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

Blocked Account: Short Summary

A blocked account, or Sperrkonto, proves that you can financially support yourself while studying in Germany. Opening a blocked account is a mandatory part of the visa application process. To set up the blocked account, you must deposit €11,904 and you can withdraw up to €992 each month to cover living expenses while in Germany. You will not be approved for a visa to study in Germany without opening a blocked account.

What is a blocked account?

A blocked account, or Sperrkonto, is a specialized bank account for international students studying in Germany. This account ensures that you can financially support yourself during your studies.

Why do I need a blocked account?

International students need proof of financial means, or Finanzierungsnachweis, as part of the visa application process. This means that you can financially support yourself while you study in Germany.

When should I open my blocked account?

It can take one to six weeks for the blocked account application to be processed. Usually the average processing time is around three weeks. You should open a blocked account at least one month in advance of applying for your visa to make sure the account is opened properly and so that you do not face any delays in securing your visa. You must open a blocked account before you apply for your visa to study in Germany.

How much money must be on a blocked account?

As of 2026, the total amount to be paid into a blocked account is €11,904, or €992 monthly disbursements.

Can a third party send the deposit on my behalf?

Only you or your family members may transfer the funds to your blocked account. Transfers from friends, business accounts, or sponsoring institutions are not allowed.

Where can I open a blocked account?

The most popular blocked account providers are:

• Expatrio
• Fintiba
• Coracle

Kotak Mahindra is an Indian-based bank that Indian students often use to transfer funds for a blocked account. However, the German embassy may not accept it because it is not registered in Germany.

What documents are required to open a blocked account?

To open a blocked account, you need the following documents:

• Your passport.
• Proof of the origin of the money. Some providers may ask you to submit bank statements showing how you got access to the funds.
• The application form. Depending on your provider, you must complete an application with your personal information, either online or on paper.
• Proof of admission to the Studienkolleg.

How do I open a blocked account?

The process of opening a blocked account depends on the specific provider. Generally, you should follow these steps: 

1. Check with the German Embassy how much money you need to transfer. Although the minimum required amount is usually the same for everyone, don’t transfer any money before checking with the embassy beforehand.
2. Apply for a blocked account with the provider of your choice. Blocked account providers often have online applications that you complete on their website. If you work directly with a German bank, you must submit a paper application, likely by mail via the German Embassy if you are not in Germany.
3. Wait for the application to process.
4. Transfer the money (€11,904) from your bank to the blocked account. Your blocked account provider will send you the IBAN and give you the necessary instructions on how you can make the transfer. International transfers can take approximately 3-5 days.
5. Get a confirmation letter from the bank. Once your transfer is complete, your provider will send you the Confirmation Document for a Blocked Bank Account. This is the document that you need to submit to the German Embassy for your visa.
6. Complete your visa application. Now that you have the Confirmation Document for a Blocked Bank Account, you can finish the visa application process. You must wait for the visa to process once you submit the confirmation and the rest of the documents.

Can I go to Studienkolleg without a blocked account?

It is not possible to get a visa to study in Germany because you must prove to the German embassy that you can financially support yourself. The Blocked Account is an official German embassy visa requirement.

Alternatives to Blocked Accounts

An alternative to opening a blocked account is a formal Letter of Commitment, or Verpflichtungserklärung, from a sponsor or relative that lives in Germany. This letter confirms that the sponsor is completely financially responsible for you while you study in Germany. 

Scholarships are an alternative to opening a blocked account. The scholarship must come from a recognized institution and cover your living costs while studying in Germany.

When can I activate the blocked account?

You can activate your blocked account funds once you arrive in Germany. To activate your blocked bank account, you must open a current account in a German bank. You will receive your monthly disbursements after you open a current bank account.

The documents you need to activate your blocked account are: 

• Proof of having registered your residence in Germany, such as a lease agreement or the certificate of registration from the city hall (Anmeldung).
• Proof of your current account at a German bank. 
• Your passport with the entry stamp.
• Your matriculation certificate from the Studienkolleg.