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

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 until autumn 2024, and €992/month since January 2025.

How much do you need in 2026? The two official amounts

There is no single blocked account amount for Germany. The Federal Foreign Office sets the required sum per visa category, based on the BAföG student support rate — and there are two different amounts. Students get the base rate; most other applicants, including job seekers on the Chancenkarte, must show the base rate plus 10%:

If your visa is valid for less than 12 months, the total scales with the number of months — for example €5,952 for a 6-month student stay (€992 × 6) or €6,546 for 6 months on the Chancenkarte (€1,091 × 6).

Transfer €100–200 more than the minimum. International transfers lose money along the way — intermediary bank fees and currency conversion mean the amount that actually arrives in your blocked account can be slightly less than what you sent. If even a few euros are missing, the provider cannot issue your blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung) until you top up, and that delay can cost you your visa appointment. The surplus is not lost: it stays in your account and is paid out to you in Germany.

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.

Blocked account for the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) and job seekers

The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card, §20a of the Residence Act) lets qualified job seekers come to Germany for up to 12 months to look for work. Like students, applicants must prove they can support themselves for the entire stay — and for most applicants, a blocked account is how they do it.

The amount surprises many people: the Chancenkarte requires €1,091 per month — €13,092 for the full 12 months. That is the student base rate of €992 plus a 10% surcharge, because job seekers are calculated at a higher living-cost rate than enrolled students. Most guides online simply copy the student figure of €11,904 — apply with that amount and your proof of funds falls €1,188 short, which can mean a refused or stalled application. If your card is issued for fewer than 12 months, the total scales down (€1,091 × number of months). Once you are in Germany, the money is released monthly (€1,091) into your regular German bank account, exactly like a student blocked account.

You open the account with the same online providers as students — Expatrio and Fintiba both issue blocked accounts for Chancenkarte applicants, fully online, before you travel. Deutsche Bank remains the traditional bank route, but it is paper-based and significantly slower.

Alternatives to a blocked account exist, but whether they are accepted depends on the German mission in your country:

Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter): a person living in Germany — for example a relative, friend or future employer — formally commits at their local Ausländerbehörde to cover your living costs for the duration of your stay.

Proof of own savings: some consulates accept bank statements showing sufficient freely available funds instead of a blocked account.

Part-time job contract: the Chancenkarte allows part-time work of up to 20 hours per week, and some missions count an existing part-time contract or a concrete job offer toward your livelihood proof.

Because the rules differ from consulate to consulate, check the Chancenkarte checklist of your local German mission before you choose. The blocked account is the one form of proof that every mission accepts — and for the Opportunity Card, it must be funded at the higher €1,091/month rate.

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 an established provider like Expatrio or Fintiba — both 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.
• How much is the blocked account for Germany in 2026? +
  For a student visa (§16b), the required amount is €992 per month — €11,904 for a 12-month stay. This rate has applied since January 2025 and is unchanged for 2026. Other categories — including the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), language courses and recognition procedures — require 10% more: €1,091 per month, or €13,092 for 12 months. The old figure of €934 per month (€11,208 per year) expired in autumn 2024; consulates no longer accept it.
• How much do I need for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)? +
  Chancenkarte applicants must prove €1,091 per month for the full validity of the card — up to €13,092 for 12 months. That is the student base rate of €992 plus a 10% surcharge, so job seekers need €1,188 more than students for a full year. A blocked account is the proof every German mission accepts; depending on the consulate, a Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter) or proof of savings may also be accepted — check your local mission's checklist before applying.