How much money must be in the blocked account for a language course visa?
The amounts applying to applications from Turkey in 2026:
| Course type | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General language course (sheet 44F, § 16f) | €1,091 | €13,092 |
| Study-preparatory course (36F, § 16b) | €992 | €11,904 |
Why they differ: for a language course that does not prepare for studies, the Residence Act requires the student amount plus a 10% surcharge (§ 2 (3) sentence 6 AufenthG, checked 15.10.2026): for 2026, €992 × 1.1 = €1,091.20; the missions in Türkiye ask for at least €1,091 per month (information sheet 44F). Study-preparatory courses use the standard student rate (€992 for 2026, BMI notice BAnz AT 29.08.2025 B1).
Two ways to prove funds:
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto) — opened at a German bank; you may withdraw a fixed amount each month
- Verpflichtungserklärung — a formal declaration by a sponsor in Germany; it must state "Bonität nachgewiesen" and name "Sprachkurs" as the purpose of stay
If the visa is issued for up to a year, the full annual sum is required; for shorter courses it is calculated pro rata.
A common mistake is depositing the student rate (€992) for a language course. The €99 monthly gap is €1,188 over a year, and an underfunded account is enough for a refusal. Confirm the figure on your mission's current information sheet before applying — the amounts track the BAföG rates and change from year to year.
Source: Information sheet 44F — language course
This is general information, not legal advice.
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