Girokonto vs Sperrkonto, and which one you need first

They sound similar. They're different accounts, and most students and Chancenkarte holders end up needing both.

1 min readChecked September 25, 2026Written forStudentsJob seekers

A () is opened before your appointment to prove you can support yourself. You a year's living costs, and only a fixed amount, €992 a month for students, is released to you after you arrive. You can't pay rent or groceries from it directly.

A is an everyday . The releases its monthly amount into it, your card is linked to it, and you use it for rent, your phone and your salary.

The usual order

  1. 1

    Before the visa: the Sperrkonto

    Open and fund it, and send the to the embassy. See The blocked account.

  2. 2

    After arrival: the Girokonto

    Open a . Online banks don't usually need your . See Opening a bank account.

  3. 3

    Activate the release

    Give the provider your German address and your new . The monthly payments start.

Track Blocked Account in HomeSettled

HomeSettled tracks both accounts and tells you which one is due next.

Plan your arrival

Sources

Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.

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