Blocked Account Germany: The Complete Student Visa Guide (2026)

If you are applying for a German student visa, proof of financial means is one of the first things the embassy will ask for. For most international students, that proof is a blocked account (Sperrkonto). This guide explains exactly how much you need in 2026, how the account works, how to open one, and what alternatives exist — all based on official German government sources.

How much money do I need in a blocked account in 2026?

According to the German Federal Foreign Office, students must prove a minimum of €992 per month, or €11,904 per year. This amount has applied to all visa applications submitted since 1 January 2025 and remains the current requirement. If you are applying as a student applicant (Art. 17 German Residency Act — applying for a study place), the requirement is higher: €1,091 per month.

Note that embassies can, in particular cases, request a blocked amount covering up to two years. Always check the website of the German mission responsible for your country before transferring money.

What is a blocked account and how does it work?

A blocked account is a special German bank account designed for visa purposes:

• You transfer the full required amount (e.g. €11,904 for one year) before applying for your visa.
• The money is "blocked": once you arrive in Germany, you can withdraw only 1/12 of the total per month (€992), so the funds last your entire first year.
• You can open the account at any bank or financial institution permitted to conduct banking in Germany — the choice of provider is yours.

How to open a blocked account — step by step

1. Choose a provider. The Federal Foreign Office lists providers that offer blocked accounts worldwide. Make sure the provider offers a login code for authorities (or a contact) so the embassy can verify your account.
2. Open the account online. Most providers let you complete the application online with your passport. Some countries require your signature to be attested at the German embassy or consulate — check your mission's website.
3. Transfer the money. Transfer the full blocked amount plus the provider's setup fee. International transfers can take several days — plan for this before your visa appointment.
4. Get the official confirmation. For the visa application, only the official opening confirmation is accepted — and it must state both the total amount paid in and the monthly available amount. A confirmation without these figures is not sufficient.
5. Submit with your visa application. Bring the confirmation to your appointment along with the rest of your documents.

Timing tip: open the blocked account before you apply for the visa — the confirmation is part of the application, not something you submit afterwards.

Alternatives to a blocked account

A blocked account is the most common proof of finance, but it is not the only one. German missions also accept:

• Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung): a person living in Germany formally commits to covering all your costs. The declaration must not be older than six months and must include the note "creditworthiness verified" (Bonität nachgewiesen).
• Scholarship: a confirmation from a German or recognised institution showing the scholarship amount. If the monthly amount is below €992, you must prove the difference with bank statements.

After you arrive in Germany

Once in Germany, you activate the account by opening a regular current account (Girokonto) at a German bank and registering your address. The blocked account then pays out €992 per month into your current account. Keep your confirmation documents — the foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) may ask for them when you convert your visa into a residence permit.

Plan the rest of your budget

The blocked account covers your living costs — but what about tuition, semester fees and one-off costs like travel and the visa fee (€75)? Use our free study abroad cost calculator to estimate your full monthly budget for any German city, and our visa tracker (free account) to follow every step of your visa application with deadlines and document checklists tailored to your nationality.

Official sources

• Federal Foreign Office — How to finance your stay
• Federal Foreign Office — Proof of finance
• Consular Services Portal — Studies and seeking a university place

Amounts and rules can change. Always confirm the current requirement with the German embassy or consulate responsible for your country before applying.