Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) Germany 2026: Complete Setup Guide

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is one of the most important requirements for your German student visa. It proves to the German government that you can financially support yourself during your studies. You deposit €11,208 (the 2025–2026 requirement), and €934/month is released to you after arrival. This guide covers everything: providers, step-by-step setup, transfer tips, and common mistakes.

What Is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?

A Sperrkonto is a special German bank account where you deposit one year of living expenses before your visa appointment. The money is "blocked" — you cannot withdraw it all at once. After arriving in Germany and completing your Anmeldung (city registration), the bank releases approximately €934/month to your regular German bank account. This ensures you have a steady income to cover rent, food, insurance, and transport throughout the academic year.

How Much Do You Need? (Historical Amounts)

The amount is set by the German Federal Foreign Office and reviewed annually. Always verify the current requirement before depositing.

Provider Comparison: Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Kotak vs Deutsche Bank

Step-by-Step: How to Open a Blocked Account

1. Choose a provider — Expatrio and Fintiba are the most popular for international students (fully online, fastest confirmation).
2. Register online — Create an account with your passport details, university admission letter, and personal information. Takes 10–15 minutes.
3. Verify your identity — Video-Ident (via app) or upload passport scan. Completed within 24 hours.
4. Transfer €11,208 — Wire the money from your home country bank account via SWIFT/international transfer. Processing: 3–7 business days.
5. Receive confirmation letter — Once funds arrive, the provider issues a Sperrbescheinigung (blocked account confirmation). This PDF is required for your visa appointment.
6. Attend visa appointment — Present the Sperrbescheinigung along with other visa documents at the German Embassy/Consulate.
7. Activate monthly releases — After arriving in Germany, complete your Anmeldung, open a German current account (Girokonto), and link it to receive monthly disbursements of €934.

How to Transfer Money from Your Country

From India

• Method: SWIFT wire transfer from any Indian bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, etc.)
• RBI LRS limit: USD 250,000/year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme — more than enough
• TCS (Tax Collected at Source): 5% TCS on remittances above ₹7 lakh/year (refundable via income tax return)
• Transfer time: 3–5 business days
• Tip: Compare exchange rates between banks. Use the forex desk, not regular wire transfer, for better rates.

From China

• Method: Bank wire via SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange)
• Annual quota: USD 50,000/person/year — sufficient for one blocked account
• Tip: Start the transfer early. Some banks have processing delays during peak seasons.

From Nigeria

• Method: International wire transfer through CBN-authorized banks
• Regulations: Central Bank of Nigeria foreign exchange framework
• Tip: Use the Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) or Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) channels. Some students split transfers across family members' allowances.

What Happens After You Arrive in Germany

1. Complete Anmeldung — register your address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in
2. Open a German current account (Girokonto) — at N26, DKB, Sparkasse, or Commerzbank
3. Link your Girokonto to the blocked account — through the provider's app/website
4. Monthly releases begin — €934 automatically transferred to your Girokonto each month
5. Annual renewal — if studying for more than 1 year, deposit another €11,208 before the first year ends

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Depositing the wrong amount — verify the exact current requirement. It changes periodically.
• Starting too late — allow at least 4–6 weeks before your visa appointment for account opening + fund transfer
• Name mismatch — your name on the blocked account MUST exactly match your passport name. Even small differences (middle name, spelling) can cause embassy rejections.
• Forgetting transfer receipts — some embassies ask for proof of fund source. Keep all bank transfer receipts.
• Not doing Anmeldung promptly — monthly releases won't start until you register your German address
• Opening the wrong account type — make sure it's specifically a Sperrkonto, not a regular savings account
• Choosing a provider not accepted by your embassy — Expatrio and Fintiba are universally accepted. Kotak Mahindra may need extra verification at some embassies.

Alternatives to a Blocked Account

In some cases, you may not need a Sperrkonto:

• Scholarship letter — if your scholarship covers at least €934/month (e.g., DAAD, Erasmus Mundus), the award letter replaces the blocked account. See scholarships in Germany.
• Verpflichtungserklärung — a formal obligation letter from a German resident who commits to covering your expenses. Must be obtained from the local Ausländerbehörde.
• Parent's bank statement — some embassies accept parents' bank statements showing sufficient funds + a sponsorship declaration. Less common and less reliable.
• Fixed deposit at a German bank — rarely used, requires in-person setup in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need in a blocked account for Germany in 2026?

The current requirement is €11,208 per year (€934/month). This amount is set by the German Federal Foreign Office. Always verify before depositing as it can change annually.

Which blocked account provider is best?

Expatrio is the most popular among international students — fast online setup, accepted by all embassies, and includes optional TK health insurance bundling. Fintiba is a close second. Kotak Mahindra Bank is popular among Indian students for its free setup and lump-sum withdrawal option.

Can I open a blocked account without an admission letter?

Yes — most providers allow you to open an account with just your passport. The admission letter is needed for the visa application, not the blocked account itself. Opening early gives you more time for the fund transfer.

How long does it take to open a blocked account?

Account opening: 1–3 days online (Expatrio/Fintiba). Fund transfer from abroad: 3–7 business days. Total timeline: approximately 1–2 weeks. Start at least 4–6 weeks before your visa appointment.

Can I withdraw all the money at once?

With Kotak Mahindra Bank, yes — lump-sum withdrawal is possible. With Expatrio, Fintiba, and Deutsche Bank, funds are released monthly (€934/month). After your residence permit is issued and you no longer need the Sperrkonto for visa purposes, you may be able to close the account and withdraw remaining funds (subject to provider terms).

Do I need a blocked account if I have a DAAD scholarship?

No — if your DAAD scholarship covers at least €934/month, the scholarship award letter replaces the blocked account requirement. Present the scholarship confirmation at your visa appointment instead.

Need help setting up your blocked account? Our blocked account setup service guides you through the entire process. Or get a free profile evaluation to start your Germany journey.