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If you’re planning to study in Germany in 2025 or later, you’ll need to prove you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself. The updated financial requirement is €11,904 annually (or €934 per month), reflecting the rising cost of living

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Setlinn Article | Proof of Finance for a German Student Visa in 2025: Blocked Account, Parental Income, and More

People definitely need this updated proof of funding to study in Germany this year.

For sure, especially knowing that the five options of proof of finance may not be available in every country.

If you’re planning to study in Germany in 2025 or later, you’ll need to prove you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself. The updated financial requirement is €11,904 annually (or €934 per month), reflecting the rising cost of living in Germany. Known as proof of finance (Finanzierungsnachweis), this is a key step in your visa application process.

While the blocked account is the most common method, other options include parental income, bank guarantees, scholarships, or a declaration of commitment from a German resident. In this article, we’ll explore all the accepted methods, the updated financial requirements, and tips to help you choose the best option for your situation.

What is Proof of Finance for a German Student Visa?

 in German, is a mandatory requirement for international students applying for a German student visa. It demonstrates to the German authorities that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses during your stay in Germany. This ensures that students can focus on their studies without relying on public funds, social benefits or facing financial difficulties.

For 2025, the minimum financial requirement has been updated to €11,904 annually, which translates to €934 per month. This amount is intended to cover essential expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, and transportation. Without proof of finance, your visa application will not be approved.

, including the widely used blocked account, as well as alternatives like parental income, bank guarantees, scholarships, and declarations of commitment. Each method has its documentation requirements and suitability depending on your financial situation.

Germany requires proof of finance to ensure that international students can sustain themselves financially without relying on public assistance. This is especially important because students are only allowed to work limited hours (120 full days or 240 half days per year) under a student visa, which may not be enough to cover all living expenses.

Starting in 2025, the German government has increased the minimum financial requirement for international students to €11,904 annually, which translates to €934 per month. This is a slight increase from the previous amount of €11,208 annually (or €934 per month) in 2024. The adjustment reflects the rising cost of living in Germany, ensuring that students have sufficient funds to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, health insurance, and transportation.

The financial requirement is designed to cover the basic living expenses of a student in Germany. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly costs:

While these are average estimates, the actual cost of living may vary depending on the city. For example, cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive than smaller towns like Leipzig, Cottbus, Bochum, or Jena.

The increase in the financial requirement is primarily due to inflation and the rising cost of living in Germany. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, housing and utility costs have seen a steady rise recently, which directly impacts students. Additionally, the adjustment ensures that international students can maintain a reasonable standard of living without financial strain.

How Does This Compare to Other Countries?

Germany’s financial requirement is relatively moderate compared to other popular study destinations. For instance:

Canada: Requires proof of CAD 10,000 annually (approximately €6,800).

Australia: Requires proof of AUD 21,041 annually (approximately €12,500).

United States: Varies by university, but often exceeds €20,000 annually.

This makes Germany an attractive option for students seeking high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost.

Accepted Methods of Proving Financial Resources

When applying for a German student visa, there are several accepted methods to demonstrate proof of financial resources. Each method has specific requirements and is suited to different circumstances. Below, we’ll explore the most common options in detail.

A blocked account is one of the most popular and widely accepted methods for proving financial resources. It is a special type of bank account where the required funds are deposited and "blocked," meaning the account holder can only withdraw a fixed amount each month and only after they arrive in Germany.

Students must deposit at least €11,904 (the annual financial requirement for 2025) into the blocked account before applying for their visa.

Once in Germany, students can withdraw a maximum of €934 per month to cover their living expenses.

Several providers specialize in blocked accounts for international students:

 is our recommended provider as we work in collaboration with them.

These providers offer user-friendly online platforms, making it easy to open and manage a blocked account from abroad. 

 offers a full “value package” which includes a blocked  account, student health insurance, travel health insurance and student ID for one year. The last two are provided free of charge. So, you should consider using 

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Blocked Account

: Compare fees, services, and processing times of different providers.

: Fill out the application form on the provider’s website.

: Transfer at least €11,904 to the account.

: Once the funds are deposited, you’ll receive a confirmation letter, which you can submit with your visa application.

: After arriving in Germany, activate the account and start withdrawing the monthly allowance.

Widely accepted by German embassies and consulates.

Ensures students have a steady monthly budget.

Limited monthly withdrawal amount may not cover unexpected expenses.

If you’ve been awarded a scholarship, it can serve as proof of financial resources, provided it meets the minimum financial requirement.

Requirements for Scholarship as a proof of fund

The scholarship must cover at least €934 per month or €11,904 annually.

You’ll need to provide an official scholarship award letter that specifies the amount, duration, and coverage of the scholarship.

Below is a list of the top-recognized scholarships in Germany:

: Offers scholarships for international students in Germany.

+: Provides funding for students studying in Europe.

Heinrich Böll Foundation: Supports students with strong academic performance and social engagement.

Advantages of Scholarships as a Proof of Fund in Germany

No need to deposit funds into a blocked account.

Often includes additional benefits, such as tuition fee waivers or travel allowances.

Disadvantages of Scholarships as a Proof of Fund in Germany

Scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed.

Partial scholarships may require additional proof of funds.

Students can use their parents’ income and assets to meet the financial requirements, provided they submit the necessary documentation.

Required Documents for Parental Income and Assets 

Bank Statements: Recent statements (last 3 months) showing sufficient funds.

Proof of Income: Employment contracts, salary slips, or tax returns to demonstrate regular income.

Declaration of Financial Support: A signed letter from your parents stating they will financially support you during your studies.

Translations: If the documents are not in German or English, certified translations are required.

Suitable for students whose parents have stable financial resources.

No need to deposit a large sum into a blocked account.

Disadvantages of Parental Income and Assets

May not be accepted in all cases, depending on the embassy or consulate.

A bank guarantee is another option for proving financial resources. In this case, a recognized bank guarantees that the student has access to the required funds.

A bank issues a guarantee stating that it will cover the student’s financial needs up to the required amount (€11,904 for 2025).

This is often used by students who take out loans to fund their studies.

Useful for students who cannot deposit the full amount upfront.

Provides flexibility in managing finances.

May involve high fees or interest rates, depending on the bank.

A declaration of commitment is a legal document in which a German resident (e.g., a relative or friend) agrees to support the student financially during their stay.

They must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the student.

Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, tax returns).

Bank statements showing sufficient funds.

Advantages of using Declaration of Commitment

Ideal for students with family or friends in Germany who are willing to sponsor them.

Disadvantages of using Declaration of Commitment

The guarantor must meet strict financial criteria.

The process can be time-consuming, especially if not started in time and in bigger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Selecting the most suitable method to prove your financial resources for a German student visa depends on your individual circumstances. Each option has its advantages and limitations, so it’s important to evaluate your situation carefully before deciding.

When choosing the best method, consider the following:

Proof of Finance for a German Student Visa in 2025: Blocked Account, Parental Income, and More

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