Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
Germany: Complete Guide 2026
The Sperrkonto is a mandatory step in most non-EU student visa applications for Germany. You deposit your year's living costs before applying, the embassy sees it as financial proof, and after arrival Germany releases the money back to you at 992 euros per month. This guide covers the exact amounts, the only two active providers, the full opening process, and what to do after you land.
What is a Sperrkonto and how does it work?
A Sperrkonto (literally "blocked account") is a special type of German bank account where funds are restricted and released only in fixed monthly instalments. It serves one purpose: to prove to the German visa authorities that an incoming international student or job seeker has sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay without relying on public funds.
The mechanism is deliberately simple. You deposit one year's worth of calculated living costs into the account before your visa appointment. The German embassy reviews the Sperrbescheinigung (blocking confirmation certificate) as evidence of financial stability and grants the visa on that basis. After you arrive in Germany, the account unlocks and releases the money to you at a fixed amount each month. Your money is never lost: it is held in trust and returned to you over the course of the year, or refunded in full if your visa is rejected.
The Sperrkonto lifecycle: from application to final payout
Open online from your home country. Deposit 11,904 euros (or 13,092 for Chancenkarte). Receive the Sperrbescheinigung (blocking confirmation letter).
The certificate is one of the required documents in your visa application package. The embassy verifies it as proof of financial means and issues the student visa.
Register your German address (Anmeldung). Then activate the Sperrkonto through the provider's app or portal, and link a German Girokonto for monthly deposits.
At the start of each month, 992 euros transfers automatically to your Girokonto. You use it for rent, groceries, health insurance, transport, and daily expenses.
After the 12th release, the Sperrkonto closes without further action. If your stay continues into a second year, a new Sperrkonto for the following year's amount may be required by the Ausländerbehörde.
A common misconception: the 11,904 euros does not go to the German state. It stays in a bank account in your name, in trust with the provider's banking partner. The government sees the certificate as proof that you have the funds, but the money itself belongs to you throughout. If you never go to Germany, if the visa is rejected, or if you leave early, the remaining balance is returned to you. Only the provider's service fees (see comparison below) are retained as applicable.
Who needs a Sperrkonto for Germany?
The Sperrkonto requirement applies to non-EU/EEA citizens applying for certain German long-stay visas. The specific visa types for which it is typically required or accepted are listed below.
Individual German embassies have some discretion in which proof-of-funds documents they accept. The Sperrkonto is universally accepted at every German embassy and consulate worldwide. Alternatives (scholarships, Verpflichtungserklärung) are accepted at the embassy's discretion and with their own specific requirements. For any doubt about whether you personally need a Sperrkonto, contact the German embassy or consulate in your country directly before opening an account.
Required amounts: student visa vs. Chancenkarte 2026
The Sperrkonto amount is set by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and reviewed annually. It is calculated based on the BAföG reference rate (Germany's federal student support benchmark), not on actual average living costs. Because Germany's cost of living varies significantly between cities (Munich is far more expensive than Leipzig), the rate is a national minimum, not a regional estimate.
How the required amount has changed over time (student visa)
Based on §13 and §13a BAföG basic need rate. Updated each time BAföG rates change.
| Academic year | Annual amount | Monthly amount | Change from prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 10,236 € | 853 € | |
| 2022/23 | 10,332 € | 861 € | +96 € |
| 2023/24 | 10,332 € | 861 € | unchanged |
| Winter 2024/25 | 11,208 € | 934 € | +876 € |
| 2025/26 (current) | 11,904 € | 992 € | +696 € |
The table above shows historical figures. If you are applying for a visa starting in late 2026 or 2027, the required amount may have changed. Always check the current figure at the German embassy website in your country or at the official Auswärtiges Amt site (auswaertiges-amt.de) before depositing. The figure listed here reflects the 2025/26 requirement that has applied since January 2025.
Expatrio vs. Fintiba: the only active providers in 2026
As of June 2026, there are two fully operational online Sperrkonto providers for international applicants: Expatrio and Fintiba. A third provider, Coracle, paused new applications in August 2025 for a system infrastructure upgrade with no confirmed reopening date. Deutsche Bank offers a traditional blocked account but requires in-person verification at a German branch after arrival, creating a practical obstacle for pre-visa applications.
Coracle stopped accepting new Sperrkonto applications in August 2025. Students who had already opened accounts reported frozen fund transfers and invalidated confirmation documents during the transition period, significantly disrupting their visa timelines. Before applying with Coracle, check coracle.de for the current status. For a new application in 2026, use Expatrio or Fintiba.
- Free bundled Girokonto (no need to open separately)
- ISIC student card included
- Accepts US tax residents (FATCA)
- Refunds setup fees if visa is rejected
- Health insurance bundle available (TK, DR-Walter)
- Support response slower in peak season (June to August)
- Does not accept applicants under 18
- Verify current fee amounts at expatrio.com (change frequently)
- Instant Sperrbescheinigung via credit card payment
- Accepts applicants under 18
- Dedicated Chancenkarte package
- Fintiba Transfer service (own rail, no extra fee)
- Health insurance bundle (DAK, MAWISTA)
- US citizens (FATCA): not accepted. US tax residents must use Expatrio.
- Setup fee generally not refunded if visa rejected
- Higher overall cost than Expatrio in most scenarios
| Feature | Expatrio | Fintiba |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 total cost | ~149 € | ~148 to 278 € |
| Certificate speed | ~24h after funds clear | Instant (card) / 2 to 4 days (transfer) |
| Banking partner | Regulated German institution | Sutor Bank (German bank) |
| Girokonto bundled | Yes, free | Separate |
| US citizens (FATCA) | Accepted | Not accepted |
| Under 18 | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Visa rejection refund | Full deposit + setup fees | Full deposit (setup fee kept) |
| ISIC card | Included | Not included |
| Deposit insurance | EU: 100,000 € | EU: 100,000 € |
| Chancenkarte package | Yes | Dedicated package |
Step-by-step: how to open a Sperrkonto
The full process takes between 10 and 25 business days from start to receiving your Sperrbescheinigung. Start at least 6 to 8 weeks before your visa appointment. The steps below apply to both Expatrio and Fintiba; the specific forms differ but the logic is identical.
Create an account with your email and personal details. Select "student visa" or "Chancenkarte" to ensure the correct blocking amount is applied. No German address required: use your home country address.
Both providers use digital identity verification: either a video call (live agent reviews your passport on camera) or an automated AI-powered passport scan. Prepare your physical passport. This step is completed online and takes 5 to 15 minutes.
After identity approval, the provider gives you a dedicated IBAN to which you transfer the funds. This is an international wire (SWIFT) from your bank to the provider's account. Transfer at least 12,050 euros (for the student visa 11,904-euro requirement) to cover any SWIFT-chain deductions.
Once the full minimum amount has cleared in the Sperrkonto, the provider issues your Sperrbescheinigung (blocking confirmation certificate) as a PDF. This document proves to the German embassy that the funds are in place and blocked. Expatrio issues within 24 hours. Fintiba issues immediately if you paid by credit card, or within 2 to 4 days for standard transfers.
Print the certificate or save it digitally (check your specific embassy's document format preferences). Include it in your visa application package alongside your passport, admission letter, health insurance certificate, and other required documents. The Sperrbescheinigung is typically the financial proof section of the application.
Realistic timeline: from first click to certificate in hand
| Step | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and identity verification | 1 to 3 business days | Day 1 to 3 |
| International bank transfer (SWIFT) | 3 to 7 business days | Day 4 to 10 |
| Provider verifies deposit, issues certificate | 1 to 2 business days | Day 5 to 12 |
| Typical total | 10 to 15 business days | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Peak season (June to August) | May add 1 to 2 weeks | Up to 4 to 5 weeks |
Common mistakes that cause delays or rejection
After you arrive: activating monthly releases
The Sperrkonto remains dormant until you arrive in Germany and trigger the activation. You cannot receive payouts simply by waiting: you must complete a few steps in the first days and weeks after landing. Getting this right quickly means your first 992 euro payment arrives without delay.
Activation checklist after arrival
Visit your local Bürgeramt (citizens' office) within 14 days of finding accommodation. Bring your passport and rental contract. You receive the Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) on the spot. This is the trigger for activation.
Both Expatrio and Fintiba require you to update your registered address from your home country to your new German address. This step is done online in minutes after Anmeldung.
Enter the IBAN of your German Girokonto. If you opened a Sperrkonto with Expatrio, the bundled Girokonto is already linked. If you used Fintiba, you need to provide your own Girokonto IBAN (N26, Commerzbank, ING, or C24 all work). SEPA Instant transfers mean the money arrives on the payout date without delays.
Payouts run on a calendar month cycle. If you activate in the middle of a month, you wait until the first of the following month. After that, the transfer is automatic: no action required for the remaining 11 months.
Monthly limit is strict
The 992 euro monthly release is fixed and cannot be accelerated. You cannot request an extra payout because of an emergency. If you need additional funds urgently (unexpected medical cost, lost wallet), the only route is having family or friends transfer money directly to your regular Girokonto, not to the Sperrkonto.
Second-year renewal
When extending your residence permit for a second year of study, the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) may ask for renewed proof of financial means. This often means opening a new Sperrkonto for year 2 with the then-current annual amount. Check the renewal requirements at your specific Ausländerbehörde well before your first-year permit expires.
To receive the first Sperrkonto payout without delay, you need a German IBAN ready before activation. N26 (EU/EEA passport holders) and Wise allow account opening from your home country before you fly. Having a working German IBAN on your first day in Germany means you can complete Sperrkonto activation within the first few days, and your first 992 euro release arrives on schedule.
Closing the account and getting a refund
Your deposited funds are always yours. The Sperrkonto holds them in trust and returns them to you monthly. In several scenarios, you may need to close the account early or retrieve the remaining balance in a lump sum.
After the 12th and final monthly payout, the Sperrkonto closes automatically. There is nothing you need to do. If there is any residual balance (from depositing slightly more than the minimum), it is automatically returned to your linked account or the originating transfer account.
If the German embassy rejects your visa application, contact the Sperrkonto provider and submit a closure request with proof of the visa denial (rejection letter from the embassy). The provider refunds the full 11,904 euros (or 13,092 for Chancenkarte) to your originating bank account. Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks. Expatrio also refunds their setup and service fees on visa rejection. Fintiba refunds the deposit but generally retains the setup fee.
Your Sperrkonto remains available if you choose to reapply for the visa. You do not need to re-deposit or open a new account. The same certificate can be used for a second application attempt.
If you leave Germany before the 12 months are complete, you can close the Sperrkonto and receive the remaining balance. To do this, you need to provide the provider with your Abmeldung (deregistration confirmation from the Bürgeramt when leaving Germany) and proof of departure. The remaining balance transfers to your specified account within 2 to 4 weeks. Note: early closure may require showing the Ausländerbehörde alternative financial proof if your residence permit renewal is pending.
If you opened a Sperrkonto but have not yet applied for the visa (or have been accepted to a programme you are no longer attending), you can close the account at any time by submitting a closure request through the provider's portal. The full deposited amount is returned to your originating account, minus any applicable service fees. Do this promptly to stop ongoing monthly fees accumulating.
If the refund is returned to an account in your home currency (rupees, naira, pesos, etc.), the amount you receive in local currency depends on the exchange rate at the time of the refund, not the rate when you deposited. This can result in receiving more or less in local currency than you originally sent, even though the euro amount is identical. To maximise the refund in your home currency, consider receiving the refund to a Wise account in euros first, then converting at the mid-market rate when conditions are favourable.
Alternatives to the Sperrkonto
The Sperrkonto is not the only way to prove financial means for a German visa. Three alternatives are sometimes accepted, depending on the individual embassy and your circumstances. The Sperrkonto is accepted at every German embassy worldwide without exception; alternatives are accepted at the embassy's discretion and typically require more preparation and documentation.
A person legally residing in Germany (a relative, sponsor, or employer) formally declares to the German authorities that they will cover all your living costs for the duration of your stay. This is a legally binding commitment: if you fall into financial need, the German state can claim costs from the declarant. The declarant must visit their local Ausländerbehörde in Germany to sign the declaration in person.
- You have a parent or close relative already living in Germany with a stable, high income
- You cannot access 11,904 euros in liquid funds before departure
- Declarant needs net income of approximately 2,500 to 2,900 euros/month (city-dependent)
- Declarant assumes serious legal liability for up to 5 years
- Process requires in-person visit to Ausländerbehörde in Germany
- Not accepted by all embassies for student visa
A scholarship from a recognised organisation covering at least 992 euros per month (or 1,091 euros for Chancenkarte) can substitute for the Sperrkonto at most embassies. The scholarship letter must confirm the monthly amount, the duration of support, and come from a recognised body. German embassies regularly accept DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and Erasmus+ scholarships without requiring a Sperrkonto.
- DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
- Erasmus+ programme (EU-funded)
- EPOS (Entwicklungsbezogene Postgraduiertenstudiengänge)
- Fulbright (US-German exchange)
- Heinrich Böll, Konrad Adenauer, Friedrich Ebert Foundation scholarships
- Must cover at least 992 €/month (or 1,091 €)
- Must come from an embassy-recognised body
- University or private scholarships may not be accepted
- Final decision rests with the individual embassy
Some embassies accept recent bank statements (typically the last 3 to 6 months) showing sufficient savings, usually at least 11,904 euros equivalently. However, this is the least reliable alternative. German embassies tend to be sceptical of personal bank statements from some countries due to fraud concerns. Simple savings statements from home-country banks are frequently insufficient on their own and are often required as supplementary evidence alongside another proof method. For most applicants, the Sperrkonto is faster, cleaner, and more universally accepted.
Frequently asked questions
The Sperrkonto is one of those bureaucratic hurdles that sounds daunting from the outside but is genuinely straightforward once you understand the mechanics. The two things that trip up the most applicants are depositing the exact minimum amount (which often arrives slightly short due to SWIFT fees) and starting too late. Both are entirely preventable. Transfer 12,050 euros minimum for the student visa amount, start 6 to 8 weeks out, and you are done.
The Coracle pause is worth emphasising: several students in the 2025 peak season applied with Coracle and found their confirmations invalid weeks later. Until Coracle publicly announces new applications are open and operational, Expatrio is the default recommendation for 2026. Fintiba is a reliable alternative for anyone who needs instant confirmation or is under 18. US citizens must use Expatrio due to Fintiba's FATCA exclusion.