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

For 2026, you need €11,904 in your blocked account. This equals €992 per month for 12 months — the amount the German government requires to prove you can support yourself.

What is the best blocked account provider for Germany?

The most popular providers are Fintiba and Expatrio, both of which are fast (1–3 business days), fully online, and widely accepted by German embassies worldwide.

Blocked Account Germany 2026: Complete Sperrkonto Guide

By Marwan · moved to Germany in 2023 · facts verified June 2026

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A German blocked account (Sperrkonto) is mandatory financial proof for visa applications. This comprehensive guide explains what it is, how much you need, which providers to choose, and the complete setup process for 2026.

€11,904

Required 2026

1-3 weeks

Setup Time

€992/mo

Monthly Release

€50-150

Setup Fee

What is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto in German) is a special type of German bank account required by the German government to prove that international students and visa applicants have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Germany. The account is "blocked" because you cannot withdraw the entire amount at once—instead, a fixed monthly amount is automatically released to you.

For 2026, the required amount is €11,904, which equals €992 per month for 12 months (verify the current figure at auswaertiges-amt.de before applying — it is adjusted annually). This amount is set by the German government in the Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) and is reviewed periodically to reflect actual living costs for students in Germany. The blocked account ensures you have steady financial support throughout your first year, preventing financial distress and dependency on German social systems.

The blocked account is the most commonly accepted and straightforward form of financial proof for German visa applications. While alternatives exist (sponsor declarations, scholarship letters), embassies strongly prefer blocked accounts because they provide guaranteed, verifiable proof of funds.

Who Needs a Blocked Account?

Student Visa Applicants

All non-EU/EEA citizens applying for a German student visa must prove they can financially support themselves. A blocked account with €11,904 is the standard requirement unless you have a scholarship covering full living costs or a German resident sponsor.

Language Course Visa Applicants

If you're coming to Germany for language courses, you'll need financial proof proportional to your course duration. For 6 months: €5,952; for 12 months: €11,904. Some embassies may accept alternative proof for shorter stays, but blocked accounts are preferred.

Chancenkarte (Job Search) Applicants

For the Chancenkarte — which replaced the classic job seeker visa in June 2024 — you must show €1,091/month (2026), about €13,092 for the full 12 months. A blocked account is the most common proof; a German part-time work contract reaching that amount or a sponsor declaration also works.

Who Doesn't Need One?

EU/EEA citizens, scholarship holders with full financial coverage, or those with German resident sponsors providing formal declarations (Verpflichtungserklärung) may not need a blocked account.

Top Blocked Account Providers 2026

Fintiba

€149

Most popular choice among international students. Fully digital process, fast setup (1-2 weeks), excellent customer support in multiple languages. Includes free German bank account and debit card upon arrival.

✓ Online account management • ✓ Visa confirmation letter • ✓ Insurance partnerships • ✓ 150+ countries

Visit fintiba.com →

Expatrio

€99

Budget-friendly option with all essential features. Fast digital process, comprehensive student packages bundling insurance and blocked accounts. Good mobile app for account management.

✓ Lowest fees • ✓ Package deals • ✓ Quick processing • ✓ English support

Visit expatrio.com →

Deutsche Bank

€150

Traditional German bank option with established reputation. Requires more paperwork and longer processing (2-4 weeks) but offers full banking relationship and physical branches in Germany for support.

✓ Traditional bank • ✓ Physical branches • ✓ Full banking services • ✓ Established reputation

Visit deutsche-bank.de →

Coracle

€49

Newest and most affordable option. Fully digital, very fast setup (under 1 week), modern app interface. Limited track record but growing popularity among students.

✓ Cheapest option • ✓ Fastest setup • ✓ Modern interface • ✓ 100% online

Visit coracle.io →

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

Step 1: Choose Your Provider

Compare providers based on fees, processing time, customer support, and included services. Fintiba and Expatrio are recommended for first-time applicants due to their user-friendly processes and reliable support.

Step 2: Register Online

Visit the provider's website and create an account. Fill out the registration form with your personal details, study information, and contact details. The process is fully online and takes 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

Complete identity verification through video call (VideoIdent) or by uploading passport/ID documents. VideoIdent is faster (30 minutes) but requires good internet connection and specific browser compatibility. Document upload takes longer (1-2 days) but is simpler.

Step 4: Transfer the Required Amount

Once verified, you'll receive German bank account details. Transfer €11,904 plus the setup fee via international bank transfer or credit card. International transfers take 2-7 business days depending on your bank and country. Keep all transfer receipts.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation Certificate

After your payment is confirmed, the provider issues a blocked account confirmation certificate (Sperrkontobestätigung). This official document is required for your visa application. You'll receive it via email as a PDF, usually within 1-2 business days.

Step 6: Submit for Visa Application

Print the confirmation certificate and include it with your visa application documents. Some embassies accept digital copies, but it's safer to bring both print and digital versions.

Step 7: Activate Account in Germany

After arriving in Germany with your visa, complete account activation by registering your German address (Anmeldung) and submitting it to your provider. Within days, monthly withdrawals of €992 will begin automatically. You'll also receive a German debit card for everyday use.

Important Things to Know

The €11,904 is YOUR Money

The blocked account is not a payment or fee—it's your own money held securely until you arrive in Germany. You get it back through monthly installments of €992, which covers rent, food, transport, and personal expenses during your first year.

Opening Timeline

Total process takes 1-3 weeks: 1-2 days for registration and verification, 2-7 days for international transfer, 1-2 days for confirmation certificate. Start this process immediately after receiving your university admission letter.

Currency Exchange Considerations

You'll need to transfer in Euros. Use services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Remitly for better exchange rates than traditional banks. Exchange rate fluctuations can cost you €200-500, so monitor rates and transfer when favorable.

What if I Need More Money?

€992 per month is the minimum. In expensive cities like Munich or Frankfurt, students typically need €1,200-1,500 monthly. You can still open a blocked account with the minimum amount and supplement with part-time work (allowed 140 full days/year for students) or additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the blocked account money before arriving in Germany?

No, the account remains completely blocked until you arrive in Germany and complete the address registration (Anmeldung) process. This is a security measure to ensure the funds are used for their intended purpose—supporting you during your stay in Germany. Emergency early withdrawals are generally not permitted.

What happens if my visa is rejected?

If your visa application is rejected, you can request a refund of the blocked account funds. Most providers charge an administrative fee (typically €50-100) for closing the account and processing the refund. The refund process takes 2-6 weeks. You'll get back your €11,904 minus the setup fee and closing fee.

Can I withdraw more than €992 in one month if needed?

No, the monthly limit of €992 is strictly enforced and cannot be exceeded. This is a legal requirement, not a provider policy. If you need additional funds, you must have a separate German bank account with your own savings, receive money from family, or earn through part-time work. Plan your budget accordingly, especially for the first month when you'll have move-in costs.

Do I need a new blocked account for my second year?

Not necessarily. When renewing your residence permit after the first year, you can provide alternative financial proof: updated bank statements showing stable funds, employment contract if you have a part-time job, scholarship confirmation, or a new blocked account. Most students who have part-time jobs don't need a second blocked account—bank statements showing regular income and savings are sufficient.

Which provider is best for my country?

Fintiba and Expatrio work for 150+ countries with straightforward international transfers. Deutsche Bank is better if you're from a country with existing Deutsche Bank branches (easier transfers). Coracle is fastest if you need urgent setup and are comfortable with newer fintech. Check your country's payment method compatibility—some countries face difficulties with certain providers due to banking restrictions.

Is €11,904 enough to live in Germany for a year?

It depends on the city. In affordable cities like Leipzig, Dresden, or Essen, €992/month is adequate for modest student living (shared apartment, cooking at home, limited entertainment). In expensive cities like Munich, Hamburg, or Frankfurt, you'll likely need €1,200-1,500/month for comfortable living. Most students supplement blocked account funds with part-time work earning €450-1,000/month.

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Sources

The figures and requirements on this page are based on the following official sources. Rules change — always confirm with the German embassy or authority responsible for your case.

Auswärtiges Amt — Visa Service — official proof-of-funds requirements for German visas
Make it in Germany — Financing your studies — official portal of the German government
§2 Abs. 3 AufenthV — Residence Ordinance — the legal basis for the required amount

Facts and figures last verified: June 2026

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