Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Germany: Everything You Need to Know

What Is a Blocked Account?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account required by the German government to prove you can financially support yourself during your studies. You deposit a lump sum, and then can only withdraw a fixed monthly amount.

2026 Requirements

• Total deposit: €11,904 per year (€992/month × 12)
• Monthly withdrawal: Up to €992
• Required for: Student visa application

Providers Compared

Expatrio

• Opening fee: €49
• Processing time: 1-3 business days
• Monthly fee: €0 (included with account)
• Pros: Fast, fully online, good English support
• Cons: Slightly higher opening fee

Fintiba

• Opening fee: €89
• Processing time: 1-5 business days
• Monthly fee: €4.90
• Pros: Well-established, includes health insurance option
• Cons: Monthly fee adds up

Deutsche Bank

• Opening fee: €0
• Processing time: 2-6 weeks
• Monthly fee: €0
• Pros: No fees, traditional bank
• Cons: Very slow, requires more paperwork, not fully online

Comparison Table

Recommendation: Expatrio for speed and simplicity, or Fintiba if you want health insurance bundled.

Step-by-Step: Opening a Blocked Account

With Expatrio (Recommended)

Create an account at expatrio.com

Upload your passport and university admission letter

Verify your identity (video call or ID verification)

Receive your account details (1-3 business days)

Transfer €11,904 from your home country bank

Receive confirmation letter — use this for your visa application

Transfer Tips

• Use Wise (TransferWise) for the best exchange rates
• Bank wire transfers work but may have higher fees
• Don't use PayPal — it's not accepted
• Transfer may take 3-7 business days to arrive
• Add a buffer of €50-100 for exchange rate fluctuations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting too late — begin 2-3 months before your visa appointment

Wrong amount — must be exactly €11,904 or more (not less!)

Wrong name — account name must match your passport exactly

Slow transfer method — use Wise or direct bank transfer

Not getting the confirmation letter — you need this for the visa

Forgetting about exchange rates — send slightly more to be safe

After Arriving in Germany

Once you're in Germany:

Activate monthly withdrawals — usually automatic

Open a regular German bank account — for daily use

Set up automatic transfer from blocked account to regular account

Keep the blocked account until it's empty or you close it

Regular Bank Account Options

• N26 — fully online, free basic account
• DKB — free account, good for students
• Sparkasse — traditional, branches everywhere
• Commerzbank — free student account

FAQ

Q: Can I deposit more than €11,904?

A: Yes, but you'll still only be able to withdraw €992/month.

Q: What if I need more money in an emergency?

A: You can request an exceptional withdrawal, but it requires documentation.

Q: Can I close the account early?

A: Yes, but remaining funds may take time to transfer back.

Q: Do I need a new blocked account every year?

A: For visa renewal, you may need to show proof of funds again. Some students top up the same account.