What is the proof of funds?
When you apply for a national visa (D) to study in Germany, you must show you can cover your living costs. The most common route is a blocked account (Sperrkonto): you deposit money, and a fixed amount is released to you each month in Germany (source: DAAD, daad.de; as verified on 2026-10-23).
Verified amounts
- EUR 992 per month, EUR 11,904 for one year. Sources: the 2026 Muscat embassy sheet (maskat.diplo.de) and DAAD (EUR 992 per month as of 1 January 2025). The Beirut sheet describes a blocked-account deposit of EUR 11,904 with a EUR 992 monthly payout.
- Prospective students (Studienbewerber): EUR 1,091 per month for a maximum of 9 months, per the Beirut sheet.
- The Bern sheet still states EUR 947 per month, which is outdated relative to other sources. Always rely on the current page of the mission you apply to.
- Verified on 2026-10-23. Amounts and provider conditions change.
Accepted ways to prove funds
According to DAAD, the options are:
- A blocked account (Sperrkonto); DAAD gives setup fees of EUR 70-150.
- A formal commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a person in Germany.
- A scholarship notice from a German public body of at least EUR 992 per month.
- Parental income (DAAD).
- Country note: the Russia sheet says Russian bank accounts are no longer accepted, so a Sperrkonto or Verpflichtungserklärung is needed. A dedicated study-specific procedure page for Turkey was not verified.
Practical steps
- Check the current proof-of-funds amount on the page of your mission (Ankara, Istanbul or Izmir for Turkey).
- Once you have your admission letter, compare blocked-account providers: setup fee, monthly fee, and the confirmation document they issue.
- Open the account, deposit the required amount and get the account confirmation from the provider.
- Prepare health insurance proof as well (minimum cover EUR 30,000, per DAAD and mission pages).
- Attach the documents to your visa application; processing time varies by mission (the general Ankara/Istanbul/Izmir page says 8-10 weeks, but that page is several years old).
- After arrival, register your address (within two weeks) and apply for the residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
Common mistakes
- Depositing an outdated amount (for example trusting an old page that shows EUR 947 per month).
- Forgetting to include the account confirmation in the visa file.
- Not comparing providers' fees and withdrawal conditions beforehand.
- Trusting a generic blog post instead of the requirements of the mission you apply to.
- Sharing ID and banking details with intermediaries who handle deposits for you.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is general information. Dates, fees and requirements can change; verify official sources before applying.