Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) – German Study Guide

What Is a Sperrkonto?

The Blocked Account Explained

A Sperrkonto (German: blocked account) is a special bank account that proves to the German embassy you have enough money to support yourself during your studies.

You deposit a fixed amount before arriving in Germany. The account is "blocked" — meaning you can only withdraw a fixed amount each month once you arrive, not all at once.

It is a mandatory requirement for your German student visa. Without it, your visa will be rejected.

💶 Current Requirement (2024)

You must deposit €11,904 per year (€992 per month). This amount is set by the German government and updated annually.

📅 Monthly Withdrawal Rules

After arriving in Germany, you can withdraw a fixed monthly amount:

€992/month starting from your course start month
Withdrawal released on the 1st of each month
Cannot withdraw previous month's unused amount in bulk
Account remains active until all funds are withdrawn
Remaining balance can be transferred after studies end

📌 Do I need more than €11,904?

€11,904 is the minimum. We recommend depositing slightly more (€12,000–12,500) to cover bank transfer fees and ensure the balance never drops below the required amount.

Provider Comparison

Which Blocked Account Provider Is Best?

We compare the 4 main providers so you can make the right choice.

Provider	Setup Fee	Monthly Fee	Processing Time	SWIFT/Online	Our Verdict
Fintiba	€89	€4.90	3–5 days	✓ Both	⭐ Best for Most
Expatrio	€89	€4.90	3–5 days	✓ Both	⭐ Best Bundle (includes insurance)
Coracle	€0	€0	5–7 days	✓ Both	👍 Best Free Option
Deutsche Bank	€0	€0	2–4 weeks	✗ Online only	⚠️ Slower, no support

🏆 Our Recommendation: Fintiba or Expatrio

Both are fast, fully online, and embassy-accepted. Expatrio includes health insurance as a bundle which saves you time and money if you need both.

💡 Coracle if budget is tight

Coracle charges no setup fee or monthly fee, making it the cheapest option. Processing is slightly slower but works fine if you apply early enough.

How to Open

Opening Your Blocked Account — Step by Step

1

Choose Your Provider

Pick Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle or Deutsche Bank based on your budget and timeline. We help you decide.

2

Register Online

Create an account on the provider's website. Submit your personal details, passport scan and university admission letter.

3

Complete Identity Verification

Verify your identity via video call (VideoIdent) or by visiting a partner post office / bank — takes 10–20 minutes.

4

Transfer the Money

Transfer €11,904 (or more) via bank transfer or SWIFT. Allow 1–5 business days for funds to arrive.

5

Receive Certificate

Once funds arrive, you receive your official Sperrkonto certificate via email. This is the document you submit with your visa application.

6

Unblock After Arrival

After arriving in Germany and registering your address (Anmeldung), the account is unblocked and you can withdraw €992/month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! If your visa is rejected, you can close the blocked account and transfer all funds back to your home bank account. Fintiba and Expatrio refund within 2–5 business days. Small admin fees may apply.

No. You deposit once before the visa. After that, you manage your own finances in Germany through a regular bank account. The blocked account is only for the visa requirement.

Yes, if you have a sponsor in Germany (German citizen or permanent resident), they can provide a Verpflichtungserklärung (formal financial obligation). However, blocked account is far more reliable and easier.

Yes, if you have a full DAAD, Erasmus+ or similar German government scholarship that covers your full living costs, it can replace the blocked account requirement for the visa.

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) — Complete Guide