For foreign healthcare professionals coming to Germany, a blocked account is required in many cases to prove one’s means of subsistence. It serves German authorities as proof of financing, especially when no employment contract is yet available – such as for language courses, recognition procedures, or qualification measures.
This is a special bank account into which a fixed amount is deposited before entry. The balance is initially blocked and is released monthly in fixed amounts after entry and activation to cover ongoing living costs.
Amount of the blocked sum
The required amount currently stands at approximately 1,091 euros per month, which serves as a rough guideline (as of 2025). For a stay of twelve months, therefore, around 13,092 euros would need to be deposited in the blocked account. However, the exact amount required can vary depending on visa type. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to inform oneself precisely before application about which amount is required for the respective visa.
Opening a blocked account
The account is generally opened already in the home country and can often be completed entirely online. The following documents are required:
- Valid passport
- Current passport photo
- Proof of visa purpose (e.g., language course, recognition, training)
Depending on the bank and country of origin, additional proof of the sources of financial means may be required.
Payment after entry
After entering Germany, the bank must be informed of arrival and the issued visa must be presented. Since activation of the blocked account can take some time, a German checking account should be opened promptly to remain able to make payments in the interim. Subsequently, the blocked account is activated. After activation, a fixed amount is released monthly and transferred to a German checking account or paid out directly. The remaining balance remains blocked until the next monthly payment occurs.
If residence status changes or regular employment in Germany is taken up, the blocked account may be waived under certain circumstances. In this case, the remaining balance is generally paid out, usually after coordination with the responsible authority.
Providers of blocked accounts
Blocked accounts are offered by specialized banks and financial service providers. Well-known providers are:
Services, fees, and payment conditions can vary by provider, so it is worthwhile to compare the respective terms in advance. It should also be verified whether the respective provider accepts one’s nationality, as not all banks support every country of origin.
Important note
The blocked account serves exclusively to secure living expenses and does not replace a regular bank account. For daily payment transactions, a normal bank account must therefore still be opened. Fees may apply for account opening as well as monthly account management, which should be considered when planning.
