How to Open a German Blocked Account in 6 Steps
Complete Sperrkonto guide covering authorized providers (Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle), the €11,904 deposit requirement, monthly payout limits of €992, and step-by-step visa application process for 2026.
How to open a German blocked account in 2026 — The process involves 6 steps: (1) Choose an authorized provider like Fintiba (€89 setup, €5/month), Expatrio (€69 setup, €5/month), or Coracle (€0 setup, €0/month), (2) Complete online registration with your passport details (15-20 minutes), (3) Transfer the required blocked sum of €11,904 via SWIFT (3-5 business days), (4) Receive your Sperrbestätigung (blocking confirmation) digitally within 24-48 hours of full deposit, (5) Include the Sperrbestätigung in your student visa application to the German Embassy — without this document your visa cannot be processed, and (6) Activate your account after arriving in Germany by linking it to a local Girokonto, with monthly withdrawals capped at €992. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, all blocked accounts must be held with an authorized provider. If your visa is refused, the full €11,904 deposit is refundable minus administrative fees.
Calculate Your Blocked Account Amount
Use our free blocked account calculator to find the exact deposit required for your German student visa.
6 Steps to Open a German Blocked Account
Follow these steps in order. Each step builds on the previous one, and skipping ahead can result in application delays or visa refusal.
Choose an Authorized Blocked Account Provider
Select from officially recognized digital providers: Fintiba (most popular, setup fee €89, monthly fee €5), Expatrio (setup fee €69, monthly fee €5, offers combination packages with health insurance), or Coracle (waived setup fee with €0 monthly fee, Swiss-based). All three are approved by the German Federal Foreign Office and the German Embassy for student visa applications.
Complete the Online Registration
Visit your chosen provider's website and create an account. Complete the online registration form with your personal details, passport information, and email address. Verify your identity by uploading a clear copy of your valid passport. The entire registration process takes approximately 15-20 minutes and can be completed from any device.
Transfer the Required Blocked Sum
According to the German Federal Foreign Office 2026 regulations, the required blocked sum is €11,904. Transfer this amount via international wire transfer (SWIFT) from your bank account to the provider's designated trust account. Include the unique reference number provided during registration. The transfer typically takes 3-5 business days depending on your bank and country. Some providers accept transfers in multiple installments, but the blocking confirmation is only issued once the full amount is received.
Receive Your Blocking Confirmation (Sperrbestätigung)
Once the provider confirms receipt of your full deposit, they issue the official blocking confirmation document (Sperrbestätigung) digitally. This document proves you have sufficient funds for one year of living costs in Germany. According to the German Embassy, the Sperrbestätigung is a mandatory document for your student visa application. Download and print this document — you will present it at your visa interview.
Use the Sperrbestätigung for Your Visa Application
Include the Sperrbestätigung in your student visa application package submitted to the German Embassy or Consulate. The visa officer will verify that your blocked account meets the legal requirements. Without this document, your visa application cannot be processed. The monthly withdrawal limit is strictly capped at €992 by German law to ensure funds last the full year.
Activate Your Blocked Account After Arrival in Germany
After arriving in Germany, open a local German bank account (Girokonto) at a bank like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, N26, or Sparkasse. Link your blocked account to your local account through the provider's portal. The provider will release an initial partial amount (if applicable) and then transfer €992 per month to your local account for living expenses.
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Use these free tools and guides to prepare your application.
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German Blocked Account FAQs
Common questions about opening and using a Sperrkonto for German student visa applications.
Q. What is a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?
A Sperrkonto is a special bank account required for international student visa applicants in Germany, proving you have sufficient funds (€11,904 for 2026) to cover living costs for one year.
Q. Which blocked account provider is best?
The most popular providers are Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle. Fintiba has the largest user base, Expatrio offers health insurance bundles, and Coracle has no setup or monthly fees.
Q. How much money do I need to deposit?
For the 2026 intake, the required blocked sum is €11,904, allowing monthly withdrawals of €992 for living expenses.
Q. How long does it take to open a blocked account?
Online registration takes 15-20 minutes. Once the bank transfer arrives (3-5 business days), the blocking confirmation is issued within 24-48 hours.
Q. What if my visa is refused?
If your visa is refused, the provider releases your full deposit minus any administrative fees. You must submit the official visa refusal letter to initiate the refund.
Q. Can I withdraw more than €992 per month?
No, the monthly withdrawal limit is strictly capped at €992 by German banking regulations to ensure the funds last the full academic year.
Q. Do I need a blocked account if I have a scholarship?
If a DAAD or other recognized scholarship covers living costs, the blocked account may be waived. Check with the German Embassy for your specific case.
Q. Can I open a blocked account before receiving my admission letter?
Yes, you can set up the account and transfer funds before receiving your official admission to speed up the visa process.
Q. Is the blocked account fee refundable?
Setup fees (typically €49-€89) are non-refundable. The blocked deposit of €11,904 is fully refundable if the visa is refused.
Q. Can my parents transfer the funds on my behalf?
Yes, parents or sponsors can transfer the funds via SWIFT from their bank account, as long as they include the correct reference number.
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