Visa Papers

Money Proof for a Germany Student Visa

Amounts are in euro (EUR). For a German student visa you must show you can pay your living costs for the first year. In 2026 that is EUR 11,904, usually in a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a German bank account that holds your money.

MONEY PROOF

GERMANY STUDENT VISA

NEEDED FOR THE VISA

Blocked account confirmation

REQUIRED

Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung)

IF APPLICABLE

Scholarship letter

IF SPONSORED

Education loan papers

IF APPLICABLE

EUR 11,904 for the first year. No more than EUR 992 a month can be taken out.

How Much You Must Show

For the student visa you must show EUR 11,904 for your first year in 2026.

Amount You Must Show (EUR)

Undergraduate

EUR 11,904 for the first year

Bachelor's students, in a blocked account or another accepted way.

Graduate

EUR 11,904 for the first year

Master's students, in a blocked account or another accepted way.

How the Amount Is Set

The amount is based on the highest support German students can get.

EUR 992 a month for 12 months makes EUR 11,904.
It matches the most that German students can get as a state study grant (BAföG).
India, private university: the first year's fees are paid as well, or a large deposit. Pakistan: proof that you paid tuition fees, if your course has them.

Important Notes

The amount is the same for bachelor's and master's students.
EUR 992 a month, which is EUR 11,904 a year, is the amount for 2026.
Visa to look for a study place: at least EUR 1,091 a month (2026). The student visa needs EUR 992 a month.

See tuition fees in Germany See living costs in Germany

Ways to Show Your Money

These are the ways the German Missions (the German embassy and consulates) accept.

Blocked account (Sperrkonto)

A German account that holds money for your first year.

•
EUR 11,904 in 2026.
•
No more than EUR 992 can be taken out a month.
•
Usually opened for one year.

Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung)

A promise by a sponsor who lives in Germany to pay your costs.

•
The sponsor signs it at their local Foreigners' Office (the city office for people from other countries) in Germany.
•
The sponsor must prove their money, for example with 6 months of payslips and bank statements.

Scholarship

A German or EU (European Union) scholarship or grant.

•
India: if it pays EUR 992 a month or more, you need no blocked account.
•
If it pays only tuition, show money proof as well.

Education loan

Proof of a loan, if you have one.

•
India: a loan does not replace the blocked account. You need both.

What the Visa Office Checks

Rules for each money paper.

Rules for Everyone

Amount

EUR 11,904 for the first year, which is EUR 992 a month.

Provider

You may choose any blocked account provider. The German Missions do not list or prefer any.

Rules by Paper

Document Type	Requirements	Validity Period
Blocked account confirmation	Shows EUR 11,904. Says no more than EUR 992 can be taken out a month. The provider must let the visa office check the account.	Usually for one year
Formal obligation letter	Made at the Foreigners' Office in Germany. You need the original.	-

Special Cases

•
Two years in some cases: Pakistan: the German Embassy Islamabad and the German Consulate General Karachi may ask for money for up to two years in some cases.
•
Signature check (Pakistan): The German Embassy Islamabad charges EUR 25 to confirm your signature. Book this appointment separately from your visa appointment.

See all visa requirements

When to Arrange Your Money Proof

You need the money proof for the visa and again for the residence permit.

Order of Steps

1After admission

Timing: Before you apply for the visa

Open your blocked account and pay in EUR 11,904.

2Visa application

Timing: In the Consular Services Portal

Upload your blocked account confirmation, sponsor letter or scholarship letter.

3Residence permit

Timing: Before your visa ends

Apply for your residence permit (the card that lets you live in Germany while you study). Show the same proof at the Foreigners' Office. For a renewal, show bank statements for the six months before.

Tips

Open the blocked account before you apply in the Consular Services Portal (the German government's online visa website).
Upload the confirmation in the portal and bring the original.

Check university deadlines

Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes can delay or stop your visa.

Wrong sponsor paper

India: the affidavit does not replace the blocked account.

Common Error

Using an Indian affidavit of support (a signed promise from family to pay) instead of a blocked account.

How to Avoid

Use a blocked account, or a formal obligation letter made in Germany.

Loan alone

India: an education loan does not replace the blocked account. You need both.

Common Error

Showing a loan instead of a blocked account.

How to Avoid

Open a blocked account as well.

Scholarship not accepted

Pakistan: for the visa, a scholarship from a Pakistani university is not accepted. One from the HEC is accepted.

Common Error

Using a scholarship from a Pakistani university.

How to Avoid

Show a Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarship, a German or EU scholarship, or a blocked account.

Unpaid fees

India: the first two semesters (one year) of tuition fees must be paid.

Common Error

Tuition at a private university not paid.

How to Avoid

India: pay the first year, or a large deposit (a big part paid in advance), and bring proof. Pakistan: bring proof that you paid tuition fees, if your course has them.

More Things to Watch

Unsigned papers (Pakistan)

Your signature on the blocked account papers must be confirmed at the German Embassy Islamabad, the German Consulate General Karachi or the Honorary Consul (a local helper for the embassy) in Lahore.