# Blocked Accounts & Proof of Funds in Austria (2026)

> Updated June 2026. Austria does not require a blocked account. Learn the 2026 subsistence thresholds (EUR 722.58 to EUR 2,064.12/month), accepted proof formats, and which permits need proof of funds.

Updated: June 7 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/blocked-account

Updated June 2026. Austria does **not legally require a blocked account** (unlike Germany). You must prove adequate means of subsistence benchmarked to the **Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz**. In 2026 a **student under 24** shows **EUR 722.58/month**, a student 24+ and a single adult show **EUR 1,308.39/month**, a couple **EUR 2,064.12**, plus **EUR 201.88 per child**. Rent above **EUR 386.43/month** must be added on top. A personal bank account in your name accessible from Austria, a scholarship, or a **Haftungserklarung** are all accepted proof.

## Do you need a blocked account for Austria?

Austria is not Germany. A **blocked account (Sperrkonto)** is one accepted proof format but is **not legally required** by Austrian immigration law. [**migration.gv.at**](https://www.migration.gv.at) and [**oesterreich.gv.at**](https://www.oesterreich.gv.at) list several accepted alternatives. The requirement is to prove you can meet the **Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz** monthly threshold, not to hold your money in any specific account type.

Many students and visa applicants use a **blocked account** because it is familiar from the German process, but for Austria it is entirely optional. If you have a personal account with sufficient funds, a scholarship, or an EU-resident guarantor, you can satisfy the requirement without opening a blocked account at all.

For a full comparison of the blocked account option versus alternatives, see [do I need a blocked account for Austria](/blocked-account/do-i-need-one) and our guide to [blocked accounts in Austria](/blocked-account).

## How much money do you need to show in 2026?

The **Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz** sets the official subsistence benchmarks. In 2026 the thresholds below apply. Most student permits require you to show **12 months** of funds in advance. Note that rent above **EUR 386.43/month** is added on top of the base figure.

| Category | 2026 monthly amount | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Student under 24 | **EUR 722.58** | 12 months in advance; note: the English **migration.gv.at** page still shows EUR 777.58, but the correct 2026 figure (German BMI page, OeAD) is EUR 722.58 |
| Student 24+ | **EUR 1,308.39** | 12 months in advance |
| Single adult | **EUR 1,308.39** | General residence permits |
| Couple | **EUR 2,064.12** | Combined household |
| Per child | **EUR 201.88** | Added per dependent child |
| Rent top-up threshold | **EUR 386.43** | If monthly rent exceeds this amount, the excess is added to the required total |
Sources: [OeAD](https://oead.at), BMI (Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior), migration.gv.at. Figures as of June 2026.

The **EUR 722.58** figure for students under 24 is an important correction. The English-language page on **migration.gv.at** has not been updated and still shows **EUR 777.58**. The authoritative figure comes from the German-language BMI page and is confirmed by [**OeAD**](https://oead.at). If you are applying for a student permit and you are under 24, use **EUR 722.58** as your monthly baseline.

## What proof of funds does Austria accept?

Austria accepts **multiple proof formats** and allows you to combine sources. The four main accepted formats are: a **personal bank account in your name** accessible from Austria, a **scholarship or grant letter**, a **Haftungserklarung** (written sponsor declaration from an EU-resident guarantor), and **traveller’s cheques**. You do not need to meet the threshold from a single source.

| Proof format | Requirements | Can combine? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Personal bank account | Account in your name, accessible from Austria, bank confirmation letter or 3 to 6 months statements | Yes |
| Scholarship / grant letter | Confirms monthly or annual amount and duration; issued by accredited institution | Yes |
| Haftungserklarung | Written sponsor declaration from an EU-resident guarantor; guarantor need not be Austrian | Yes |
| Traveller’s cheques | Accepted at some authorities; less practical in 2026 | Yes |
| Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | Not required, but accepted if you prefer this format | Yes |
For a deep dive on the source-of-funds documentation, see our guide to [source of funds for Austria](/blocked-account/source-of-funds). For the Haftungserklarung specifically, see the [sponsor declaration guide](/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration).

## Which permit needs proof of funds, and how much?

Almost every Austrian residence permit requires you to prove you meet the **Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz**, but the required period and the acceptable proof vary by permit type. The table below summarises what [**migration.gv.at**](https://www.migration.gv.at) and [**oesterreich.gv.at**](https://www.oesterreich.gv.at) require. No permit mandates a blocked account.

| Permit | What Austria wants | Blocked account required? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Student | **12 months** of funds at the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz threshold | No |
| Student Mobility / Erasmus | **24 months** of funds or duration of stay | No |
| Researcher | Salary or host institution confirmation | No |
| Job Seeker Visa | Sufficient assets plus health insurance | No |
| Red-White-Red / EU Blue Card | Salary route; no separate NAG income proof required | No |
| Self-employed Key Worker | Business capital and income evidence | No |
| Start-up Founder | **EUR 30,000** business capital | No |
| Family reunification | Household income meets combined Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz | No |
| EEA / Swiss registration | Sufficient means plus comprehensive health insurance | No |
Sources: migration.gv.at, oesterreich.gv.at, BMI. As of June 2026.

## How do you set up and transfer your funds?

The practical steps are straightforward. Pick your proof route early, make the transfer well in advance of your appointment, and keep documentation ready for the authority at [**MA 35**](https://www.wien.gv.at) (Vienna) or the local BFA.

- **Step 1: Choose your proof route.** Decide whether you will use a personal bank account, a scholarship letter, a Haftungserklarung, or a combination. If you prefer not to use a provider, see our guide on how to [set up a blocked account yourself](/blocked-account/diy-setup).
- **Step 2: Open an account or arrange your provider.** If using a bank account, open it in your name. For a blocked account, see our guide to [blocked account providers in Austria](/blocked-account/providers).
- **Step 3: Transfer early via SWIFT or SEPA.** International transfers can take **3 to 5 business days**. SEPA transfers within the EU arrive next day. For international transfers, [Wise](https://wise.com) offers competitive rates with mid-market exchange.
- **Step 4: Get a bank confirmation letter.** Request a letter on bank letterhead confirming your account balance and account holder name. Most banks provide this within **2 to 5 business days**.
- **Step 5: Keep 3 to 6 months of statements.** Download and print your most recent **3 to 6 months** of statements. Authorities want to see the funds are genuinely yours and not a last-minute deposit.

Useful links for setting up your funds

- [Compare blocked account providers for Austria](/blocked-account/providers) if you prefer the blocked account route.
- [Wise](https://wise.com) for international transfers at the mid-market rate.
- [Open a bank account in Austria](/banking/open-bank-account) for setting up a local account after arrival.

## Related Guides

[### What Is a Blocked Account? How the Sperrkonto works, when to use it, and how to open one.](/blocked-account/what-is-a-blocked-account)[### Do You Need a Blocked Account? Decision guide: when a blocked account helps and when a bank statement is enough.](/blocked-account/do-i-need-one)[### Blocked Account Providers Compare Coracle, Expatrio, Fintiba, and bank-issued Sperrkonto options.](/blocked-account/providers)[### Set Up Your Own (DIY) How to open a restricted savings account directly with a bank, without a provider.](/blocked-account/diy-setup)[### Proof of Funds Calculator Enter your age, rent, and dependants to get your 2026 proof-of-funds total.](/blocked-account/calculator)[### Source of Funds Documentation What documents to gather and how to present your financial history.](/blocked-account/source-of-funds)[### Sponsor Declaration (Haftungserklarung) How to have a parent or guarantor sponsor your Austrian visa application.](/blocked-account/sponsor-declaration)[### Student Visa Proof of Funds Specific requirements and documents for the Austrian student visa.](/blocked-account/student-visa)Sources: OeAD (oead.at), BMI, migration.gv.at, oesterreich.gv.at. Updated June 2026.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is a blocked account mandatory for Austria?

No. Austria does not legally require a **blocked account (Sperrkonto)**. Unlike Germany, you can satisfy the proof of funds requirement with a **personal bank account**, a **scholarship letter**, or a **Haftungserklarung** from a sponsor. The blocked account is one accepted format, not the only one.

### Can I use a foreign bank account as proof of funds?

Yes, a foreign bank account is accepted as long as it is **in your name** and **accessible from Austria**. You will need a **bank confirmation letter** or recent statements covering the required period. Austrian authorities at **MA 35** in Vienna and the BFA generally accept EU and non-EU bank accounts if the balance meets the **Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz** threshold.

### Can my parents sponsor me instead of showing my own funds?

Yes. A **Haftungserklarung** (sponsor declaration) from an **EU-resident guarantor** is an accepted proof of funds format in Austria. The guarantor declares legal responsibility for your living costs. The sponsor does not need to be Austrian, but they must be **resident in the EU**. Combined sources are also permitted.

### Do I need 6 months of bank statements?

Austrian authorities typically request **3 to 6 months** of bank statements. The exact requirement depends on the permit type and the specific authority processing your case. For student visa applications, **OeAD** and most universities recommend providing at least **3 months of statements** plus a bank confirmation letter showing the current balance.

### Does scholarship money count as proof of funds?

Yes. A **scholarship or grant letter** from an accredited institution counts as proof of funds in Austria. The letter must confirm the monthly or annual grant amount and the duration. **OeAD** scholarships, **Erasmus+** grants, and government scholarships are all commonly accepted. Combine a scholarship letter with a bank statement if the grant does not cover the full monthly threshold on its own.

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Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/blocked-account
Last updated: Updated: June 7 2026
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