Can we use a sponsor letter from relatives who are German nationals to avoid showing the block amount?
Yes, you can skip the blocked account, but only with a formal Verpflichtungserklarung, or Declaration of Commitment, filed by your relative at their local Auslanderbehorde, not a casual sponsor letter. Your relative must prove sufficient income, and the document stays valid for six months only.
Yes, your German relative can sponsor you instead of you opening a blocked account, but this requires a specific legal document called a Verpflichtungserklarung, not an informal letter. Your relative applies for it directly at their local immigration office, and it comes with real financial obligations on their part.
Verpflichtungserklarung Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Application | Relative applies at their local Auslanderbehorde in Germany |
| Financial proof | Salary slips from the last 3 to 6 months or tax assessments |
| Legal obligation | Relative commits to cover housing, food, healthcare, and emergencies |
| Document handling | Original hard copy mailed to you, then submitted to the German embassy |
| Validity | 6 months from date of issue |
What Can Go Wrong
- If your relative's income is deemed too low relative to their marital status, dependents, or rent, the Auslanderbehorde can reject the declaration.
- If rejected, you will need to fall back on opening a standard blocked account.
- Timing matters: request the declaration close to your visa application date since it expires after six months.
My Advice
Ask your relative to start the Verpflichtungserklarung process at least two months before your visa appointment, and have them gather their income documents early, since a rejected application at the last minute leaves you scrambling to open a blocked account under time pressure.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the German visa check.
More Student visa questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- How much bank balance is needed for an Italy student visa after failing math in 12th grade?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?
- Is it necessary to include a cover letter explaining my financial arrangement, which combines a loan and personal savings, for my German student visa application?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?