A blocked account, or Sperrkonto, is a special German bank account that proves you can support yourself during your studies. You deposit a set amount before your visa interview, and once you arrive in Germany the account releases a fixed sum each month, usually for 12 months. For a student visa in 2026 the deposit is €11,904, released at €992 a month. Almost every Indian student applying to Germany needs one, whether for a Studienkolleg, a degree or the Chancenkarte.

What Is a German Blocked Account?

A blocked account is not a normal current account. You cannot spend the full balance whenever you like. Instead, the provider releases a fixed monthly amount, and the rest stays locked until the following month. German immigration authorities accept this as proof that you can cover your living costs without needing public support in your first year.

The required amount tracks the BAföG student support rate, which is why it changes from year to year. It is reviewed periodically, so always confirm the current figure on the German Foreign Office website or with your visa office before you transfer money. This account works alongside your course, whether that is a Studienkolleg, a full degree, or preparation for Ausbildung, which usually does not need one because it pays a training salary instead.

How Much Do You Need in 2026?

These two figures are different, and using the student rate for a Chancenkarte application, or the other way round, is a common and costly mistake that can send your application back as incomplete. If your visa also covers a spouse or child, most missions ask for an additional amount per dependant, so confirm the exact figure with your consulate. Read our Germany destination page and our Studienkolleg guide for how this fits into your wider budget.

How a Blocked Account Works, Start to Finish

1. You open the account online from India with a specialist provider, using your passport, offer or admission letter and a selfie for identity verification.
2. You wire the full amount from your Indian bank account, usually €11,904 or more to cover any transfer charges.
3. The provider issues a blocking confirmation, a PDF that you submit with your visa application.
4. You travel to Germany and register your address.
5. The account starts releasing €992 (or €1,091 for the Chancenkarte) on a fixed date each month, usually into a linked German current account.
6. The account runs for 12 months, after which you either close it, top it up again for a visa extension, or switch to another form of proof such as income.

Choosing a Blocked Account Provider

Most Indian students now open their account fully online with a specialist provider rather than visiting a traditional bank branch. Expatrio and Fintiba are the two most widely used options and both work well from India. Older guides also mention Deutsche Bank and Coracle, but provider availability and terms change often, so confirm which providers are currently accepting new applications before you choose one.

• Setup fee. Online providers typically charge a one-time setup fee, and some bundle health insurance or a linked current account into the price.
• Processing time. Online account opening is usually quick, often within a few days, but the international wire transfer from India can add several more business days.
• Bundled extras. Some providers include travel insurance, an ISIC card or a free German current account (Girokonto) alongside the blocked account, which can save you a separate application later.
• Refund policy. Check whether the provider refunds the setup fee if your visa application is refused.
• Country compatibility. A few countries face restrictions with certain providers because of banking rules, so confirm that your provider accepts transfers from India before you commit.

Compare total first-year cost, not just the headline setup fee, since one provider's low setup fee can be offset by a monthly charge elsewhere.

Funding Your Blocked Account Without Losing Money

International wire transfers can arrive short of the full amount once your bank and the receiving bank both take their fees. Many advisers suggest sending slightly more than the minimum, commonly €100 to €200 extra, so the confirmed balance still clears the required figure after charges. Any amount above the required deposit stays freely accessible and is not blocked, so it is not wasted money; some students use the extra to cover an apartment deposit or semester fees once they arrive.

If you are also working out how to send the money itself, our page on studying in Germany covers the wider visa funds picture, and general remittance rules such as the LRS limit and TCS apply the same way here as for any other country.

Alternatives to a Blocked Account

A blocked account is the most common proof of funds, but it is not the only accepted option. Embassies may also accept:

• A scholarship letter from DAAD, Erasmus+ or another recognised body, covering at least the monthly minimum.
• A formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a German resident who commits to covering your costs.
• Proof of parental income or assets, accepted by some missions in limited circumstances.

An Indian fixed deposit on its own is generally not accepted as standalone proof, and an education loan usually supports your file alongside a blocked account rather than replacing it outright. Every consulate applies these rules slightly differently, so confirm your options with the German mission handling your application before you rule out the blocked account.

After You Arrive: Withdrawals and Renewals

Once you register your address in Germany, your blocked account releases its fixed monthly amount into your German bank account. It does not let you withdraw a larger sum in one go, even if you have an unusually expensive month, so many students keep a small buffer in savings before they travel.

When your residence permit comes up for renewal, typically after a year, the immigration office will ask you to show continued financial means. Your options are usually to top up the blocked account again for the next 12 months, show employment income if you are working part-time, or provide a fresh scholarship or sponsor letter. Part-time work income alone, within the usual student work limits, is often not enough to fully replace the blocked account, so plan ahead rather than leaving this to the last month.

Documents You Typically Need

• Passport copy.
• University or Studienkolleg admission or offer letter.
• Proof of address in India for the account application.
• A selfie or video call for identity verification, depending on the provider.
• Proof of the source of funds for the transfer, especially for a large one-time wire.

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Using the wrong figure. The student visa amount and the Chancenkarte amount are different, and mixing them up delays your application.
• Sending exactly the minimum. Bank fees can leave the confirmed balance short, so send a small buffer.
• Opening the account too late. Online setup is fast, but the wire transfer and confirmation can still take a week or more.
• Assuming the blocked account covers everything. You still need a normal German current account for rent, contracts and daily spending.
• Forgetting the renewal. Plan your top-up or alternative proof before your first year runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions