What is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to study or seek employment in Germany, you must prove to the German government that you have the financial means to support yourself. This requirement is strictly enforced to ensure international students do not fall into poverty or rely on the German welfare system.
For the vast majority of applicants, the easiest and most reliable way to provide this "proof of financial resources" (Finanzierungsnachweis) is by opening a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto).
A blocked account is a special type of bank account designed specifically for international students and job seekers. You deposit a required lump sum of money before you apply for your visa. Once you arrive in Germany, this account is "blocked" in the sense that you cannot withdraw the full amount at once. Instead, you are only permitted to withdraw a fixed maximum amount per month.
How Much Money is Required? (2025/2026 Limits)
The German government sets the required amount based on the national student funding rate (the BAföG rate). This amount changes almost every year due to inflation.
As of late 2024 (applicable for 2025/2026 intakes), the required amount is €934 per month. Since a typical study visa is issued for one year, you are required to deposit 12 times this amount: Total required deposit: €11,208
Note: Always check the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) website for the most up-to-date figures before you transfer any money.
How to Choose a Blocked Account Provider
Not all blocked account providers are created equal. The German Federal Foreign Office explicitly states that they do not endorse any specific provider, meaning the choice is entirely yours.
The most popular digital providers among international students are:
- Expatrio
- Fintiba
- Coracle
When choosing your provider, compare them on these 5 critical factors:
- Account Opening Speed: Digital providers like Expatrio and Fintiba can usually open your account in under 24 hours. Traditional banks like Deutsche Bank can take weeks.
- Value-Pack Packages: Many providers bundle the blocked account with mandatory public health insurance (like TK or Barmer) and a free travel insurance policy. This can save you time and money.
- Total Costs: Look closely at the set-up fee (usually €50–€100) and the monthly maintenance fee (usually €4–€5 per month).
- Buffer Fees: Most providers require an extra €100 "buffer" to cover international transfer fees. This buffer is refunded to you when the account is closed.
- Customer Support: Read recent reviews. If your visa is delayed, you need a provider that responds quickly to email.
Common Timing and Transfer Mistakes
The blocked account process is where many students experience visa delays. Avoid these common traps:
- Starting Too Late: You must have the official "Blocking Confirmation" document before your visa interview. Do not book your visa appointment if you haven't initiated the transfer.
- Name Mismatches: The name on your passport MUST exactly match the name you use to open the blocked account, and it should match the name on the bank account you are transferring money from. Discrepancies trigger anti-money laundering (AML) flags, freezing your transfer for weeks.
- Transferring the Wrong Amount: If you transfer €11,200 instead of €11,208, the provider will not issue your blocking confirmation. You will have to make a second international transfer, incurring more fees and losing days of time.
The Ideal Sequence to Follow
To ensure a smooth visa process, follow this chronological sequence:
- Check Requirements: Confirm the exact current financial requirement on the website of the German embassy in your home country.
- Open the Account: Apply online with a digital provider. Ensure your passport is scanned clearly.
- Transfer Funds: Use an international transfer service like Wise or Instarem to send the money, or do a direct SWIFT transfer. Always include the exact reference number provided.
- Receive Confirmation: Within 2–5 days, you will receive the "Blocking Confirmation" (Sperrbestätigung) PDF. Print this out.
- Attend Visa Interview: Hand the confirmation to the visa officer.
What Happens After You Arrive in Germany?
Your blocked account is not a regular checking account. You cannot use it to pay for groceries at Aldi or pay your rent.
Here is how the payout works:
- Once you arrive in Germany, you must register your address (Anmeldung).
- You then open a regular German checking account (Girokonto), such as with N26, Commerzbank, or TK.
- You upload your German address registration and your new German IBAN to your blocked account provider's portal.
- The provider will "activate" your payouts.
- Every month, the provider automatically transfers your monthly allowance (e.g., €934) into your regular German bank account.
Make sure you bring enough cash or use an international credit card for your first 2–3 weeks in Germany, as it can take time to get your address registered and your first payout processed.