Learn everything about the Germany blocked account, including the latest required amount, approved providers, eligibility, step-by-step account setup, required documents, and how to use it for your German student visa application..
International students choose Germany as a study destination due to its renowned universities, excellent academic system, and diverse English-language courses. But students need to fulfil some financial and visa conditions before they can immigrate to the country. One of the most important requirements is proving that they have enough funds to cover their living expenses.
For many international students, a German blocked account is the most common way to provide this proof. Read on to learn more about the blocked account.
A German blocked account is a special bank account used by international students and other visa applicants to prove that they can financially support themselves during their stay.
A blocked account is called a Sperrkonto in German. The applicant puts the necessary amount into the account before applying for a visa. The money remains protected and cannot be withdrawn as a single amount after the applicant arrives in Germany. Instead, a set sum is paid out each month. This system ensures that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover their regular living expenses.
Germany requires international students to prove that they can pay for their living expenses without depending on public financial assistance. Many public universities in Germany either do not charge tuition fees or charge very low ones, but students still have to pay for their daily expenses.
Daily expenses differ from city to city. If you are thinking of moving to Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg, you may find it costlier than smaller university towns like Bayreuth, Marburg, and Göttingen. However, the German blocked amount requirement is a common financial guideline for visa applications.
The account also means the applicant can't withdraw all the money at once after arriving in Germany. Money is paid out in monthly payments, meaning that students can access consistent financial assistance over a longer time.
The blocked account is thus not a tuition payment. It is used mainly to provide day-to-day living expenses. The monthly funds can be used for:
A blocked account is the most frequently requested condition for non-EU/non-EEA students seeking a student visa for Germany. But the exact requirements will depend on the applicant's nationality, visa type, financial situation, and the type of proof accepted by the German mission in the applicant's country.
If a student visa applicant has no other accepted financial support, they may apply for a blocked account.
If you are one of the following, you may require a blocked account:
EU or EEA citizens are not usually required to use a blocked account for a student visa to Germany. However, financial requirements can differ depending on the individual's situation.
A blocked account can also apply to certain non-student visa categories. The required amount can vary according to the purpose of the stay. It is important that applicants do not assume that they can use the student amount for another visa category without verifying the current rules.
The German Federal Foreign Office recommends confirming the required amount and acceptable proof of funds with the responsible German mission abroad.
One of the most popular options to prove a financial situation is a blocked account, but that's not necessarily the only option. In addition, depending on the applicant's situation and the criteria of the German embassy or consulate, financial resources can be proven by:
Students who receive a scholarship may submit an official scholarship certificate. The scholarship must clearly specify the financial support period and amount. If the scholarship is not for the full amount, the student may be asked to submit further proof of funds.
A person living in Germany may agree to financially support the applicant. This arrangement is generally documented through a formal Declaration of Commitment, known as a Verpflichtungserklärung. The sponsor must satisfy the required financial requirements and go through the necessary steps with the relevant German authority.
The blocked account amount for students in Germany in 2026 is €11,904 per year. This amount allows students to access up to €992 per month after arriving in Germany and activating the account. The amount is based on the financial resources considered necessary to support a student’s living expenses. It could be changed by the German authorities at any time, and the applicant should always check the most recent number before transferring money.
The full amount is deposited before the visa application. Students, however, don't get the whole amount all at once upon their arrival in Germany. The blocked account is not normally used like a standard debit account. The students typically require a current account, also known as a Girokonto, from which they can withdraw and deposit the monthly funds.
The German Federal Foreign Office notes that applicants may need to pay banking fees in addition to the money deposited in the blocked account.
Most blocked account providers have a completely digital application process. However, the applicant must present a valid document to validate and register the account. These requirements can vary from provider to provider, but are usually:
Some providers may request additional documents if further verification is required.
The process of opening a blocked account has become much simpler in recent years. Most providers offer the option to complete the entire process online before the trip. The process typically works as follows:
Choose a reliable provider that provides a blocked account for international students. Before making a decision, compare:
Go to the website of the provider and register using your email address. Once the account has been created, the application process will start.
Once the account has been created, start uploading the necessary documents. Generally, applicants have to submit documents for automated identity verification. Others may ask for a short video verification or a live identification process. When uploading documents, clear and well-written documents will lead to fewer delays.
After the application is reviewed, the provider shares information about the blocked account. These usually include:
Be careful when it comes to instructions, as any wrong payment detail can affect the activation of the account.
The applicant pays for the application from their bank account. When transferring, the following should be included:
The applicants are requested to keep the payment receipt with them until the process is complete.
Once the money is received, the provider will share an official confirmation of blocking. This document confirms:
Once the blocking confirmation is received, students may submit it along with visa documents. Additionally, depending on the country, applicants might be required to bring:
All documents submitted are checked by the German embassy/consulate before they are considered for a visa.
One of the first legal requirements after arriving in Germany is registering your residential address. This is normally done at your local Residents' Registration Office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt).
The usual activation process is as follows:
Opening a blocked account takes some time to complete, depending on document verification, identity checks, and international bank transfers. The timeline can differ, but here's a rough schedule:
There are a number of financial services that provide blocked account services for overseas students. While all recognised providers help applicants meet the financial proof requirement, they differ in fees, processing times, customer support, and additional services.
Expatrio and Fintiba are the two most popular choices of blocked account providers for Germany. Both are fully digital, and many international students applying for a German student visa use these.
Expatrio is one of the preferred choices for foreign students moving to Germany. It offers a complete online application process and allows students to log in through a web portal or mobile app. One of the strengths that Expatrio has is its value-added services. Besides the blocked account, students can buy compulsory health insurance and other relocation services on the same platform. Key features include:
Fintiba is another well-known provider that has been serving international students for several years. It also has an online application process and provides additional services such as health insurance and travel insurance.
The straightforward application process and Fintiba's wide experience with German student visas make them a popular choice among many students. Key features include:
When comparing expatrio vs fintiba, there is no single provider that suits everyone. The selection between them comes down to the applicant's priorities such as cost, extra services, customer experiences, and processing speed. Students are recommended to consult the latest charges and conditions prior to making any decision, as providers may alter fees and services.
In addition to the blocked account amount in Germany, students also have to pay provider fees. These may include:
The specific details of the charges will differ depending on the provider and payment method. It is always advisable to review the provider's official fee schedule before transferring any money.
Yes. Before going to the visa appointment, most students open and fund their blocked account. During the visa application, the blocking confirmation is generally needed as proof of financial resources.
For most providers, applicants can request a refund once they have provided evidence that their visa application has been refused and have followed the provider's cancellation procedure. The processing times and refund fees differ among providers.
Generally, changing providers after transferring the funds can be complicated. Students should thoroughly research services, fees and policies before opening an account.
Most blocked accounts are designed solely to meet German visa requirements and do not offer significant interest earnings. Candidates are advised to refer to the terms & conditions of the provider they are interested in for the latest updates.
Yes, in most cases. Normally, the monthly payment from the blocked account is paid into a standard German current account, where students make their regular payments.
Sr Manager - Business Development
Mahak Malik is the Senior Manager – Business Development, with expertise in international education, student recruitment, and strategic partnerships. She is passionate about helping students make informed decisions about studying abroad by providing accurate, practical, and up-to-date guidance. Through her blogs, Mahak shares insights on global education trends, university admissions, scholarships, student visas, and career opportunities, helping aspiring students confidently navigate their study abroad journey.
