How to Open a Blocked Account for a German Student Visa
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) proves you can cover a year of living costs for your German student visa. Here is how it works and how to open one.
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) proves to the German consulate that you can cover your living costs for one year of study. It is a standard requirement for most student visas, and the rules are national — so the process is the same whether you apply in Mumbai, Nairobi or São Paulo.
How much money you need to block
The required sum is set nationally and reviewed annually, so always check the figure on your consulate page before transferring. For 2026 the standard amount covers twelve months of the official monthly living-cost minimum, plus a small buffer for provider fees.
Choosing a blocked account provider
Compare three things: setup speed, monthly fees, and how funds are released. Some providers issue the visa-ready confirmation letter within days; others take weeks. Pick one that accepts your passport and offers a German IBAN for the monthly payout.
Identity verification
Identity verification is the slowest step, especially if your passport was recently reissued. Have a clear scan of your passport, your university admission letter, and a recent proof of address ready before you start the application.
How the monthly payout works
The account releases a fixed monthly amount to you once you arrive and open a regular current account. Nothing more, nothing less, which is why budgeting around it matters. Allow three to four weeks between opening the blocked account and your visa appointment. Once you land, your first bureaucracy stop is the Anmeldung address registration, followed by opening an English-speaking German bank account to receive the monthly payout.