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Introduction

For international students who want to study in Germany, a focused consideration is the requirement of a "blocked" or sperrkonto, noting that this particular type of account serves as documentation of financial means for obtaining a student visa to study in Germany. The purpose of this account is to provide evidence to authorities that a student has sufficient finances to cover living expenses while studying in Germany. This blog will note who requires a blocked account for studying in Germany, when it should be opened, and why it is a crucial part of the process of studying abroad in Germany. Knowing the particulars of a blocked account will assist in the overall transition for international students embarking on their next educational experience in Germany.

What Is a Blocked Account?

A Blocked Account is a unique kind of bank account needed for many prospective international students studying in Germany. It is proof to German immigration authorities that someone will have access to sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while living and studying in Germany. In simple terms, this is a holding account of a specific amount of money deposited prior to applying for a student visa. 

The money is "blocked" in that you cannot access a portion of it all at once. Instead, you can only access a prescribed amount each month; a likely current amount of around €934 per month, which will be used for your day-to-day expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and study supplies.

As of 2025, students must deposit approximately €11,208 into their blocked accounts for one year of stay in Germany. This amount is established by the government and may change yearly in consideration of fluctuating cost of living conditions. 

The blocked account is essential to your visa and residence permit application confirmation because it assures the German authorities that the prospective student will not have to rely on employment or other income-related credit. A blocked account is one of the first things to think about after receiving an admission letter from a university.

Many approved service providers, such as Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, or Expatrio, help students open a blocked account online before arriving in Germany. Once you arrive, you can easily access your monthly allowance through a local German bank account.

In short, a blocked account is both a financial security measure and a mandatory requirement for most international students studying in Germany. It ensures that you can focus on your studies without worrying about managing your daily expenses.

Who Needs a Blocked Account?

A Blocked Account is needed explicitly for international students who plan to study in Germany and are required to show proof of financial support during their study period.

You need a blocked account if:

• You are a student outside of the EU and EEA applying for a German student visa or residence permit.
• You do not have a scholarship or financial guarantee to cover living costs.
• You are registering with a university, language program, or preparatory course (Studienkolleg) in Germany.

Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a blocked account because they have the same financial and working status as a German citizen.

For most cases, the blocked account acts as the official proof of funds you require to show you can support yourself in Germany - the current amount of funds is about €11,208 for a year - so that you do not require public assistance.

If you are an international student (outside of the EU) wanting to study in Germany, opening a blocked account is a compulsory action in your visa application.

Required Amount in the Blocked Account

In order to study in Germany, international students are required to put an amount of money into their blocked account prior to applying for the student visa. The amount is established by the German government in order to guarantee that the student can cover their living expenses for one year.

As of 2025, the amount will be €11,208, equating to €934 per month. This monthly allowance is the maximum amount that you can withdraw from the account to cover basic living expenses such as rent/accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily costs (e.g., phone bill).

If your course or visa is not for one year, you can deposit an amount of money that is relative to the number of months you will be studying in Germany. For example, a student studying for six months (one semester) would need to deposit approximately €5,604.

Always keep in mind that the amount is always subject to change due to annual cost-of-living increases, so be sure to check twice that you have the most up-to-date figure when you open the account.

The blocked account is one of the most critical aspects of your German student visa application to verify to the immigration offices that you are able to support yourself without any financial assistance from others.

How the Blocked Account Works

A Blocked Account acts as a means for financial security, enabling international students to budget their living expenses responsibly while studying in Germany. After the account is opened, and you make the required deposit (currently €11,208 for one year), the funds are then "blocked" and cannot be drawn upon altogether. The following is a step-by-step breakdown of the account: 

1. Funding the Account:

You will transfer the total amount to your blocked account before applying for a visa to study in Germany. This is to confirm that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during a stay in Germany. 

2. Visa and Arrival in Germany:

After you have received your visa and arrived in Germany, you must open a current account (also referred to as a Girokonto) to receive a monthly allowance.

3. Monthly Withdrawals:

You will be permitted to withdraw €934 each month from your blocked account (this amount will cover your living costs, including rent, food, transportation, and study materials).

4. Renewal or Extension:

If you will stay in Germany for more than one year, you will need to fund the account for the next period before applying for a renewal of your residence permit. 

The blocked account acts as a controlled fund, ensuring you have enough money to live in Germany comfortably and helping immigration authorities confirm your financial stability throughout your studies.

[Learn more: Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany for International Students]

How to Open a Blocked Account

Setting up a Blocked Account is one of the first things international students need to complete before applying for a German student visa. This could be simple and, in many cases, possible online from your country of origin. Here's how it goes:

• Pick a Government-Approved Provider:

Select one of the recognised providers like Fintiba, Expatrio, or Coracle, or alternatively, open an account directly with a bank in Germany, like Deutsche Bank. Make sure the German embassies officially accept the provider.

• Fill in the Application Form:

Go to a provider's website and fill in the blocked account application form with your personal and passport details.

• Document Requirements:

Upload or deliver scanned copies of your passport, acceptance letter, and proof of residence, if required.

• Deposit of Money into Blocked Account:

Transfer the amount or the funds equivalent to that of your new blocked account. As of now, it is €11,208 for one year. Some providers may charge a token fee for setup, service-wise.

• The bank will send the Blocked Account Confirmation:

As soon as your payment proceeds, you will get sent an official "Blocked Account Confirmation" letter, which is what allows you to apply for your student visa.

• Access Funds After Arrival:

When you arrive in Germany, open a local current account (Girokonto). Your monthly allowance—up to €934—will be transferred from your blocked account to your local account each month.

Opening a blocked account early helps avoid visa delays and ensures you meet all financial proof requirements before you arrive in Germany.

[Explore more: You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is to Build a Career in Germany]

Fees and Costs

It is essential to comprehend the fees and costs of opening a Blocked Account for your studies in Germany. They will depend on the provider or bank that you select.

Here's a general overview: 

1. Setup Fees:

Most providers have a one-time setup fee that will average somewhere between €50 €150. This is to set up and verify your account. 

2. Monthly Maintenance Fee:

After activating the account, there is also a monthly fee to maintain the account for about €4–€10. This is automatically subtracted from your account every month. 

3. Transfer Fees:

When you transfer money internationally to your blocked account, your bank may also charge international transfer fees and/or currency conversion fees. These depend on your country and your bank. 

4. Additional Costs:

Some providers offer packaged services that may include health insurance, SIM cards/phones, registering with residence, etc, that you may want or be asked to select. 

All in all, it is best to budget for around €100–€200 in setup fees, maintenance, and other fees for your first year. Also, remember to shop between providers to find one that fits your budget and has reliable customer service.

Alternatives to the Blocked Account

Although the Blocked Account represents the most frequent method to demonstrate proof of financial ability to study in Germany, there exists a limited number of other alternatives that may also fulfil the requirements for your student visa. The available options may be applicable relative to your financial objectives or sustained financial arrangements.

Here are the primary alternatives:

=> Scholarship confirmation

Suppose you have been awarded a scholarship from an officially recognised public or private provider (e.g., university, government body). In that case, the initial scholarship confirmation letter can be accepted as proof of capacity to support yourself financially in Germany. The letter must indicate the amount of scholarship and how long you will be supported.

=> Formal Obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung)

A sponsor living in Germany, such as a family member or friend, could provide what is known as a formal obligation. Your sponsor can go to the local immigration office and sign this letter, which legally obliges them to fund your living expenses while in Germany. 

=> Bank Guarantee

Some German or international banks may provide a bank guarantee (Sperrvermerk) indicating that funds are guaranteed available to you while studying in Germany.

=> Evidence of parents' income/savings

If your parents are going to support you financially, and in similar scenarios, then you may also be able to provide proof of documented parents' income or financial assets (or your parents' income/assets) with an official account from the appropriate regulatory authority, along with these documents verified and translated into English or German.

While these alternatives are accepted, the Blocked Account remains the most straightforward and widely recognised option for most international students. It provides clear proof of financial independence, which helps make the visa process smoother and faster.

[View Details: This Is the Easiest Time Ever to Immigrate to Germany]

Conclusion

If you are an international student who has decided to study in Germany, a blocked account may be one of the most critical financial requirements. A blocked account demonstrates that you possess a sufficient amount of money to cover your living costs and gives immigration officials assurances that you are financially secure.

If you show proof of funds that you financed yourself and can take care of all your expenses on your own while studying, you would have enough money deposited to show you have €11,208 per year to live on. Even though it is possible to have your education financed by alternative ways, such as sponsorships or scholarships, having a blocked account is the most trusted and accepted way.

Set your blocked account up earlier in the process to have as little delay on your visa as possible and to help get the student life you want as much as possible from the beginning.

While it may strictly be financial logistics, it is essential, as most students admit, that it was one of the first steps to securing and planning for a life abroad as a student.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a blocked account in Germany?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account required for international students to prove they have enough funds to cover their living expenses while studying in Germany. The money deposited cannot be withdrawn all at once—only a fixed monthly amount is accessible. It's a mandatory part of the student visa and residence permit process.

2. Why do international students need a blocked account?

The German government requires proof of financial stability to ensure students can support themselves without relying on public funds. It demonstrates your ability to cover rent, food, transport, and other living expenses. Without it, you cannot get your student visa or residence permit approved.

3. How much money is required to open a blocked account in 2025?

As of 2025, the official amount required is €11,208 per year, which equals €934 per month. This ensures students can meet the minimum living costs during their stay. Some banks may also charge a small setup or maintenance fee.

4. When should students open their blocked accounts?

You should open your blocked account at least 4 to 6 weeks before your visa appointment. This gives enough time for verification and fund transfer processing. Starting early avoids visa delays and last-minute banking issues.

5. Which banks or providers offer blocked accounts in Germany?

Several banks and financial platforms offer blocked accounts specifically for students, including traditional German banks and digital providers. Many services now support online account opening for faster processing. Always choose a provider officially recognised by German embassies.

6. How does the blocked account work once you arrive in Germany?

After arrival, you'll open a local current account (Girokonto) to receive your monthly allowance. Each month, €934 (or the approved amount) is automatically transferred from your blocked account to your local account. This helps you manage funds responsibly during your studies.

7. Can students deposit more money than the minimum required amount?

Yes, you can deposit more than the required minimum to cover extra expenses or emergencies. However, the withdrawal limit will still apply monthly unless you adjust it officially. Any additional funds remain safely in your account.

8. What happens to the blocked account if your visa is rejected?

If your student visa application is denied, you can request a full refund of your blocked amount. The bank may deduct minimal administrative fees for processing. Refunds are typically transferred back to the same account used for the original deposit.

9. Can you use a blocked account for part-time job income?

No, a blocked account is meant only for your initial proof of funds. Once in Germany, your part-time job income will go into your regular current account. These earnings do not affect your blocked account balance.

10. How long must you keep your blocked account active?

You need to maintain your blocked account throughout your first year of study or until you renew your residence permit. For renewals, you should top up the account with the following year's living costs. Your visa renewal depends on maintaining sufficient funds.

11. Can students switch providers after arriving in Germany?

Yes, you can transfer your blocked funds to another approved provider if needed. However, both banks must verify your identity and confirm the new setup before releasing funds. This process can take a few weeks, so plan.

12. What documents are required to open a blocked account?

You'll typically need a valid passport, university admission letter, visa application form, and proof of funding source. Some banks may ask for address verification or biometric ID copies. Submitting complete documents ensures faster approval.

13. Is it possible to access the full blocked amount in emergencies?

No, you cannot withdraw more than the monthly limit without official authorisation from the immigration office. In rare cases, such as medical emergencies, special permission may be granted. Otherwise, the account remains restricted to protect your financial security.

14. How long does it take to open and activate a blocked account?

The process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the provider and fund transfer speed. Online services are generally faster than traditional banks. Activation is confirmed once the required amount is credited and verified.

15. What's the best tip for managing a blocked account?

Always keep track of your monthly allowance and plan your expenses wisely. Avoid unnecessary transfers or delays by setting up both your blocked and local accounts early. This ensures smooth financial management throughout your stay in Germany.