A blocked account, known in Germany as a Sperrkonto, is essentially a safety guarantee for the German Embassy. It proves that you have enough money to take care of yourself for one full year while you study, attend a language course, prepare at a Studienkolleg, or look for work. This account is part of the official “Proof of Financial Means,” and it shows that you can manage essential living expenses such as rent, groceries, health insurance, utilities, transportation, and daily necessities.
What makes this account different from a normal bank account is the level of control built into it. You cannot deposit money and spend it freely. Instead, the full required amount must be transferred before your visa appointment. After arriving in Germany, you only receive the approved monthly allowance, not the entire amount. This structure helps both the embassy and the student. It reassures officials that you will not face financial hardship, and it ensures that your money lasts for the duration of your stay.
What Is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) in Germany?
A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is a special type of bank account required by the German Embassy to show that you have enough funds to support yourself for one year. It’s an essential part of your Proof of Financial Means. It confirms that you can manage your living expenses, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, health insurance, and other daily costs, while studying or looking for a job in Germany.
Unlike a regular bank account, it follows strict rules:
- You must deposit the entire required amount before your visa appointment.
- You can’t access the full amount right away.
- After you arrive in Germany, the money is released to you in fixed monthly installments.
This setup gives the embassy confidence that students won’t run into financial trouble after arriving in Germany.
Why It Matters
German embassies are very strict about financial proof. If you do not provide the right documents, usually a blocked account, your visa can easily be delayed or even refused. Since the blocked account is a standard, embassy-approved option, it has become the most dependable way to meet this requirement and avoid visa issues.
Who Needs a Sperrkonto in Germany?
You will need a blocked account if you belong to one of these categories:
- International students applying for a long-term study visa
- Language course applicants
- Studienkolleg (preparatory course) students
- Research students without full funding
- Job seeker visa applicants
- Students transitioning from a language course to a degree program
Short courses under 90 days generally do not require a blocked account.
Is a Blocked Account Mandatory for Germany?
For students arriving from outside the EU or EEA, a blocked account is a standard requirement for most long-term German visas, and it plays an important role in proving that you can support yourself while living in the country. If you are applying for a German student visa for a bachelor’s program, master’s program, or doctoral studies, you will need to show that you have enough funds for your stay, and the blocked account is the most widely accepted way to do that. The same rule applies if you plan to move to Germany on a job seeker visa. Since you will be looking for work after arriving in the country, the authorities need assurance that you can manage your living costs, and the blocked account becomes the simplest and most reliable option.
A blocked account is also necessary if you are taking part in a long-term German language course that lasts more than ninety days. Students who are enrolling in a Studienkolleg, which is a preparatory college for those who need additional qualifications before starting a university program, must also maintain a blocked account until they begin their main studies. Even exchange students may be asked to open one if their stay goes beyond three months, unless their entire visit is fully funded by their host institution. In all these situations, the blocked account acts as a clear financial guarantee that you can manage your living costs while studying or preparing for your future in Germany.
When You May Not Need a Blocked Account
A blocked account is not always mandatory. You might be exempt in the following cases:
1. Fully Funded Scholarships
If you receive a scholarship from DAAD, Erasmus Plus, a government scheme, or a recognized foundation, the embassy accepts this as proof of financial support.
2. Verpflichtungserklärung (Sponsor in Germany)
A German resident or citizen can take financial responsibility for you through a Verpflichtungserklärung. This removes the need for a blocked account.
3. Government Funding
If your home country’s government or an approved agency is covering your expenses, their official funding letter can replace the blocked account.
Required Blocked Account Amount for 2026
Germany updates the financial requirement based on the BAföG rate, which represents the minimum cost of living for students. For 2026, the amount is expected to remain unchanged unless the authorities revise it. Students must demonstrate a total of €11,904 for the year, which is released at €992 per month after arrival. This amount is intended to cover rent, food, transport, health insurance, study materials, and everyday expenses.
Most providers add a small buffer, typically between €50 and €150, to cover service fees, international transfer charges, and exchange rate differences. Since each provider calculates the total slightly differently, it’s always best to confirm the final payable amount before transferring the money.
How to Open a German Blocked Account
Opening a blocked account is straightforward, but each step must be completed carefully to avoid delays in your visa process. Here is a clear, paragraph-style explanation of every stage:
Step 1: Choose an Approved Blocked Account Provider
Start by selecting a reliable provider. Germany accepts several options, including Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle, and Deutsche Bank. Digital providers like Fintiba and Expatrio offer faster online processing, while Deutsche Bank follows a more traditional method that requires embassy verification and takes longer. Consider processing speed, cost, additional services, and overall convenience before choosing.
Step 2: Start Your Online Application
After choosing a provider, you begin the application by filling in your personal details—full name, passport number, home address, visa type, and university admission status. For digital providers, this process is entirely online and typically takes just a few minutes.
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
Identity verification is compulsory for compliance and security. Digital providers verify your identity through quick online video KYC. Deutsche Bank, however, requires in-person document attestation at a German Embassy or Consulate, which can extend the process by several days or even weeks.
Step 4: Receive Your German IBAN
Once your identity is approved, the provider issues a German IBAN, which is the account number where you will deposit your blocked amount. This step is generally completed quickly after verification.
Step 5: Transfer the Required Amount (€11,904 + buffer)
You must transfer the full blocked account amount along with any additional buffer charged by your provider. Transfers can be made through international wire transfers, Wise, Remitly, Western Union, or your local bank. Digital remittance platforms usually offer better exchange rates and lower transfer fees.
Step 6: Receive the Blocking Confirmation
After your funds are successfully deposited, the provider issues a Blocking Confirmation—one of the most important documents for your visa appointment. It verifies that you have deposited the required funds and that the amount is securely locked for your stay in Germany.
Step 7: Begin Monthly Withdrawals After Arrival
After arriving in Germany, you must register your address and open a local current account (Girokonto). Once you share this new account information with your blocked account provider, your monthly allowance of €992 will begin to be deposited automatically.
Documents Required for a Blocked Account
You will need to submit a few basic documents to open your blocked account. The most important one is a clear scanned copy of your passport, including the personal information page, the signature page if it is separate, and sometimes any pages with visas or entry stamps. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Germany. You must also provide your university admission letter, which can be either a full offer or a conditional offer, as it confirms the purpose of your blocked account. Additionally, providers ask for proof of your current residential address, which can be shown through an Aadhaar card with an updated address, a rental agreement, utility bills, a bank statement, or any other government-issued address document. Some providers may also request a recent passport-size photograph, usually only when manual identity verification is required.
Cost of Opening and Maintaining a Blocked Account 2026
The cost varies depending on the provider. Fintiba charges an initial setup fee and a monthly maintenance fee, adding up to around €147 for the year. Expatrio is usually more affordable, with lower setup fees and a similar monthly charge. Coracle’s costs depend on the package you choose, while Deutsche Bank has higher setup fees but no monthly charges. Processing times also vary greatly. Digital providers complete the entire process within a few days, while Deutsche Bank can take several weeks due to paperwork and embassy involvement.
Below is a transparent cost comparison:
| Provider | Set‑up Fee | Monthly Fee | Total Annual Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fintiba | ~€89 | €4.90 | ~€147 | 1–3 days |
| Expatrio | ~€49 | €5 | ~€109 | 1–3 days |
| Coracle | ~€99 | €0–€5 | ~€99 | 1–4 days |
| Deutsche Bank | €150+ | €0 | €150+ | 2–6 weeks |
Other potential costs:
- Remittance fees
- FX conversion charges
- Buffer requirement
- Re-verification fees in some cases
Digital providers are faster, more convenient, and embassy‑accepted.
Fintiba vs Expatrio: Which Is Better in 2026?
Both platforms are approved by German authorities, but they cater to slightly different needs. Fintiba is known for its speed. Their app is convenient, their customer support is responsive, and their refund process is smooth if your plans change.
Expatrio is popular for its combined packages that include health insurance, which often makes it more affordable overall. Their dashboard is simple to navigate, and the automated reminders help students stay on track with deadlines.
If your visa appointment is very close and you want the fastest approval, Fintiba is usually the better choice. If you want a more budget-friendly package that includes insurance, Expatrio is a great option.
Blocked Account Activation Process After Arrival
To activate the account and start receiving monthly payouts:
- Complete Anmeldung (city registration)
- Open a Girokonto with any local bank such as N26, Sparkasse, or Deutsche Bank
- Submit your new bank account details to your blocked account provider
- Activation completes within 24–72 hours
You will then receive €992 each month until your balance runs out.
Can You Close a Blocked Account if Visa Is Rejected?
If your visa is rejected, you can get a full refund from your blocked account provider. To process the refund, you’ll need to submit a few documents, including the official visa rejection letter from the embassy, the provider’s refund request form, your original payment receipt, and a copy of your passport. Refund timelines vary depending on the provider: digital platforms usually return the money within 7 to 14 days, while Deutsche Bank can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks due to their traditional processing system.
Final Thoughts
A blocked account is not just a visa formality, it is your financial support system in Germany. With the requirement of €11,904, careful planning, choosing the right provider, understanding costs, and preparing all documents in advance can significantly reduce visa stress.
For fast processing and global acceptance, choose Fintiba. For budget-friendly packages with insurance, choose Expatrio. Always add a buffer amount, verify all details, and stay updated with your local embassy.
A well-prepared blocked account application improves your visa success rate and ensures a smooth transition into your life in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blocked account?
A blocked account is a special bank account required by German authorities to prove you have enough funds to cover your living expenses during your stay. The money stays “blocked” and you can withdraw only a fixed monthly amount after arriving in Germany.
How much money do I need to deposit in the blocked account?
For 2025, students must deposit EUR 11,208 (subject to annual revision). This covers your estimated living expenses for one year.
When should I open my blocked account?
You should open it before your visa appointment, because the blocked account confirmation is required as part of your visa documents.
Which provider is best for opening a blocked account?
Popular providers include:
- Fintiba
- Expatrio
- Coracle
- Deutsche Bank
Choose based on fees, processing time, support, and whether you prefer fully online onboarding.
How long does it take to open a blocked account?
- Online providers (Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle): 1–3 days
- Deutsche Bank: 1–2 weeks due to manual paperwork and embassy verification
What documents do I need to open a blocked account?
You typically need:
- Valid passport
- University admission or conditional offer
- Proof of address
- Passport-size photo (sometimes required)
Can I open a blocked account without an admission letter?
No. You must have at least a conditional offer to open the account with any provider.
What if I deposit more than the required amount?
Extra money will not increase your monthly withdrawal limit. Only the approved amount by the German government is released each month.
Can I change my blocked account provider after opening?
Yes, but it involves closing the existing account and opening a new one, which may delay your visa process.
What happens if my visa is rejected?
You can apply to close the blocked account, and the provider will refund your entire amount (minus service fees). Refunds usually take 2–6 weeks, depending on the provider.
