Moving to Germany is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges – especially regarding bureaucracy and obtaining a residence permit. One of the first hurdles many face is understanding the “mysterious” blocked account (“Sperrkonto”). If you are applying for a visa, whether as a student, job seeker, or au pair, chances are you will need this account to prove you have enough money to support yourself while living here.
Seeing many of my international connections go through the process, I know how confusing it can be. That is why I put together this guide to make things easier for you. From understanding what it is, how you can open a so-called “Sperrkonto,” and figuring out how much you need to deposit to choosing the right provider, this article walks you through everything step by step. I aim to help you prepare for and start your new life in Germany with one less thing to worry about.
This article is part of our Ultimate Guide on Banking and Banks in Germany, giving you all the information you need to manage your expats finances.
What is a Blocked Account?
A blocked account, or “Sperrkonto” in German, is a special type of bank account designed to meet the visa requirements for living in Germany. If you apply for a visa to study, work, or search for a job here, you likely need proof that you can financially support yourself. It is where the blocked account comes in.
Here is how it works: You deposit a specific amount of money into the account, which is “blocked” until you arrive in Germany. Once you are here, you can withdraw a fixed monthly allowance to cover your living expenses. The German government introduced this system to ensure that visa applicants have the financial means to live independently without relying on state support.
For many, this account is a crucial part of the visa process. It is tangible evidence that you have enough money to cover your living expenses for essentials like rent, food, and transportation while settling into life in Germany.
Who Needs a Blocked Account?
A blocked account is required for many people planning to move to Germany, especially those needing a visa to enter and stay here. The following are the main groups who typically need one:
- International Students: Suppose you come to Germany to study at a university. In that case, a blocked account is usually part of your visa application process. It proves you can cover your living expenses while focusing on your studies. Without it, your application may not denied.
- Job Seeker Visa Applicants: If you apply for a job seeker visa (opportunity card or “Chancenkarte”) – which allows you to come to Germany and search for a job – a blocked account is a common way to show you have enough funds to support yourself while you look for employment.
- Other Visa Categories: Other groups, like au pairs or individuals on certain temporary visas, may also need a blocked account, depending on the specific requirements of their visa type.
- Exceptions: There are some cases where a blocked account is not necessary. For example:
- You receive a scholarship that covers your living expenses.
- You have a sponsor in Germany who provides a “Verpflichtungserklärung” (a formal declaration of financial support)
- You have a work visa with a valid German job contract so that your salary can cover your living expenses.
If you are unsure whether you need a blocked account for your visa, I recommend double-checking the requirements for your specific situation with the German consulate or embassy.
Blocked Account Amount 2025
One of the most important things to know about a blocked account is how much money you actually need to deposit. The German government sets this amount, which has increased over the years, to keep pace with inflation and rising living costs in Germany. For 2019, the required deposit was 8.640 Euros; in 2024, it was 11,208 Euros.
For 2025, the required deposit is 11,904 Euros for one year, which breaks down to 992 Euros per month.
Why This Amount?
The monthly allowance of 992 Euros is designed to cover basic living expenses like:
- Rent and utilities
- Groceries and meals
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Other everyday costs
The blocked account is, therefore, a guarantee for you and the government that you can support yourself without relying on additional income or state aid during your stay.
Unless your local embassy decides differently, you usually only have to deposit the amount for the first year on the blocked account, even if you plan to stay longer. In case of a required visa extension, the local immigration office in Germany decides whether you have to renew the blocked account or whether other financial proof is sufficient (e.g., current account balance).
Monthly Withdrawal Limits
Once your account is activated, you can only withdraw up to 992 Euros monthly to ensure the funds last throughout your visa period. While it may feel restrictive initially, it is a helpful way to budget as you settle into life in Germany.
Differences for Visa Categories
For most international students and job seekers, the 11,904 Euros deposit applies. However, certain visa types or individual situations might have different requirements:
- Short-term visas: If your stay is shorter than a year, you only need to deposit an amount proportional to the number of months you plan to stay in Germany.
- Dependents and family reunification visas: The amount might vary depending on family size and living arrangements.
- Special visa types: If you plan to stay for purposes such as the recognition of foreign qualifications, language acquisition, or application for studies or training you might require an increase of the monthly blocked amount by about 10%.
Therefore, I strongly recommended checking the required amount with your local embassy or consulate.
How to Open a Blocked Account in Germany
Setting up a blocked account is straightforward. I checked the different banks and their opening processes and defined the following general guidance for getting a blocked account. By following these steps and tips, you are well on your way to open a blocked account and securing one of the most essential pieces for your visa application.
Steps to Open a Blocked Account in Germany
Step 1: How to Choose a Blocked Account Provider
Choosing the right bank for a blocked account is key to a hassle-free experience. I strongly recommend selecting one officially recognized by German authorities. These providers must meet strict requirements to ensure your account complies with visa regulations. Approved providers must:
- The provider should be officially recognized by the German Foreign Ministry
- Offer accounts that meet the financial proof requirements for German visas.
- Provide a confirmation letter that you can use during your visa application process.
Furthermore, when choosing your bank for a blocked account, you should have a close look at the following factors:- The balance should be denominated in Euro, the conversion from your local currency should be easy and cheap
- The account needs to be opened in your own name
- The opening should and easily possible from your home country with a mostly digital process
- The provider should be safe, the bank account should be in Germany (or alternatively the EU) so that your funds are secured up to 100,000 Euros under the German deposit insurance scheme
- The remaining balance can be easily reimbursed in case of a denied Visa application or early return to your home country
- If your embassy appointment is close, the bank should enable a quick account opening
Step 2: Register Online and Upload Documents
Step 3: Transfer the Required Deposit Amount
Step 4: Receive Your Confirmation Letter
Step 5: Activate Your Account Upon Arrival in Germany
Which is the Best Blocked Account in 2025?
Very few German banks actually offer blocked accounts, and they are typically not the big traditional players.
I carefully researched and consolidated the following list with all available blocked account providers worldwide. It should help you to get a good idea of the options and the market. Further down, you also find some comments on banks that used to or only provide blocked accounts with restrictions.
Please make your own decision; do not see this as a recommendation. Personally, I would stick to the three most established providers:
- Fintiba is a bit more expensive. However, it is the most established provider and the only one working with the well-established German Sutor Bank. I had a Sutor savings account and think paying a bit more for security when depositing several thousand Euros is reasonable.
- Coracle is the cheapest option. At the same time, they have been on the market for longer.
- Expatrio is very user-friendly and modern. It is also a good option for US citizens who cannot get a blocked account with Fintiba or Coracle.
By selecting the right blocked account provider, you not only meet the visa requirements but also make the process smoother and less stressful. Consider the following factors:
- Speed: If your visa deadline is tight, choose a provider with fast processing times.
- Cost: Compare fees and decide whether it is worthwhile to pay more for additional features or security.
- Convenience:
- Some providers offer user-friendly digital apps and support several languages
- Some providers directly open a local current account for your everyday banking. It is a nice feature for the start to gain easy access to your funds from day 1. However, from my experience, you will want a more established bank that offers more features in the long run. There are a lot of free bank accounts available in Germany.
- Some providers offer health insurance packages or discounts on their blocked accounts when subscribing to health insurance with them. They usually partner with selected insurance companies. In most cases, their prices for statutory or private health insurance packages are the same as those for subscriptions directly to the provider. Before subscribing to such a deal, I suggest you research your preferred health insurance plan and see if there is cooperation with a blocked account provider. In my opinion, saving 40 Euros setup fees on your blocked account is not worth it if you end up with worse coverage or paying more for health insurance in the long run.
Coracle
Blocked Account / PRIME Package
Commercial partner
€59-€99 setup fee,
€5 monthly
Fintiba
BASIC / PLUS
Commercial partner
€89 setup fee,
€4.90 monthly
Care Concept
Blocked Account
€50 setup fee,
€4.90 monthly
EDUBAO
Blocked Account
€95 setup fee,
€5.90 monthly
Expatrio
Blocked Account / Value Package
€0-€69 setup fee,
€5 monthly
Studely
ZEN
€70 setup fee,
€4.70 monthly
DDKonto
Sperrkonto
€89 setup fee,
€4.90 monthly
*Students from sanctioned countries (e.g., North Korea or Iran) can generally get a blocked account. However, they might first need to get approval from the German embassy before opening the account and then choose a suitable bank for them.
Additional Local and Former Providers
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank is the only bank that lets you open a blocked account in a foreign currency for free. According to their information, it is also accepted by the German embassy of India. However, it is only a temporary solution for the visa process. Indians cannot use the account for payouts and would have to transfer their funds to Europe and open a blocked account in Euros once they arrive.
RemitX powered by Capital India
RemitX used to offer a blocked account in collaboration with Eric Neuendorff Law Firm in Germany. However, they have changed their model and are now promoting the Finitba blocked account.
Local German Savings Banks (“Sparkasse”) and Cooperative Banks (“Volksbank-Raiffeisenbank”)
Public and cooperative banks are organized in regional entities. Hence, not all of them offer a blocked account, and it depends on the region where you are. You can only open a blocked account with the institution responsible for your living place and in person – not online.
Private German Banks: Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank
Deutsche Bank was a popular choice for blocked accounts. They announced in July 2022 that they terminated opening blocked accounts. Neither Commerzbank, a popular option for their student bank account, has blocked accounts in their portfolio.
Other Former Blocked Account providers
- ICICI Bank has not been accepting registrations since July 2024.
- Drop Money committed fraud and seized operations with account holders waiting for their payouts.
- BAM – Bundesweites Anlagenmanagement seized operations because of illegal activities. Account owners got reimbursed by the German supervision authority “BaFin.
Alternatives to a Blocked Account
While a blocked account is one of the most common ways to meet financial proof requirements for a German visa, it is not the only option. Depending on your situation, you might be able to use one of these alternatives:
Scholarships as Proof of Financial Stability
If you receive a scholarship that fully or partially covers your living expenses, it can serve as financial proof for your visa application. The scholarship provider must issue an official letter confirming the amount and duration of the funding.
Sponsorship by a German Resident (Verpflichtungserklärung)
A “Verpflichtungserklärung” is a formal declaration of financial support provided by a resident in Germany. This person (often a relative or close friend) agrees to cover your living expenses during your stay.
The sponsor must visit their local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) and provide proof of sufficient income or savings. Once approved, they receive an official sponsorship document to include with your visa application.
Always confirm with your local German consulate or embassy if your alternative proofs or combining proofs are acceptable for your specific visa type.
Combining Multiple Financial Proofs
In some cases, you may be able to combine different types of financial proof to meet the visa requirements. For example:
- A partial scholarship combined with personal savings.
- A smaller blocked account amount supplemented by additional proof of income or sponsorship.
Conclusion
Whether you are an international student, job seeker, or temporary resident, having a blocked account is often vital to ensure you meet visa requirements and provide financial security as you settle into life in Germany. I would advise you to ask the following guiding questions:
- Do you require a visa for Germany? Does your visa type ask for proof that you can meet financial obligations?
- Do you need a blocked account, or do you have other options (e.g., scholarship or sponsorship)?
- Which amount do you need for your blocked account based on your planned duration?
- What is the best provider for you? What are the necessary steps to open an account with them?
By starting the process early and choosing a reliable provider, you can avoid unnecessary stress and delays. Remember, the blocked account is more than just a visa formality- it is your financial foundation – often associated with transferring a significant sum of money – for your adventure and new life in Germany.
Check our other guides if you want to know more about banking in Germany or see the options for free German bank accounts to transfer funds from your blocked account.
