What belongs in your move budget?
For many Indian applicants, the biggest number is not a fee: it is proof that you can support yourself. For a work route, proof-of-funds is not normally the same blocked-account requirement as a student or job-search route. The tool keeps this line separate and shows the assumption it uses.
| Cost group | What to budget for | Payable when? |
|---|---|---|
| Application | National-visa fee, VFS service, translations, attestations/verification if your case requires them | Before or at appointment |
| Travel | One-way airfare, baggage and local transfer | Before departure |
| Housing | Temporary accommodation, rent advance and deposit (often up to three cold rents) | Before/at move-in |
| Setup | Furniture, SIM, transport pass, household essentials and first groceries | First weeks |
| Proof of funds | Route-specific accepted evidence; blocked balance is not a visa fee | Before decision, as instructed |
Indicative single-person scenario
At the default assumptions (Berlin, one adult, work route, ₹102/€), the estimate combines a €75 visa-fee placeholder, €650 flight, €30 service charge, documents, first-month cover, a three-rent deposit, first month's housing and setup. It does not include proof-of-funds for the work route. Your employer may cover travel or temporary housing; subtract confirmed benefits rather than hoped-for reimbursements.
Family planning
Moving with a partner or children increases flights, housing size, setup costs, insurance and the evidence needed to establish livelihood. The household selector is a rough scenario, not an official family-funds calculator. Confirm every family member's visa route, age-based fee and insurance status with the responsible German mission before booking travel.
Next steps
- Use the Chancenkarte-specific cost calculator if you are moving to search for work.
- Use the blocked-account calculator for a student route; current proof rules can change.
- Estimate monthly take-home pay with the German salary calculator and compare budgets in the city budget simulator.
Last updated: 11 October 2026. This is a planning estimate, not legal, immigration or financial advice. All figures are editable assumptions. Confirm current visa and proof-of-funds requirements with official sources; confirm actual flight, housing and VFS prices before paying.