The blocked account (Sperrkonto): Germany's student visa money proof

Sperrkonto for the German student visa: €11,904/year (€992/month payout), Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Coracle fees and speed, opening steps and refund rules.

Last updated: July 13, 2026

How much money does a German blocked account require in 2026?

The blocked account requires €11,904 for one year in 2026 - released back to you at €992 per month after arrival. It is mandatory proof of funds for most non-EU student visa applications. The Chancenkarte (jobseeker card) requires more: €13,092. Accounts open online in 1-3 days at providers like Expatrio, Fintiba or Coracle.

What this guide covers

What it is and why the embassy demands it The provider comparison Opening step-by-step Rules that trip students up

What it is and why the embassy demands it

Germany wants proof you can live for a year without working illegally. Your money sits locked at a German provider; after you arrive and open a regular bank account, the Sperrkonto drip-feeds €992/month into it. It is YOUR money throughout - just rationed.

The provider comparison

Provider	Setup fee	Monthly fee	Speed	Notes
Expatrio	~€49-69 ⚠️ VERIFY	~€5 ⚠️	1-2 days	Popular bundle: blocked account + health insurance + travel insurance in one (bundles often discount the fees)
Fintiba	~€89 ⚠️	~€4.90 ⚠️	often same-day	Longest-running digital provider, Sofort confirmation
Coracle	~€99 one-off, €0 monthly ⚠️	-	1-3 days	Flat-fee model - cheapest over a full year for some profiles
Deutsche Bank (classic)	high effort	-	weeks	Paper process via embassy - only if digital providers don't serve your country

⚠️ BUILD NOTE: verify all fees at build time and keep this table on the weekly sweep - fees shift and this is the site's highest student-conversion surface.

Bundle math matters: embassy checklists also require health insurance. Expatrio/Fintiba bundles (blocked account + incoming insurance + statutory KV pre-registration) usually beat buying separately - compare the year-total, not the setup fee.

Opening step-by-step

Choose provider, register online with passport (no German address needed)
Transfer €11,904 + buffer for fees (use Wise)
Receive the blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung) PDF - THIS goes in your visa application
After arrival: complete activation (German address + regular bank account), monthly payouts start

Rules that trip students up

The €992/month cap is hard - you cannot withdraw extra for a deposit; keep separate savings accessible for Kaution + first months
Money must arrive from a verifiable source (your/parents' account)
Visa rejected or plans change BEFORE activation: full refund against proof (visa rejection letter), minus setup fee - takes weeks
Second year: refill the account or show alternative proof (scholarship, parental Verpflichtungserklärung, or your own income)

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a scholarship instead?

Yes - a qualifying scholarship letter (e.g. DAAD) replaces or reduces the blocked amount.

Can my parents just write a letter?

A formal Verpflichtungserklärung signed at a German Ausländerbehörde by a German-resident sponsor works; foreign parents' letters alone do not.

Is my money safe?

Funds sit at regulated German banks with deposit protection; providers are BaFin-registered intermediaries.

How early should I open it?

4-8 weeks before your visa appointment - the confirmation is often the last missing document.

Working students: does the account still pay out?

Yes, payouts continue regardless of your student job income.

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