Blocked Account for German Visa Application: Amount, How to Open

A German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is special type of bank account which is required for international students who wants to study or work in Germany. One needs to show at least €11,904 euros in blocked account to prove that they have enough money to live in Germany. One can only use Blocked account Germany amount 2025 upon their arrival in Germany.

A Blocked Account in Germany is a bank account in which international students looking to study in Germany are required to transfer at least €11,904 euros. This is required to prove the German authorities that you have enough money to live and study in Germany. This Blocked account Germany amount will be blocked in the bank until the student's arrival in Germany. The student would be allowed to withdraw €992 on a monthly basis to cover living expenses in the Germany.

To activate your blocked bank account in Germany, one has to mandatorily open a current account in Germany in bank of their choice. The top banks to open blocked account in Germany are Expatrio, Fintiba, Studely, Coracle, Drop Money, and ICICI Bank.

Germany attracts a lot of students from around the world. While the excellent infrastructure and research facilities are top factors, what cannot be ignored is the cheap education. By federal mandate, all undergraduate courses offered by Universities in Germany have no tuition fees. However, while the cost of studying in Germany is negligible, students are required to pay an administration fee at the start of every semester that usually ranges between €150-300 euros. Students are required to cover the cost of living in Germany by opening a German Blocked Account. In this article, we will be talking about a German Blocked Account - as proof Of financial funds when applying for a German Student Visa.

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What is German Blocked Account?

A German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account required for international students and job seekers who want to live in Germany. A Blocked Account is a bank account where you must deposit a specific amount of money, currently around €11,904 for one year. This money is "blocked," meaning you can't access it all at once. It serves as proof that you have enough funds to support yourself while living in Germany, which is necessary for obtaining a student or job-seeker visa. You can only withdraw a set amount each month (about €992) to cover your living expenses.

Candidates would have to keep a little more than the said amount as the bank could levy a service charge on the student opening a Blocked Account in Germany. For a student, the money kept in the German Blocked Account should ideally cover accommodation, living expenses, and even travel pass costs.

How much money should be in Blocked Account in Germany?

One can check the year-wise Blocked account Germany amount from below, to have a better insight. 

How does German Blocked Account work?

• Before moving to Germany, you open this account at a bank, either in your home country or in Germany.
• After depositing the required amount, the bank gives you a confirmation document needed for your visa application.
• Once you arrive in Germany and register your address, you can activate the account to start receiving monthly payments.

Also Check: How to Study in Germany Without a Blocked Account?

How to Open a German Blocked Account?

A student would need an admission letter from a university in Germany to open this German Blocked Account. While you can open this German Blocked Account in any bank in Germany, in India, the student can open a German Blocked Account with any branch of Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank. Once the student travels to Germany, the account is transferred to a local branch near the university. Candidates should keep in mind that this is a mandatory practice applicable to all international students who choose to pursue higher education in Germany. Due to the amount of money involved, it is highly recommended that the student be involved in the entire process. 

Candidates should note that not all banks are regulated by law to operate Blocked Accounts. Hence, there may be banks that do not provide this service. Candidates can check with the university representatives for a list of banks that are close to the campus and provide Blocked Account service. 

Documents required to open a Blocked Account in Germany

• Application Form
• Valid passport
• University admission letter
• A bank statement that confirms you have the required amount of money to open a blocked account
• A prepaid fee

NOTE: You may be required to submit more documents, depending on the bank provider and your country of origin.

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Quick Facts about a Blocked Account in Germany

Here are a few quick facts regarding blocked accounts in Germany that could be of interest to candidates who are planning to visit Germany for higher education.

• Candidates can open a blocked account at Kotak Mahindra Bank or ICICI Bank in India. 
• Your money would be eventually transferred to a local branch near your university in Germany or any Local Bank by Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank.  
• Though the German Blocked Account amount is €11,904 the banks might require you to deposit an additional amount as bank charges & fees. This, however, is subjective and you are advised to contact the nearest bank branch for clarity.
• A student can only withdraw €992 per month from the Blocked Account.
• A blocked account may take as long as a month at times (during admission season) to become active. A student is hence advised to open the same at the earliest.
• Once the account is opened, the bank will send a confirmation mail with the details to the German Embassy/ Consulate. This is essential for the student to get a German National Visa.

So, if you are all ready to start your visa application process for Germany, start with opening your blocked account.

Popular Courses in Germany

Candidates can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with German University admissions. Candidates can write to us with their queries in the comments section below.