What should international students know about Germany's blocked account requirement?

International students and job seekers planning to move to Germany may come across a key financial requirement during the visa process: the blocked account, known in German as a Sperrkonto.

The account serves as proof that a visa applicant has enough money to support themselves while living in Germany. Under current requirements, applicants typically need to deposit €11,904 into a blocked account.

Once they arrive in Germany, they can access the funds gradually, with a monthly withdrawal limit of €992 to help cover living expenses.

What is a blocked account?

A blocked account is a special type of bank account used by German authorities to verify that foreign nationals can financially support themselves during their stay.

Unlike a regular bank account, the funds are restricted. Applicants cannot withdraw the entire amount at once. Instead, the money is released in monthly instalments after arrival in Germany and completion of the required registration procedures.

The system is designed to ensure that students and certain visa holders have access to funds throughout the year rather than spending them immediately after arrival.

Who needs a blocked account?

According to the guidance, individuals from countries outside the European Union and Schengen Area may need a blocked account when applying for several long-term German visas.

These include:

• Student visas
• Job-seeker visas
• Training or apprenticeship visas
• Au pair visas
• Visas for recognition of foreign qualifications
• Language acquisition visas
• Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Certain applicants may qualify for exemptions, including those who can demonstrate alternative sources of funding such as scholarships, government support or sponsorship arrangements.

How much money is required?

The required amount for 2025 is €11,904, which corresponds to Germany's estimated annual living expenses for a student.


The amount allows applicants to withdraw up to €992 per month after activating the account in Germany.

Authorities may require higher deposits for some visa categories, depending on individual circumstances.

Where can applicants open a blocked account?

Several providers offer blocked account services for visa applicants. Among the commonly used providers are Expatrio, Fintiba and Studely.

Applicants may also open a blocked account directly with certain German banks, including Postbank and Sparkasse.

However, direct bank applications can involve additional paperwork and longer processing times, particularly for applicants applying from abroad.

Germany Visa states that Deutsche Bank stopped offering blocked accounts for international students and visa applicants in July 2022.

How does the process work?

The process generally begins before a visa application is submitted.

Applicants first choose a provider and complete the account-opening procedure. Once the account is approved, they receive banking details and transfer the required funds.

After the transfer is completed, the provider issues a confirmation document. This document serves as proof of financial resources and must be included in the visa application.

Upon arrival in Germany, applicants must register their residence and apply for a residence permit where required. They must also open a current account, known as a Girokonto, because monthly payments from the blocked account are transferred there.

Only after these steps are completed can the blocked account be activated and the monthly funds accessed.

Can students study in Germany without a blocked account?

Applicants may not need a blocked account if they are citizens of EU or certain associated countries, receive a qualifying scholarship, have approved government funding, or can provide evidence of financial sponsorship from a person living in Germany.

The alternative funding arrangement must be sufficient to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay.

How living costs vary across German cities

The monthly allowanceis intended to cover basic expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation and utilities. However, actual living costs vary significantly across Germany.

Major cities such as Munich and Frankfurt generally have higher housing costs than cities such as Berlin. Because the monthly withdrawal amount is fixed, students are often advised to maintain additional emergency savings for unexpected expenses.

For many international students and job seekers, the blocked account remains one of the most important financial steps in the German visa process, serving as both a visa requirement and a safeguard to ensure adequate financial support after arrival.