Student Visa for Germany: Blocked Account, Documents and Steps
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
Germany separates students into three groups by nationality, and the paperwork differs for each. This guide covers the rules for degree students as they stood in October 2026. Amounts change yearly, so confirm them on the website of the German mission in your country.
Who needs a visa
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no visa and no residence permit. You register your address like everyone else.
- Citizens of a short list of countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States, may enter without a visa and apply for the residence permit in Germany.
- Everyone else must obtain a national visa before travelling. A Schengen tourist visa cannot be converted into a student permit.
Which visa
- Student visa: you already hold an admission letter, including conditional admission or a place at a Studienkolleg.
- Visa for study applicants: you do not have an admission yet and need to be in Germany to apply or sit an entrance exam. It can later be converted into a student permit.
Processing takes weeks and sometimes months, because the local immigration office in Germany is often consulted. Book the appointment as soon as you have your admission.
Proof of financing and the blocked account
You must show that your living costs are covered. The most common proof is a blocked account (Sperrkonto): you deposit the required sum for one year in advance, and after arrival the bank releases a fixed amount each month.
The required sum follows the maximum rate of the German student grant (BAföG) and is published by the German missions. At the time of writing it was €992 a month, which means €11,904 for a year. Tuition fees, where they apply, are not included.
The Federal Foreign Office lists the providers that offer blocked accounts worldwide. Alternatives accepted by many missions:
- a formal obligation signed by a resident of Germany at the immigration office (Verpflichtungserklärung)
- a scholarship from a recognised provider
- documents on the parents' income and assets, in some countries
Health insurance
No insurance, no enrolment. Students under 30 are normally insured with a statutory health insurer at the student rate from the start of the semester. For the journey and the weeks before enrolment you need travel health insurance. Students over 30, language course participants and Studienkolleg students usually need private cover.
After arrival
- Register your address at the residents' registration office within two weeks of moving in. You need a confirmation signed by your landlord.
- Enrol at the university and activate your health insurance.
- Apply for the residence permit at the local immigration office before the entry visa expires. Appointments can be scarce in big cities: ask for one immediately.
Working while you study
Students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year without extra permission. Jobs as a student assistant at the university do not count towards the limit. Self-employment needs approval.
What it costs to live
Rent is the main expense. For the 273 student residences with a published price in our catalogue, a room typically costs €214 to €535 a month. See student housing in Germany and how much it costs to study in Germany.
Where to look next
Official sources
- Federal Foreign Office: blocked account
- Make it in Germany: visa for studying
- DAAD: studying in Germany
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.