Do You Need a Blocked Account for an Ausbildung?
A blocked account (in German, Sperrkonto) is a bank account that holds money you can only take out in fixed monthly amounts. It is one way to prove to the visa office that you can pay your living costs in Germany.
The Short Answer
For company (dual) training, you often do not need one. Your training pay counts as proof, as long as it is high enough. You only need a blocked account, or a sponsor, to cover the gap when your training pay is lower than the required amount.
For school-based training, or to come to Germany to look for a training place, you usually do need to show your own money, for example with a blocked account.
How Much You Must Show (2026)
These are the official amounts:
- Company or dual training: a training allowance of at least EUR 1,048 gross a month (EUR 822 net)
- School-based training: at least EUR 959 net a month
- Coming to look for a training place: at least EUR 1,091 net a month of your own money
If your housing is free, the amount drops by EUR 380 a month.