Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
The proof-of-funds hurdle every self-funded student clears before the visa. What it is, exactly how much you need in 2026, which provider to pick, and how the monthly release works once you land.
Your visa's money gate, explained
A blocked account proves you can cover a year of living costs. You deposit a year up front; it releases to you one month at a time after you arrive.
What it is
A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a special German bank account where you deposit a full year of living costs in advance. The money is "blocked" — you cannot withdraw it freely; only a fixed twelfth is released each month once you are in Germany.
Why the visa requires it
German authorities need proof (Finanzierungsnachweis) that you can support yourself without illegally relying on work or falling back on the state. The blocked account is the standard way self-funded students show this.
Who needs one
Most Indian students applying for a national (long-stay) student visa. Language-course and Studienkolleg applicants usually need it too. Job-seekers on the Opportunity Card must also prove funds — a blocked account is one accepted route.
Who might not
If you have a recognised scholarship or a German-resident sponsor who signs a Verpflichtungserklärung (formal sponsorship declaration), you may not need a blocked account — that covers your proof of funds instead.
🧮 How much do you need?
A full-year student visa needs 12 months up front — a shorter course needs proportionally less. Slide or pick a preset.
A full-year student visa = €11,904 (2026), set by the Federal Foreign Office in Sept 2024 and unchanged for 2025–2026. For provider fees and the exact rupee amount, use the calculator below.
How the figure is set
It tracks the BAföG maximum rate (the German state student-aid ceiling) and is reviewed roughly once a year, so it can rise in future years — always confirm the current amount before you deposit.
When you need less
For a stay shorter than a year (e.g. a semester, a language course, or Studienkolleg) you deposit €992 for each month of the stay rather than the full year. A scholarship can reduce the amount you must self-fund.
Budget a little extra
On top of the €11,904, keep money aside for the provider’s opening fee, the visa fee, your flight, and the first rent/deposit — the blocked account releases only €992/month, which is not enough to pay a large deposit up front.
Expatrio
Popular · fastDigital, English, quick setup. Offers a bundle with public health insurance (the "Value Package") — convenient for doing both at once.
Fintiba
Popular · fastFully digital and English, well-known and DAAD-recommended. Also bundles health insurance. Opening fee plus a small monthly fee.
Coracle
DigitalAnother fast digital option with English support and insurance add-ons; compare its fees against the others.
Deutsche Bank
Traditional · cheaperA real bank; often cheaper overall but slower and more document-heavy (may need an embassy-verified form). Best if you have time and want the lowest fee.
1. Apply online
Open the account with your chosen provider using your passport and (usually) your university admission letter. Verification is digital with the specialists; a bank may need more paperwork.
2. Transfer the money
Send €11,904 from India to the blocked account. Watch the exchange rate and transfer fees — see sending money to India for how cross-border transfers and the LRS/TCS rules work in reverse.
3. Get the confirmation
Once funded, download the blocked-account confirmation letter. You cannot submit your visa application without it, so leave enough time.
4. After you arrive — activate
Complete your Anmeldung, open a normal German current account, and activate the blocked account by linking it. Only then does the release start.
5. Monthly release
From activation, €992 is transferred to your German account each month. You cannot pull the whole balance at once — budget accordingly.
6. Close it when done
When the account empties (or you no longer need it), you can close it. Any leftover balance is paid out once the blocking period ends.