Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Germany Student Visa

Germany requires proof of finances for a student visa. Most people use a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to show they can cover living costs.

What it is and why you need it

• A blocked account is an account in Germany where your money is locked and released in fixed monthly installments (up to €992/month).
• You show it when applying for a student visa or residence permit as proof you can support yourself.

How much money you must block

• Current amount (2025-2026): €11,904 for 12 months (€992/month).
• This is usually the minimum; you can block more but not less if your embassy asks for this amount.
• For initial student visas, you usually show 12 months, even if your course is longer.

Always check your local German embassy/consulate checklist (e.g. Mumbai, New Delhi) for the exact number.

Popular blocked account providers

As of mid-2026, Expatrio and Fintiba accept new applications. Coracle paused new sign-ups in August 2025; check coracle.de before applying. For a full comparison, see Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Coracle.

Fintiba

• Setup fee: €159, monthly fee €9.90 (accounts opened from Nov 2025; confirm at signup).
• €100 transfer buffer (returned with first payout).
• Fast processing, app-based, English support. US citizens excluded (FATCA).

Expatrio

• Setup fee: €119, monthly fee €9 (from 7 July 2026; was €89 + €5 before).
• €100 buffer. Often advertises total transfer around €12,231 for 12 months (confirm live).
• Free German bank account and bundled health-insurance packages are common.

Coracle (paused for new applications)

• Was ~€99 one-time on basic plans with no monthly maintenance.
• Paused new applications Aug 2025 for system upgrade. Use Expatrio or Fintiba for new visa files unless Coracle reopens.

How to pick one:

• Compare total cost (setup + monthly + buffer) and your INR -> EUR transfer cost.
• Check which offers the lowest overall fee and still gives you a German current account you can use after arrival.
• Read our Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Coracle comparison for a side-by-side fee table.

Step-by-step setup (no-fluff version)

1. Check your embassy requirements
   Open your embassy's visa checklist and confirm the blocked amount and any preferred providers.

2. Pick a provider
   For most students in 2026: Expatrio or Fintiba. Use Coracle only if they officially reopen new applications.

3. Register online
   Create an account, fill your details, and upload:

   • Passport
   • Admission letter or proof you're admitted/applied to a German university

   After approval, you get a blocked account IBAN and exact amount to transfer (blocking sum + fees + buffer).

4. Transfer the money
   Send at least the amount shown (e.g. Expatrio's ~€12,231 under current pricing) to the provider's account.

   • Use the reference number they give you so they can match the transfer
   • Allow 5-10 working days for international transfer plus provider processing

5. Get your Sperrbestätigung
   Once the money is in and blocked, you receive a Sperrbestätigung (blocking confirmation) PDF. It shows your name, blocked amount, and monthly payout (e.g. €992/month). Print it and keep a digital copy.

6. Submit with visa application
   Include the Sperrbestätigung in your visa documents as proof of finances.

   On CSP (India): Select blocked account in the Study - APS eligibility section and enter blocked account under Means of support in VIDEX. Upload the confirmation in the Your documents financial proof slot. Details: CSP portal guide.

   If your embassy asks for more money or format changes, adjust and re-submit.

After arrival: getting your money in Germany

• Most providers link your Sperrkonto to a German current account (either their own bank account or a partner bank).
• You get up to €992 per month for 12 months; you cannot withdraw everything at once unless the embassy or Ausländerbehörde issues a Sperrfreigabe (release).
• If you extend your residence permit, you may need to top up the blocked account or show other proof (salary, scholarship, etc.).

Quick tips to avoid problems

• Do this early, not last-minute; transfers and KYC can take days.
• Transfer slightly more than the bare minimum or use the provider-recommended total that includes fees and buffer.
• Save all receipts (bank transfer, Sperrbestätigung, emails) in one folder.
• Read the refund policy: if your visa is refused, most providers refund the blocked amount but keep setup/administration fees and bank charges.