One of the most critical requirements for a German student visa is proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses during your studies.
The German government mandates that international students from non-EU countries demonstrate this financial capability through a "blocked account" (Sperrkonto).
As of 2026, the required amount is set at €12,324 per year, which translates to €1,027 per month.
This figure is adjusted annually based on the BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) rates.
This article explains everything you need to know about the blocked account requirement, including the exact amount, exceptions, which banks offer blocked accounts, how to transfer money, and what happens to the funds after you arrive in Germany.
What is a blocked account and why is it required?
A blocked account is a special type of bank account that restricts your access to the funds.
When you open a blocked account, you deposit the full required amount (€12,324 for 2026).
The account is set up so that you can only withdraw a predetermined monthly amount (currently €1,027) while you are in Germany.
This system ensures that international students have a steady, reliable income stream throughout their first year of studies and do not become dependent on German social welfare systems.
The blocked account is the most common and most reliable method of proving financial resources, accepted by all German missions abroad.
Without a blocked account or an approved equivalent (see separate article on sponsors), your student visa application will almost certainly be denied.
How is the €12,324 amount calculated?
The German Federal Foreign Office bases the required amount on the BAföG rate, which is the maximum financial aid granted to German students.
For 2026, the BAföG rate is €1,027 per month (increased from €992 in 2025 due to inflation adjustments).
The annual requirement is simply 12 × €1,027 = €12,324. This amount is intended to cover basic living expenses including: accommodation (rent), food, health insurance, transportation, study materials, and limited leisure activities.
It does not cover tuition fees (though most German public universities have no tuition fees except in Baden-Württemberg for non-EU students) or health insurance if you are over 30.
The amount is a minimum; you are welcome to deposit more if you wish, but you cannot deposit less.
Which banks offer blocked accounts for international students?
Several banks and financial service providers offer blocked accounts specifically designed for international students.
The most popular and reliable options include:
- Fintiba: A digital financial platform that partners with Sutor Bank. They offer a fully online application process, low fees (around €89 setup fee plus €4.90 monthly account fee), and a mobile app for managing your withdrawals after arrival. Fintiba is very popular among students from Asia and the Middle East.
- Expatrio: Similar to Fintiba, Expatrio offers a blocked account (Blocked Account Solution) in partnership with Vivid Bank. Their fees are approximately €69 setup fee and €5 monthly fee. They also offer bundled packages that include health insurance and travel insurance.
- Deutsche Bank (Classic Account): Traditional German banks like Deutsche Bank also offer blocked accounts, but the process is slower and requires more paperwork. You may need to open the account in person after arriving in Germany, which creates a chicken-and-egg problem (you need the blocked account for the visa, but you need to be in Germany to open it). Therefore, the digital providers are strongly preferred.
- Coracle (formerly BlockedAcount.de): Another digital provider partnered with Sutor Bank. Fees are comparable to Fintiba and Expatrio.
Important: You must open the blocked account before your visa appointment. Digital providers allow you to complete the process from your home country in 2-5 business days.
You will receive a blocked account confirmation certificate that you submit with your visa application.
Step-by-step process to open a blocked account
Follow these steps to set up your blocked account and transfer the required funds:
- Choose a provider: Compare Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle. All are legitimate and accepted by German embassies. Look for total fees (setup + monthly maintenance) and customer support quality.
- Register online: Fill out the application form with your personal information (name as in passport, date of birth, country of origin, intended university, and city in Germany). You will need to upload a scan of your passport (the data page). Some providers also require proof of university admission.
- Receive IBAN and transfer instructions: After registration, you will receive a unique International Bank Account Number (IBAN) assigned to you. You will then transfer the full €12,324 (or the required amount for your visa type – some pre-visa study preparation courses may require less) from your local bank account to that IBAN. Note: The transfer is an international wire transfer. It typically takes 2-5 business days. Ensure you transfer the exact amount including any intermediary bank fees – it is safer to transfer an extra €50 to cover unexpected charges.
- Receive confirmation certificate: Once the funds arrive in your blocked account, the provider will issue a confirmation certificate (often within 24 hours). This certificate states that the blocked account has been established and that €1,027 per month will be released to you. You must print this certificate and submit it with your visa application.
- After arrival in Germany: Once you have your German address and a German bank account (or a verified payment account with the provider), you activate the monthly payouts. The provider will transfer €1,027 to your local German bank account (or to a digital wallet they provide) on the 1st of each month (or a date you choose). You cannot access the full amount early unless you leave Germany permanently (in which case the remaining funds are returned).
What if the exchange rate changes after I deposit?
The blocked account must be funded in euros (€). You cannot deposit in your local currency.
When you transfer from your home country, your bank will convert your local currency to euros at the prevailing exchange rate.
If the exchange rate fluctuates significantly after your transfer, the amount in euros remains fixed.
German embassies do not adjust the requirement for exchange rate fluctuations – you must have at least €12,324 in euros in the account at the time of the confirmation certificate.
If your local currency weakens and you fall short, you must transfer an additional amount.
Partial amounts and variations
The standard blocked account amount (€12,324) applies to regular student visa applications for bachelor's and master's degree programs.
However, there are variations:
- Study preparation courses (Studienkolleg) or language courses: If you are coming to Germany for a preparatory course without a guaranteed university admission, you may need to show funds for a shorter period (typically 6 to 12 months). Check with your local German embassy.
- Already in Germany on a different visa? If you are already in Germany legally (e.g., on a job seeker visa), you may be able to convert to a student visa without a blocked account if you have a German bank account showing sufficient funds. Consult the local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office).
- Scholarship students: If you have a full scholarship covering living expenses (e.g., DAAD scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, government scholarship), the scholarship letter replaces the blocked account requirement. The scholarship must provide at least €1,027 per month.
Can I use my own funds in a regular bank account instead of a blocked account?
For most non-EU countries, no. German embassies strongly prefer or require the blocked account structure because it guarantees that the money will last for the entire year.
A regular bank account statement (even with a high balance) does not provide the same guarantee – you could spend the money before arriving in Germany.
However, students from certain privileged countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea) may be allowed to show a regular bank account statement with sufficient funds (usually €12,324 or more).
Check with your local German embassy for country-specific rules. For the vast majority of applicants, the blocked account is mandatory.
Pro tip: Open your blocked account as early as possible – at least 4-6 weeks before your visa appointment.
International wire transfers can be delayed, and some providers require additional verification steps (e.g., video identification).
Do not wait until the last minute. Also, ensure that the name on your blocked account certificate matches your passport exactly – any discrepancy (e.g., missing middle name, reversed name order) can cause your visa application to be rejected.
Contact the provider immediately to correct any errors.