Blocked Account Germany: Complete 2025 Guide

Your blocked account remains relevant beyond initial visa application—residence permit renewals require continued proof of financial capacity.

First Renewal (After One Year)

Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient funds for extended stay

• Either maintained blocked account with adequate balance

• Or alternative proof (employment, scholarship, sponsor)

If using blocked account:

1. Ensure remaining balance covers renewal period

2. Or top up account before renewal appointment

3. Request updated blocking certificate from provider

4. Submit certificate with renewal application

Processing: Top-ups and certificate updates typically take 3-5 business days.

Transitioning Away from Blocked Account

After establishing yourself in Germany, alternatives become available:

Employment-based proof:

• Work contract and recent payslips

• Shows €992+ monthly net income

• Typically accepted after six months employment

Mixed approach:

• Part-time work + partial blocked account

• Scholarship + employment

• Multiple income streams totaling minimum requirement

Full employment:

• Once earning sufficient income reliably

• Can close blocked account

• Keep remaining funds for personal use

Long-term Student Considerations

Multi-year programs:

• Bachelor (3-4 years): Consider larger initial deposit or plan annual top-ups

• Master (2 years): Single deposit often sufficient

• PhD (3-5 years): Usually transition to employment-based proof after early years

Cost-benefit analysis: Compare large initial deposit versus annual renewals with fees.

Blocked Accounts and German Visa Types

Different visa categories have varying blocked account requirements and alternatives.

Student Visa (Study-Purpose Residence Permit)

Standard requirement: Full €11,904 annually Alternatives accepted: Scholarship, sponsor guarantee Renewal pattern: Annual verification of financial capacity Transition options: Move to employment-based proof if working part-time

Student Applicant Visa

Purpose: For university application preparation, language learning, or admission processing Requirement: Often same €11,904 for initial period Duration: Usually 3-6 months Special note: Some embassies accept lower amounts for shorter periods—verify locally

Language Course Visa

For courses exceeding 90 days:

•  Standard blocked account required

• Amount corresponds to course duration

• May be proportionally less for courses under one year

• Transitions to student visa if admitted to university

Job Seeker Visa

Post-graduation job search permit:

• Requires €6,000-€8,000 (typically for 6 months)

• Lower monthly limit (€1,000-€1,333)

• Must have completed German degree

• Maximum 18-month validity

Au Pair Visa

Requirements differ:

• Lower amount needed (€2,000-€4,000 typically)

• Au pair receives accommodation and allowance

• Blocked account supplements host family support

• Verify specific embassy requirements

Family Reunion Visa

Varies by case:

• Spouse joining: May need blocked account if not immediately employed

• Dependent children: Usually covered under main applicant’s proof

• Parents joining adult children: Specific financial requirements apply

• Each case evaluated individually by immigration office

Blocked Account Tax Implications

Understanding tax aspects helps avoid surprises and ensures compliance with German regulations.

Is Blocked Account Money Taxable?

No, initial deposit is not taxable income because:

• Represents your own savings or family support

• Not earned income in Germany

• Functions as proof of funds, not payment

• Personal financial resources, not revenue

Interest Income Taxation

Minimal but technically applicable:

• Blocked accounts earn very low interest (often 0-0.5% annually)

• Interest above €1,000 annually (€2,000 for married couples) is taxable

• Given low rates, blocked account interest rarely reaches taxable threshold

• German banks automatically withhold capital gains tax (Abgeltungssteuer) at 25% if applicable

Practical impact: Most students never pay tax on blocked account interest due to minimal amounts.

Tax Identification Number (Steuer-ID)

You’ll need this for:

• Opening regular German bank account

• Part-time employment

• Tax returns

• Official financial documentation

How to obtain:

• Automatically assigned after registration (Anmeldung)

• Arrives by mail 2-4 weeks after registration

• Can request at local tax office (Finanzamt) if not received

• Required for many administrative processes

Employment While Studying

If working part-time:

• Student employment usually tax-free up to €522 monthly (Minijob)

• Above this threshold: income tax and social contributions apply

• File annual tax return to potentially recover withheld taxes

• Blocked account withdrawals don’t affect employment tax status

Important: Blocked account and employment income are completely separate for tax purposes.