Once your account is set up, you can pick up your EC bank card from the bank, or have it mailed to your German address. You’ll use your EC card to withdraw the money you need for your daily expenses. Every month, a set amount is released from the Sperrkonto (€992), and you can withdraw it to cover your expenses.
Students should set up their blocked accounts well in advance, as this is a crucial step in securing a student visa and a residence permit. Sperrkonto processing time also slows down during busy periods, like the start of a semester. It’s smart to get started early, when processing times can be just a week.
Ready to set up a Sperrkonto? ApplyBoard’s partners Coracle and Expatrio can provide blocked accounts to future students like you.
Becoming an international student in Germany can be an incredible experience. Understanding how to show proof of finances is a key step along the student visa or residence permit process. We hope that this guide has inspired you to take the next step in your international study journey!
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