The blocked account, or Sperrkonto, is the financial gate every non-EU student must pass through to get a German visa. It is also one of the most misunderstood parts of the process – students worry the money disappears, or transfer it too late, or pick the wrong provider. None of that needs to happen. This 2026 guide explains exactly what a blocked account is, how much you need, how to open one, and how you get your money back.
What a blocked account is
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special German bank account that proves to immigration authorities you can support yourself for the first year of study. You deposit a full year's living costs up front; the bank "blocks" the money and releases only a fixed monthly amount to you once you arrive.
The crucial point that calms most anxiety: it is your money. You are not paying a fee. You deposit it, then withdraw it monthly to live on. The account simply guarantees you will not run out and become dependent on public funds.
How much do you need in 2026?
The required total equals roughly one year of living costs, a figure the German government sets and updates annually. You divide that total into twelve monthly instalments that you can withdraw.
Because the amount changes every year, do not trust a number from any blog – including this one. Confirm the current required total on an official source such as Make it in Germany or the Federal Foreign Office before you transfer anything. We put this in context in is studying in Germany really free in 2026.
How the monthly release works
- You deposit the full required total before your visa appointment.
- The bank blocks it and issues confirmation for your visa file.
- After you arrive and register, you activate withdrawals.
- Each month, a fixed maximum is released to a regular German account you can spend from.
You cannot pull the whole sum out at once – that monthly cap is the entire point. Budget around it, and see our cost of living for students in Germany 2026 to plan how far each instalment goes.
How to open a blocked account
Several providers specialise in blocked accounts for international students, alongside some traditional banks. The process is usually online:
- Choose a provider. Compare opening fees, monthly fees, transfer speed, and whether your German embassy accepts that provider.
- Complete the application with your passport and identity verification.
- Receive your blocking confirmation once funds clear.
- Transfer the full required amount from your home country.
- Submit the confirmation with your student-visa application.
What to compare between providers
- Acceptance by your specific German mission.
- Opening and monthly fees.
- Transfer and verification speed.
- Quality of support if something goes wrong.
Alternatives to a blocked account
A blocked account is the most common proof of funds, but it is not the only accepted one. Depending on your situation and your embassy's rules, you may instead use:
- A formal sponsorship declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung). A person resident in Germany legally commits to covering your living costs. Useful if you have family or a sponsor there.
- A scholarship confirmation. An award from a recognised body such as the DAAD can serve as proof of funds, fully or partly.
- A bank guarantee from a recognised bank, where accepted.
Acceptance varies by mission and by case, so confirm with your specific German embassy or consulate which forms of proof they will take before assuming the blocked account is your only path.
After you arrive: keeping the account active
Funding the account is not the end. Once in Germany, you typically need to:
- Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local registration office.
- Open a regular German current account to receive the monthly releases.
- Activate withdrawals with your blocked-account provider, linking that current account.
- Top up if required. Some visa extensions ask you to show continued funds, so keep an eye on your balance well before any renewal.
Where the blocked account fits in the visa process
The blocked account is one of three core financial and practical requirements for a student visa, alongside admission and health insurance. The typical sequence is: receive your letter of admission, open and fund the blocked account, arrange health insurance, then book your embassy appointment. We map the full journey in our complete guide to studying in Germany.
Timing: the mistake to avoid
The most common error is starting too late. International transfers can take days to clear, verification adds time, and embassy slots fill up. Begin the blocked-account process the moment you have your admission letter, so funding is confirmed well before your visa appointment.
Beyond the visa: making the money count
A blocked account proves you can afford to study. It says nothing about whether that study will pay off – and converting a German degree into a job is where international students most often stumble. A recruiter who has never heard of your home university needs proof you can do the work.
That is the gap ProoV is built to close. While you study, you complete real, AI-graded projects with verifiable certificates a recruiter can independently check – turning your funded year into a hireable outcome rather than just a survived one. A relevant build like the ProoV data-analytics project: a Bosch case study or the ProoV vocational project: an Industriemechaniker (IHK) case study is the kind of proof that justifies the whole investment. Browse the ProoV catalogue and start early.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need in a German blocked account?
Roughly one year of living costs, a figure the German government sets and updates annually, then divides into twelve monthly instalments. Because it changes each year, confirm the current required total on Make it in Germany or the Federal Foreign Office before transferring funds.
Do I lose the money in a blocked account?
No. It is your money. You deposit a year's living costs, and the bank releases a fixed amount to you each month after you arrive to cover your expenses. It is proof of funds, not a fee.
Can I withdraw all the money at once?
No. The defining feature of a blocked account is the monthly release cap – you can only withdraw a set maximum per month. This ensures the funds last the full year, so plan your budget around the monthly instalment.
When should I open my blocked account?
As soon as you receive your admission letter. International transfers and verification take time, and embassy appointments fill up, so funding the account early ensures your visa file is complete well before your appointment.