German blocked account (Sperrkonto) 2026: the complete guide
Everything about the German blocked account for 2026, the exact €11,904 amount, provider comparison, how to open one, and the mistakes that get visas rejected.
A blocked account, known in German as a Sperrkonto, is a special bank account that proves to immigration authorities you can support yourself financially during your time in Germany. For most non-EU students it is the single most important document in the entire visa application. Without a valid blocking confirmation, a student visa is almost always refused, so it pays to get this right from the start.
The good news is that the process is well trodden and largely online. This guide covers the exact 2026 amounts, how the main providers compare, the step by step process of opening one, and the specific mistakes that cause visa rejections so you can avoid them.
The 2026 amounts
Student visa: €11,904
You deposit €11,904 upfront (€992/month × 12 months). This has been the standard since January 2025 and continues through 2026. It's based on the government's BAföG rate.
Opportunity Card / Job-Seeker: €1,091/month
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) and job-seeker visa require a higher deposit, €1,091 per month, or €13,092 for 12 months.
It's YOUR money
The deposit isn't a fee. After you arrive, the account releases €992 to your German current account each month to cover living costs. The rest stays locked. If your visa is rejected, you get a full refund minus fees.
Who needs a blocked account?
You need one if
You're a non-EU/EEA student, an Opportunity Card applicant, a language-course student (course longer than 90 days), or a Studienkolleg applicant.
You may be exempt if
You hold EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship, or you have a recognised scholarship (DAAD, Studienstiftung, Erasmus+) confirming it covers living costs. The embassy decides, always confirm with them.
The main providers compared
Three digital providers dominate, all accepted by German embassies worldwide. Compare them in detail on our blocked account page.
Expatrio
The most popular choice, over 200,000 accounts a year, partnered with Deutsche Bank. Fastest and often cheapest, digital confirmation in 1 to 3 days, and it bundles health insurance and a free current account.
Fintiba
The fastest for tight timelines, account creation in 1 to 3 business days, confirmation within hours of funds arriving. You will need a separate current account.
Coracle
A clean, student-focused option, though availability can vary. Always check it is currently open before planning around it.
Deutsche Bank (traditional)
No setup fee, but the slowest route (2 to 4 weeks, often in-person or by post) and higher transfer costs. Only sensible if you are already in Germany.
How the process works
1. Open the account online
Apply on your chosen provider's website. The whole process is digital, the only in-person-style step is identity verification via video call.
2. Transfer the funds
Send €11,904 (transfer a little extra, around €12,000–12,100, to cover bank fees that could otherwise leave you below the minimum). Consider Wise or a similar service for better exchange rates than your home bank.
3. Receive your Sperrbestätigung
Once funds are verified, you get the blocking confirmation (a PDF with digital providers, within hours). This is the document you submit at your visa appointment.
4. Activate after arrival
Within your first weeks in Germany, after your Anmeldung, activate the account online so it starts releasing €992 monthly to your current account.
Mistakes that get visas rejected
Name doesn't match your passport
The account must be in your name exactly as written on your passport, all middle names, hyphens and special characters.
Submitting bank statements instead of the Sperrbestätigung
Only the official blocking confirmation counts. Bring the original plus copies, printed on quality paper.
Using a non-registered local bank
Some local banks aren't registered in Germany and may be rejected by embassies.
Starting too late
The full process takes 2 to 4 weeks, up to 6 for countries with currency controls. Open your account 6 to 8 weeks before your visa appointment.
For longer courses
Multi-year studies
A blocked account typically covers 12 months. For a 2-year Master's you'll need €23,808 total, either by extending after year one or (with providers like Fintiba) setting up 24 months at once to skip the extension fee.