Blocked Account for Germany: Fintiba vs Expatrio Compared (2026)

TL;DR: A blocked account (Sperrkonto) proves to the German embassy you can cover living costs. For 2026 you deposit €11,904, and the bank releases €992 per month after you arrive. Fintiba and Expatrio are the two most popular recognised providers, both work online and are embassy-accepted; the choice usually comes down to fees and whether you want a health-insurance bundle.

Key facts at a glance

The blocked account sits right at the centre of your visa file, and students tend to feel uneasy about it because of the sum involved. Here's the reframe that helps: it isn't a fee and it isn't lost money. It's your own savings, parked in a controlled account, handed back to you month by month once you're in Germany. Get it wrong (wrong amount, wrong provider, wrong sender) and your visa can be refused. Get it right and it quietly does its job in the background.

What is a blocked account?

A blocked account is a special German bank account that proves you can cover living costs. You deposit a set amount upfront; once in Germany, the bank "unblocks" a fixed sum each month. It's mandatory for most non-EU students, including Indians, applying for a German student visa.

How much do you need in 2026?

For 2026, the required amount is €11,904 per year, released as €992 per month. This figure tracks Germany's BAföG student-support rate and can change yearly, so confirm the current amount before depositing. For a longer visa, multiply accordingly (e.g. 18 months ≈ 18 × €992).

How it works, step by step

1. Open the account online with a recognised provider.
2. Transfer €11,904 (plus any required buffer).
3. Receive a confirmation certificate for your visa application.
4. After arriving, link a normal German bank account.
5. Withdraw up to €992 each month.

Crucial: funds must come from your own or a family member's account. Transfers from friends or business accounts are rejected, and some Indian banks may not be accepted, confirm first.

Fintiba vs Expatrio: the comparison

Both are widely recognised, both open fully online, and honestly, for most Indian students the day-to-day difference is small. So don't agonise over it, decide on a few practical points. Look at total cost (the opening fee plus any monthly maintenance, often close to zero). Consider bundles: if you also need health insurance, an all-in-one package saves you juggling two providers. Reconfirm embassy acceptance for your specific Mission, since requirements can vary. And weigh support quality, when a visa appointment is bearing down on you, a provider that answers quickly is worth a lot. Pricing and packages change, so check both providers' current offers before you commit. Coracle and Deutsche Bank are also recognised if you want to look wider.

Timeline: when to open it

Open it 8–12 weeks before your visa appointment. International transfers take several days and typically cost €15–€40 in bank fees, and the confirmation certificate is required at your appointment.

Common blocked account mistakes

• Depositing less than the required minimum
• Using a provider not recognised by your embassy
• Transferring from a non-family account
• Leaving it too late and missing the appointment window
• Not having the confirmation certificate ready at the interview

Let GradGermany set it up for you

Choosing a provider, transferring funds correctly, and timing it around your visa appointment is fiddly, and mistakes are costly. GradGermany sets up your blocked account and coordinates it with your visa timeline.

See our blocked account setup service or get a free profile evaluation.