Proof of sufficient financial means is a central requirement for the issuance of a visa to Germany. International professionals must demonstrate that they can independently finance their livelihood during their stay.

Proof of financing by visa type

Depending on the purpose of stay and visa type, different requirements apply to proof of financing. The required minimum amounts are based on the respective visa and can change regularly. The current amounts should be verified with the competent German diplomatic mission or on its website before submitting the application.

Overview of financing options

Various options are available for proof of financial means:

• Blocked account at a Germany bank
• Declaration of commitment by a person living in Germany
• Scholarship from a recognized scholarship provider
• Employment contract with full recognition of professional qualification

Which options are suitable for the respective visa application depends on the purpose of stay and individual circumstances. The various financing options can also be combined in certain cases, such as with partial scholarships.
An overview of which proof of financing is required for which visa type can be found in the overview table of German visa types.

Blocked account

The blocked account is one of the most common methods for proof of financing and is preferred by German diplomatic missions. It is a special bank account into which a specified amount is deposited before the visa is issued.
The blocked account is exclusively intended to cover one's own living expenses. The deposited amount remains blocked until entry into Germany and cannot be freely used. After entry, the money is transferred in monthly fixed installments to a German current account. Complete withdrawal or closure of the account is only possible with the consent of the embassy or immigration office.

Opening the blocked account

A valid passport and a recent passport photo are required for opening. Depending on the bank and nationality, proof of the origin of the money may additionally be required, e.g., through salary or income statements from recent months or bank statements with transfers from third parties such as family members.

Activation after entry

After entry, the bank must be informed of arrival and the issued visa must be presented. Subsequently, a German current account is opened to which the monthly amounts from the blocked account are transferred.

Closure in case of visa rejection

If the visa is not issued, the blocked account can be closed without problems. Presentation of the rejection notice to the bank is required. The deposited amount is then fully refunded minus a fee for transfer and account management.

Declaration of commitment

An alternative to the blocked account is the declaration of commitment. This is a personal guarantee by a person living in Germany who commits to covering all costs of the entering professional during the stay.
The declaration of commitment is an official document of the immigration office. The guarantor commits to bearing costs such as accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and any costs that may arise with German authorities.

Requirements for the guarantor

The guarantor must prove regular, sufficient income with which both their own livelihood and that of the professional are secured. The amount of required income depends on the guarantor's personal situation. If the guarantor is married, has children, or wishes to support multiple people from abroad, a correspondingly higher income is required.

Application and issuance of the declaration of commitment

The declaration of commitment is applied for at the local immigration office at the guarantor's place of residence with presentation of the following documents:

• Completed application form for declaration of commitment
• Valid ID card / passport
• Copy of the passport of the entering professional
• Proof of income
• Rental agreement or proof of ownership for sufficient living space

Also to be submitted depending on the guarantor’s employment status:

• Employees: Pay slips from the last three to six months
• Self-employed: Tax assessment or income surpluses
• Retirees: Pension notices

After review and payment of the application fee, the authority issues the document.

Validity and end of commitment

The declaration of commitment can be used as proof of financing when applying for a visa for 6 months. If the visa is not issued during this period, the declaration of commitment must be applied for again. After the visa is issued, the commitment cannot be revoked. The sponsor remains liable to the German authorities until the professional either leaves Germany or obtains a residence permit with independent financing. The commitment begins with entry to Germany and ends after five years at the latest.

Scholarship

A scholarship from a recognized scholarship provider can be recognized as proof of financing if it fully covers all relevant costs such as living expenses, accommodation, and if applicable course fees, and guarantees a monthly income.

Combination with blocked account for partial scholarships

If the scholarship covers only part of the required costs, diplomatic missions additionally require a blocked account to secure the remaining financial needs. The amount to be deposited into the blocked account then corresponds to the difference between the scholarship amount and the required minimum amount.

Employment contract

In certain cases, an already signed employment contract can also be recognized as proof of sufficient financial means. This requires that recognition of the foreign professional qualification has already been fully completed.

Important notes

The requirements for proof of financing as well as the required minimum amounts can change and differ depending on the visa type. It is strongly recommended to verify the current requirements with the competent German diplomatic mission or on its website before submitting the application. In certain cases, various proof of financing can be combined, such as with partial scholarships or income from side employment during the stay. The diplomatic mission examines on a case-by-case basis which combinations are accepted.