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What is a P-Konto?
A P-Konto is a special type of current account in Germany that allows its holder to protect a basic living amount from court enforcement (garnishment).
How does it work?
When you convert your regular account into a P-Konto, you still have the right to withdraw a specific amount every month, even if garnishment orders have been issued against you.
It aims to ensure coverage of essential living expenses such as rent, food, and electricity.
What is the allowed limit in a P-Konto?
The protected basic amount currently (2024): 1.491,75 euros per month.
It can be increased if you support dependents (such as children or a spouse), based on official proof.
It can also be increased if there are special legal obligations, such as alimony payments.
Who is entitled to open a P-Konto?
Anyone who has a current account in Germany.
Especially those who have debts or expect a possible upcoming garnishment by creditors.
When should you open it?
It is recommended to open it early, as soon as you expect a potential garnishment, not after the garnishment has already happened.
If the garnishment is delayed, access to funds may be temporarily blocked until processing is completed.
How do you open it?
Practical steps
Submit a request to your bank to convert your existing current account into a P-Konto.
No new account is required — the existing account is converted directly.
Provide proof of dependents (such as children’s birth certificates, alimony decisions) to increase the protected limit when needed.
The bank is given a short period (usually 4 working days) to complete the conversion.
Legal right
The bank is legally obliged to convert your account into a P-Konto upon request and is not allowed to refuse.
What are the main advantages?
Immediate protection of the minimum living amount.
Flexibility in managing funds even under garnishment.
Easy increase of the protected limit when you have dependents.
No need for separate or additional accounts.
What are the limitations and disadvantages?
You cannot open more than one P-Konto.
It is for personal use only, not as a business account.
It does not protect large accumulated sums in the account before the garnishment is declared if they are not within the protected limit.
What happens if the amount exceeds the protected limit?
Excess amounts are subject to garnishment by creditors.
The bank may transfer the excess portion to the garnishment account or transfer it directly to the claimant.
Important tips
Convert the account before garnishment to avoid immediate freezing of funds.
Keep dependent proofs ready to provide to the bank at any time.
Make sure not to deposit large amounts (such as bonuses or one-time aids) without prior coordination.
Review the protected limit annually, as it is often adjusted in July each year.
Conclusion
The protected bank account (P-Konto) in Germany is an effective legal tool to protect the minimum living amount from garnishment. Opening it at the right time ensures continued access to money needed for daily life and protects you from harsh consequences of sudden garnishment. Early action, transparency with the bank, and regularly updating documents are key to using this system safely.
ـ The team of writers and editors on the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information as an initial reference and always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.
