A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is how most non-EU students and Chancenkarte applicants prove they can support themselves. You pay in the full amount before your visa appointment. After you arrive, the provider releases a fixed amount to you each month. The money is yours; you pay only the provider's fees.
| Who | Amount to deposit | Released each month |
|---|---|---|
| Students (§ 16b) | €11,904 for the first year | €992 |
| Chancenkarte applicants | €1,091 per month of the planned stay | €1,091 |
How it works
- 1
Open the account online
Choose a provider the embassy accepts. Opening takes a passport scan and a few minutes.
- 2
Transfer the full amount
Send it from your or your family's bank. International transfers can take several days, and your bank may charge a currency conversion fee. Compare with a service such as Wise before you send.
- 3
Download the confirmation
The provider issues a blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung) once the money arrives. That document goes to the embassy.
- 4
Activate after you arrive
Give the provider your German address. The first monthly payment usually follows within a few days, into a current account that some providers open for you.
Providers
Expatrio
Blocked account, available as a bundle with health insurance.
Go to ExpatrioFintiba
Blocked account with an app, available with or without health insurance.
Go to FintibaCompare the setup fee, the monthly fee and what happens to leftover money. The fees are small next to the deposit, but they differ, and some bundles include health insurance you might otherwise buy separately.
Track Blocked Account in HomeSettled
HomeSettled works out when the account needs to be funded, counting back from your visa appointment.
Common questions
What if my visa is refused?
Providers return the deposit when you send them the embassy's refusal letter, minus their fees.
Can someone else pay in for me?
Yes. The account is in your name, but the transfer can come from a parent or sponsor.
Do I need a blocked account for a second year?
When you extend your residence permit, the immigration office asks again how you'll support yourself. Income from a job, a scholarship or a new blocked account deposit all count.
Is a Sperrkonto the same as a German bank account?
No. See Girokonto vs Sperrkonto.
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Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.