You’ve found an Ausbildung (vocational training) spot in Germany! You have your contract, your passport, and your motivation. But then the embassy asks for a “Blocked Account” (Sperrkonto), and your heart skips a beat.
Don’t panic. This is standard procedure, but it’s also one of the biggest financial hurdles for international applicants.
When applying for a visa for jobs in Germany, specifically vocational training, the government needs to know you won’t run out of money. Here is your simple guide to navigating the Blocked Account requirement for 2026.
🏦 What is a Blocked Account?
Think of it as a trust fund you set up for yourself. It is a special bank account where you deposit a required sum of money before you enter Germany.
- Why “Blocked”? You cannot withdraw the whole amount at once. You receive a monthly “allowance” transferred to your regular checking account to cover rent and food.
- The Goal: It proves to the German state that you can support yourself for the first year without needing welfare.
📉 Do You Even Need One? (The Math)
Here is the good news: As an Azubi (trainee), you earn a salary. If your salary is high enough, you might not need a blocked account at all!
The calculation works like this:
- The Requirement: The government sets a “minimum subsistence level” (e.g., €934/month, subject to change).
- Your Salary: Check your contract. Let’s say you earn €800 net/month.
- The Gap: €934 (Required) – €800 (Salary) = €134 shortfall.
- The Solution: You only need a blocked account to cover that gap (€134 x 12 months = €1,608).
If your net salary is higher than the required amount, your contract alone is usually sufficient proof of funds!
How to Open One (Step-by-Step)
If your salary is low and you do need one, follow these steps:
- Choose a Provider: Use a certified digital provider like Fintiba, Expatrio, or Coracle. They are accepted by the Foreigners’ Authority.
- Apply Online: It usually takes less than 15 minutes.
- Transfer the Money: This is the slow part. International transfers take 3-5 days.
- Get the Certificate: Once the money arrives, you get a PDF confirmation. Print this for your visa interview.
A recruitment agency get-talent.eu in Europe can often help you calculate exactly how much you need based on your specific training contract.
References
- Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office): Opening a Blocked Account
- Make it in Germany: Proof of financial resources