Best Blocked Accounts Germany 2026
€11,904 Sperrkonto — Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Coracle

What is a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?

A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a mandatory financial instrument for non-EU international students and job seekers applying for a German student or job-seeker visa. It proves to German authorities that you can financially support yourself during your stay — without relying on state assistance.

The account is "blocked" in the sense that you cannot withdraw the full amount at once. Once you arrive in Germany and activate the account, €992 is released monthly. You need a separate regular bank account (Girokonto) to receive these monthly transfers.

The 2026 required amount of €11,904 is calculated based on Germany's BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) living costs estimate for students. This amount is reviewed annually and has increased steadily: €853/month in 2020, €934/month in 2023, €992/month in 2025/2026.

Detailed Provider Comparison 2026

Step-by-Step: How to Open a Blocked Account

The complete process from choosing a provider to activation in Germany takes approximately 2–4 weeks. Start at least 6–8 weeks before your visa appointment to leave buffer for delays.

Most Common Mistakes That Cause Visa Rejection

• Name mismatch between passport and blocked account +
  This is the #1 cause of rejection. The name on your blocked account must match your passport exactly — including all middle names, hyphens, and special characters. Even a single missing middle name can lead to automatic rejection. Triple-check before submitting.
• Applying too late — not enough time for transfer + processing +
  International bank transfers can take 5–10 business days. Provider verification takes another 3–7 days. Apply 6–8 weeks before your visa appointment. Many students apply 2 weeks before — and miss the confirmation letter deadline.
• Using a non-EU bank that isn't accepted by German embassies +
  Germany only accepts European partner banks for the escrow model. Blocked account providers must work with banks holding a German banking license (for direct banking) or partner with EU financial service providers. If your local bank is used directly, it will not be accepted. Always use Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle — all partner with BaFin-regulated German banks.
• Depositing too little — partial amounts don't count +
  The full €11,904 must be deposited and confirmed before the Sperrbestätigung is issued. Partial transfers are not accepted. If your country has currency controls or bank transfer limits per day, plan accordingly — it may take multiple days of transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get my money back if my visa is rejected? +
  Yes. Both Expatrio and Fintiba will refund your blocked amount if the visa is rejected — minus their setup and any processing fees. You need to provide an official rejection letter from the German embassy. The refund process typically takes 2–6 weeks after submitting the rejection letter.
• Do I need a blocked account for a Blue Card or Work Visa? +
  No. A blocked account is specifically required for student visas and job-seeker visas. For Blue Card holders and skilled worker visa applicants, you prove financial support through your employment contract and salary offer instead. See our Blue Card Tool for the salary thresholds.
• What if I need to extend for a second year of studies? +
  You can extend your blocked account for another 12-month period with the same provider. This requires paying the setup fee again (Expatrio: €49, Fintiba: €89) plus monthly fees if applicable. Fintiba offers a special 24-month setup that avoids the extension fee for the second year — worth considering for 2-year Master's programs.