What is a blocked account in Germany?

Blocked account
Sperrkonto A German bank account where your full deposit is held and released to you in fixed monthly amounts after you arrive — proof to German authorities that you can support yourself financially during your studies.

A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a special type of bank account used to prove financial sufficiency when applying for a German student visa. The full required amount sits in the account, but you cannot withdraw it all at once. Instead, a fixed monthly portion is released to you after you arrive in Germany — this is your living allowance.

The idea is straightforward: German immigration authorities need to know you can support yourself without working illegally. A blocked account is the most widely accepted way to demonstrate this. It is not a regular savings account — it is a purpose-built financial instrument specifically designed for student visa applicants.

Think of it as a letter to the German embassy that says: "I have enough money for the year, and it is locked away so I cannot spend it all before I arrive."

Who needs a blocked account for Germany?

Most non-EU international students applying for a German student visa or a student applicant visa need to prove financial resources. A blocked account is the most accepted and straightforward way to do this.

You typically need a blocked account if you are:

  • A non-EU student applying for a national student visa (D-Visa) at a German embassy or consulate abroad
  • A non-EU student applying for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) after entering Germany
  • A student who cannot provide an alternative form of financial proof — such as a scholarship letter, a formal sponsorship declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung), or proof of parental income meeting specific thresholds

EU and EEA citizens generally do not need a blocked account for Germany. If you hold citizenship from an EU country, you have the right to live and study in Germany without a visa or financial proof requirement.

Always verify with your embassy

Requirements vary by country and individual circumstances. Before opening a blocked account, confirm the specific requirements with the German embassy or consulate responsible for your visa application. This article is a practical guide — it is not official visa advice.

How much money do students need in a blocked account?

The required amount is set by German authorities and is updated periodically. It is calculated as a monthly living allowance multiplied by the number of months your visa covers.

The figure is based on the BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) maximum rate as a reference point for what the German government considers a minimum living cost for students.

Verify the current amount before you transfer

The required deposit amount changes periodically. The figure that applied last year may not be correct today. Always check the current requirement on the official website of the German embassy or consulate handling your case before transferring any money. Do not rely on forum posts or third-party blogs — including this one — for the exact current figure.

At the time of writing, the commonly referenced annual deposit is around €11,904 (approximately €992 per month for 12 months). However, this is subject to change and some visa offices may require different amounts depending on the duration of your visa.

What documents do you need to open a blocked account?

What you need before you start
  • Valid passport — your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay
  • University admission letter — confirmation of acceptance or conditional acceptance from a German university or language course
  • Email address — you will create an account with Fintiba or Expatrio using your email
  • German tax ID or address — some providers require this at a later stage; for the initial application, your home address is usually sufficient
  • Bank account for the transfer — you will need to wire the deposit from your home country bank account to your blocked account
  • Ability to complete video identity verification — a smartphone or webcam, and a stable internet connection

How to open a blocked account for Germany step by step

The process is similar regardless of whether you choose Fintiba or Expatrio. Here is the general flow:

1

Choose your provider

Compare Fintiba and Expatrio (covered in the next section). Consider fees, processing time, and whether you need bundled insurance. Register on their website using your email address.

2

Create your account and fill in your details

Enter your personal information, passport details, and university admission details. The provider will use this to set up your blocked account with their banking partner.

3

Complete identity verification (VideoIdent)

German law requires identity verification before a blocked account can be opened. Both Fintiba and Expatrio offer VideoIdent — a short video call where an agent verifies your passport in real time. This usually takes 5–15 minutes. Have your passport ready and ensure good lighting.

4

Receive your account details and transfer the deposit

After successful identity verification, you receive the bank account details for your blocked account. Wire the required amount from your home bank. Use the exact payment reference provided — an incorrect reference can delay your account activation significantly.

5

Wait for the deposit to be confirmed

International wire transfers can take 3–7 business days depending on your bank and country. Once the provider confirms receipt, they process your account.

6

Receive your confirmation letter (Finanzierungsnachweis)

The provider issues a Finanzierungsnachweis (financial proof document) confirming that the required amount is held in your blocked account. Include this letter in your German student visa application.

7

Activate your account after arriving in Germany

Once you arrive and receive your residence permit, you activate your blocked account to begin receiving monthly payouts. Each provider has a slightly different activation process — follow their instructions carefully.