What Is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special type of German bank account required by immigration authorities as proof of financial means. International students must deposit €11,904 (€992/month for 12 months) before applying for a German student visa. After arrival in Germany, the account releases a fixed monthly amount of €992 to cover living expenses — the rest remains locked. In 2026, a blocked account is the most common and straightforward way to prove you can financially support yourself while studying in Germany.
The blocked account requirement applies to most non-EU students and is a mandatory part of the visa application process. Without a valid blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung), your student visa application will be rejected. Three providers currently offer this service: Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle (though Coracle is temporarily unavailable). If you are planning to study in Germany, opening a blocked account should be one of your first steps.
Who Needs a Blocked Account?
Not everyone applying for a German visa needs a blocked account. Here is a clear breakdown:
You DO Need a Blocked Account If You Are:
- A non-EU/EEA student applying for a German student visa (Studentenvisum)
- A Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) applicant — the deposit amount is higher (see below)
- A language course visa applicant attending a course longer than 90 days
- A Studienkolleg applicant preparing for university entrance in Germany
You Do NOT Need a Blocked Account If You:
- Hold citizenship in an EU/EEA country (including Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein)
- Have a scholarship letter from a recognized German institution (DAAD, Studienstiftung, etc.) confirming it covers living costs
- Can present a formal financial guarantee (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor residing in Germany
- Are on a short-term exchange programme (under 90 days) covered by your home university
If you are unsure, check with the German embassy in your country — they will specify which proof of financial means they accept. Our guide on health insurance documentation for your student visa also covers what embassies typically require.
How Much Money Do You Need? (2026)
The German Federal Foreign Office sets the required deposit amount annually based on the BAföG rate (the maximum student financial aid in Germany). For 2026, the amounts are:
Student Visa — €11,904
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly requirement | €992 |
| Annual deposit (12 months) | €11,904 |
| Monthly release after arrival | €992 |
| Recommended buffer for transfer fees | €100–150 |
| Total recommended transfer | ~€12,050 |
This €992/month figure was set in September 2024 and applies to all student visa applications in 2025 and 2026. Previously, the amount was €934/month (€11,208/year).
Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) — €13,092
The Chancenkarte, introduced in June 2024, requires a higher deposit because applicants are expected to support themselves while job-searching without student discounts:
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly requirement | €1,091 |
| Annual deposit (12 months) | €13,092 |
Why You Should Add a Buffer
When transferring money internationally, intermediary banks may deduct fees. If your deposit arrives even €1 short of €11,904, your blocking confirmation will be delayed until the full amount clears. Transfer €12,050–€12,100 to be safe. Any excess amount above €11,904 remains freely accessible in your account.
Blocked Account Providers Compared (2026)
Three providers are approved for German blocked accounts. Here is a detailed comparison using current pricing as of March 2026:
| Feature | Fintiba | Expatrio | Coracle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | €159 | €89 | €99 (€59 with Prime) |
| Monthly fee | €9.90/month | €5/month | €0/month |
| First-year total cost | €277.80 | €149 | €99 (or €59) |
| Processing time | 2–5 business days | ~24 hours after funds arrive | ~1 week (when operational) |
| Bank partner | Sutor Bank (Hamburg) | UniCredit (formerly Aion Bank) | Lemonway (escrow at Postbank/DKB) |
| German IBAN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes (iOS + Android) | Yes (iOS + Android) | No (web portal only) |
| Insurance bundle | Yes (GKV + travel) | Yes (GKV/PKV + travel + ISIC) | Yes (GKV + travel via Prime) |
| Credit card payment | Yes | Yes (+ Flywire) | No (bank transfer only) |
| US citizens accepted | No | Yes | Yes |
| Free bank account | No | Yes (with debit card) | No |
| Visa rejection refund | No | Yes (full fee refund) | Not confirmed |
| Scholarship programme | Yes (up to €12,000/year) | No | No |
| Currently available | Yes | Yes | No (paused since Aug 2025) |
Important: Coracle is currently not accepting new applications due to a system upgrade since August 2025. No reopening date has been announced. For new applications, choose between Fintiba and Expatrio.
For a detailed side-by-side breakdown, visit our blocked account provider comparison page or read our Fintiba vs Expatrio comparison.
Which Provider Should You Choose?
- Best value: Expatrio — saves €129/year compared to Fintiba, includes a free bank account and ISIC card, and processes confirmations in ~24 hours
- Most established: Fintiba — trusted by students from 200+ countries, supports credit card payments for instant confirmation, and offers a scholarship programme
- US citizens: Expatrio is your only currently available option — Fintiba does not accept US citizens due to FATCA regulations
- Cheapest (when available): Coracle — no monthly fees at all, but currently unavailable
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Blocked Account
Opening a blocked account is an online process that takes minutes — the waiting time is for fund transfers and verification. Here are the five steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Provider
Compare Fintiba and Expatrio based on your priorities. If cost matters most, Expatrio saves you €129/year. If you need credit card payment for speed, both providers accept cards. US citizens must choose Expatrio.
Documents you will need:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- University admission letter or Studienkolleg acceptance (recommended, not always required at signup)
- Email address
- Home address
Step 2: Register Online and Verify Your Identity
Both Fintiba and Expatrio offer fully digital onboarding:
- Create an account on the provider’s website
- Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality — must match your passport exactly)
- Complete identity verification (video-ident or document upload)
- Choose your package (basic blocked account or insurance bundle)
Fintiba: Account creation takes ~10 minutes. Identity verification is automated.
Expatrio: Account creation takes a few minutes. Verification typically completes within 1 business day.
Step 3: Transfer the Deposit
After verification, you will receive bank details to transfer your deposit:
- Amount: €11,904 (or €13,092 for Chancenkarte) + €100–150 buffer
- Method: International bank wire (SWIFT/SEPA), or credit card/Flywire for faster processing
- Processing time: 1–5 business days for international bank transfers; instant for credit card (Fintiba) or Flywire (Expatrio)
Tip: Use the exact reference number provided by your provider. If the transfer cannot be matched to your account, it may be delayed or returned.
Step 4: Receive Your Blocking Confirmation (Sperrbestätigung)
Once your full deposit arrives:
- Expatrio: Automatically generates your blocking confirmation within ~24 hours
- Fintiba: Issues the confirmation instantly if you paid by credit card; 2–4 business days via bank transfer
The Sperrbestätigung is a PDF document you submit with your visa application at the German embassy. It proves that the required funds are deposited and locked.
Step 5: Activate Monthly Payouts After Arrival
After arriving in Germany:
- Register your German address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt
- Activate your blocked account through the provider’s app or portal
- Monthly payouts of €992 begin on the 1st of the following month
- Payouts are transferred to your German bank account (Expatrio includes a free one; Fintiba users need a separate bank account)
Total Cost Breakdown Over 42 Months
Most degree programmes in Germany last 3.5 years (42 months). Here is what each provider costs over the full duration:
| Cost Component | Fintiba | Expatrio | Coracle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | €159 | €89 | €99 |
| Monthly fees (42 months) | 42 × €9.90 = €415.80 | 42 × €5 = €210 | 42 × €0 = €0 |
| Extension fees | Included | Included | ~€60/year after year 1 |
| Total (42 months) | €574.80 | €299 | ~€279 |
| Savings vs Fintiba | — | €275.80 | €295.80 |
Over a full degree, Expatrio saves you €275.80 compared to Fintiba. That is a meaningful amount for a student budget — nearly three months of groceries in Germany.
Coracle would be the cheapest at ~€279 (with extension fees), but since it is currently unavailable, Expatrio is the most cost-effective option you can actually use today.
Note: These calculations use current 2026 pricing. Providers may adjust fees — always check the latest rates on their websites.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute
International bank transfers can take 5–10 business days. If your visa appointment is next week, you may not receive your Sperrbestätigung in time. Start the process at least 3–4 weeks before your embassy appointment.
Mistake 2: Transferring the Exact Minimum
If your bank deducts transfer fees from the principal amount, you will arrive short of €11,904. Always add a buffer of €100–150. The excess stays accessible in your account.
Mistake 3: Mismatched Personal Details
Your name on the blocked account must match your passport exactly. If your passport reads “Mohammed” but you register as “Mohamed,” the embassy may reject the Sperrbestätigung. Double-check every character.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Health Insurance
A blocked account alone is not enough for your visa — you also need valid health insurance for Germany. Both Fintiba and Expatrio offer insurance bundles that combine the blocked account with health coverage. This can save time and sometimes money, but compare their insurance options with standalone health insurance plans to ensure you get the best coverage.
Mistake 5: Not Knowing the Refund Policy
If your visa is rejected, you will want your money back. Expatrio offers a full fee refund for visa rejections. Fintiba does not explicitly advertise a visa rejection refund. The deposited €11,904 is always refundable regardless of provider — you just need to initiate a closure and transfer.
Tips for US Citizens
US citizens face additional restrictions due to FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). Fintiba explicitly does not accept applicants with US tax status. Expatrio and Coracle accept US citizens, but only Expatrio is currently operational. If you hold dual citizenship with a US passport, use Expatrio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a blocked account?
Account creation takes 10–15 minutes online with either Fintiba or Expatrio. The total time until you receive your Sperrbestätigung depends on how fast your money arrives: 1–2 days with credit card/Flywire, or 3–10 business days via international bank transfer. Expatrio issues the confirmation within ~24 hours after funds arrive; Fintiba is instant with credit card or 2–4 days via transfer.
Can I open a blocked account from my home country?
Yes, that is the entire point. Blocked accounts are designed to be opened remotely before you travel to Germany. You register online, verify your identity digitally, and transfer funds from your local bank. You do not need to be in Germany or visit a bank branch.
What happens to my money if my visa is rejected?
Your deposited €11,904 is always returned to you — it is your money held in trust. You initiate the account closure through your provider, and the funds are transferred back to your original bank account. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Expatrio additionally refunds the setup and service fees for visa rejections.
Can I close my blocked account early?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. You can close your blocked account if you leave Germany permanently, your visa is rejected, or you switch to a different proof of financial means (e.g., scholarship). Your provider will require documentation (de-registration certificate, visa rejection letter, etc.). Remaining funds are transferred to your designated bank account.
Do I earn interest on my blocked account?
No. As of 2026, none of the three providers pay interest on blocked account deposits. Your €11,904 sits in the account without earning returns. This is a common frustration, but the blocked account is a regulatory instrument, not an investment product.
Can I use a blocked account for a Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)?
Yes. The Chancenkarte requires a higher deposit of €13,092 (€1,091/month × 12 months) instead of the student visa amount of €11,904. Both Fintiba and Expatrio support Chancenkarte applications. When signing up, select the Chancenkarte option to ensure the correct deposit amount is set.
Can I deposit more than the required amount?
Yes. Any amount above the required €11,904 (or €13,092 for Chancenkarte) is freely accessible and not blocked. Many students deposit extra to cover initial expenses like the security deposit for an apartment or semester fees.
What is the difference between a blocked account and a regular German bank account?
A blocked account restricts withdrawals to a fixed monthly amount (€992) — you cannot access the full balance at once. A regular bank account has no such restrictions. After arriving in Germany, you will need both: the blocked account for visa compliance, and a regular bank account for daily transactions. Expatrio includes a free regular bank account alongside the blocked account.
Related Articles
Looking for more information about studying in Germany? These guides cover related topics:
- Health Insurance Guide for International Students in Germany — mandatory health insurance explained, GKV vs PKV, costs, and enrollment
- Health Insurance Documentation for Your Student Visa — what documents embassies require and how to avoid common rejection reasons
- Student Visa vs Travel Insurance: What You Actually Need — understand why travel insurance alone is not enough for a German student visa
Compare Blocked Account Providers
Ready to open your blocked account? Compare all 3 providers side by side to find the best option for your budget and situation. If you already know you want the best value, Expatrio saves €275 over a full degree compared to Fintiba. Need the full comparison? Read our Fintiba vs Expatrio detailed breakdown.
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