🇩🇪 Germany Visa Guide · Updated for 2026
German Blocked Account 2026: €11,904 Requirement & Complete Guide
If you are planning to study in Germany in 2026 and need to prove that
you can cover your living costs, you may need a
blocked account (Sperrkonto) as part of your visa or
residence application.
For a standard student case in 2026, the required financial amount is
€11,904 for 12 months, equivalent to
€992 per month. A blocked account is one way to
demonstrate sufficient financial means; depending on your situation,
other forms of proof may also be accepted.
€11,904
Standard financial amount for a 12-month student case in 2026
€992
Equivalent monthly amount for a standard 12-month student case
2026 key figure
The current German government guidance lists a minimum of
€11,904 for a 12-month student case in 2026, corresponding
to €992 per month.
EX
🇩🇪 Blocked Account Option
Need a German blocked account for your 2026 visa?
Expatrio offers an online Blocked Account for people who need to
demonstrate financial means for Germany. You can review its
current account options, pricing and package details before
deciding.
€11,904
2026 student amount
✓
Online application
Start the blocked-account process online.
€
Current pricing
Expatrio currently lists €119 setup + €9/month.
+
Additional services
Value Package options can include banking and insurance services.
Partner link:
GermanOnlineTests may receive a commission from eligible referrals.
Expatrio controls its own pricing, eligibility and product terms.
Check Expatrio
→
What Is a German Blocked Account?
A blocked account, known in German as a Sperrkonto, is a
special type of account used to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds
to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
The basic idea is simple: you deposit the required amount before or during
the visa process, and only a defined amount can normally be made available
to you each month after the applicable conditions are met.
For a standard 12-month student case in 2026, that monthly amount is
€992, resulting in a total blocked amount of
€11,904.
German Blocked Account Requirement 2026
The official German government portal currently states that students can
demonstrate sufficient funds through a blocked bank account containing at
least €11,904 in 2026. Other options can include a
scholarship or a declaration of commitment, depending on the circumstances.
€992 / month
Standard monthly amount for a 12-month student case
€11,904 / 12 months
Standard annual blocked amount
Fees are separate
Provider and banking charges are additional
The €11,904 figure is the amount used to demonstrate the required financial
means. Bank or provider fees are additional and should not
be confused with the blocked amount itself.
Is €11,904 the Same for Every German Visa?
No. One of the most important points when researching a
blocked account is that the financial requirement depends on the purpose
of your stay.
You should not automatically use the student figure for every German visa
category.
Purpose
2026 guidance
Important information
University studies
€992/month
€11,904 for a standard 12-month period
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
€1,091/month
Different financial requirement from the standard student amount
Seeking a place at a university
€1,091/month
Different requirement from the standard student case
Other residence purposes
Varies
Check the rules for your exact residence purpose
Important
Do not assume that €11,904 applies to every German visa. Always check the
current requirements for your exact residence purpose and the German mission
responsible for your application.
Who Needs a Blocked Account for Germany?
A blocked account is commonly used by people who need to demonstrate
financial means for certain German residence purposes, especially
international students.
If you are applying for a German student visa and do not have another
accepted way of proving sufficient funds, a blocked account can be one of
the available options.
The Federal Foreign Office explains that financial means for a student visa
can also be demonstrated through certain other forms of evidence, so a
blocked account is not automatically the only solution for every applicant.
How Much Money Do I Need in the Blocked Account?
For a standard 12-month student case in 2026:
Calculation
Amount
Monthly amount
€992
12 months
€11,904
Provider fees
Additional
Therefore, do not treat €11,904 as the total price of opening a blocked
account. It is the standard blocked amount for a 12-month student case.
The provider's service charges are separate.
Do I Have to Use a Specific Blocked Account Provider?
No.
The Federal Foreign Office states that a blocked account can be opened with
a bank or similar provider and that applicants are free to choose where to
open the account.
This means you should not assume that one private company is the official
German government provider.
Examples of commercial providers you may encounter include
Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle. Compare their current
conditions, fees and services before choosing one.
Expatrio Blocked Account: Current 2026 Information
If you are looking for an online provider, Expatrio currently offers a
German Blocked Account designed for people who need to demonstrate
financial means for their stay in Germany.
Expatrio also offers a Value Package that combines the blocked account with
additional services. Review the current terms before deciding whether the
additional services are useful for your situation.
EX
Compare before applying
One private option to compare: Expatrio
Expatrio is not a German government agency. It is a private
provider offering blocked-account and related services.
Check its current conditions before applying.
€
€119 setup
Current listed initial setup fee.
9
€9 / month
Current listed monthly service fee.
✓
Online process
Review the account and package options online.
Partner link:
GermanOnlineTests may receive a commission from eligible referrals.
Pricing is determined by Expatrio.
View Expatrio
→
How to Open a German Blocked Account
1
Confirm Your Exact Visa Category
Before opening anything, determine exactly which German visa or
residence purpose you are applying for.
2
Confirm the Required Amount
For a standard 12-month student case in 2026, the amount is
€11,904.
3
Compare Providers
Compare setup fees, monthly fees, transfer methods, verification
procedures, cancellation conditions and optional insurance or banking
services.
4
Open the Account
Many blocked-account providers allow the application to be completed
online. The provider will tell you exactly which documents are
required.
5
Transfer the Required Funds
For a standard 12-month student case in 2026, the blocked amount is
€11,904. Provider charges are additional.
6
Obtain the Official Confirmation
After the provider receives and processes the required funds, obtain
the appropriate blocked-account confirmation for your visa or
residence application.
7
Submit Your Visa Application
Eligible national visa applications can be submitted through
Germany's Consular Services Portal. An in-person appointment may still
be required for biometrics, original documents and payment.
EX
🇩🇪 2026 Provider Comparison
Ready to compare a blocked-account provider?
Expatrio is one private option available to international
students. Review the current product, pricing and package details
before deciding which provider fits your situation.
€119
current setup fee
€
€119 setup
Current Expatrio Blocked Account setup fee.
9
€9 / month
Current monthly service fee listed by Expatrio.
✓
Private provider
Not a German government recommendation.
Compare before applying.
Always check the latest provider terms and the requirements for
your own visa category.
Explore Expatrio
→
How Long Does a Blocked Account Take?
There is no single processing time that applies to every provider or
applicant.
Transfer times, identity verification, document checks and other processing
steps can vary.
For that reason, do not wait until a few days before your visa appointment.
Start early enough to allow time for your provider, your bank and the
German mission responsible for your application.
Planning tip
Do not rely on a fixed processing-time promise. Use the current timeframe
given by your chosen provider and leave additional time before your visa
appointment.
What Documents Do I Need?
The exact documents depend on your provider and your visa category.
-
Valid passport or identity document
-
Personal information required by the provider
-
Information about your university, course or residence purpose
-
Evidence required for your visa application
-
Proof of the blocked account and required amount
Your provider and the German mission responsible for your application should
be treated as the final authority on the documents required in your
individual case.
Can I Prove My Funds Without a Blocked Account?
In some student-visa cases, yes.
The Federal Foreign Office lists several possible ways to demonstrate that
your financing is secure. Depending on your circumstances, these can
include:
-
Parental financial evidence
-
Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)
-
Blocked account in Germany
-
Bank guarantee
-
Qualifying scholarship
The exact conditions matter, so do not assume that an alternative will
automatically be accepted in your situation.
What Is a Verpflichtungserklärung?
A Verpflichtungserklärung is a formal declaration of
commitment made by a person who meets the applicable financial requirements
and undertakes to cover certain costs of your stay.
This can be an alternative to personally demonstrating the full amount
through a blocked account in appropriate cases.
Because this is a formal legal commitment, anyone considering this option
should carefully check the requirements with the relevant German authority.
What Happens After I Arrive in Germany?
Your blocked account is intended to help demonstrate that your living
expenses are financially covered.
After arriving in Germany, you may need to complete additional
administrative and banking steps depending on your provider and
circumstances.
1
Complete Local Registration
Complete your local registration (Anmeldung) where required.
2
Set Up Your Bank Account
Set up or activate your German current account where required.
3
Complete Provider Verification
Complete any post-arrival verification steps required by your
provider.
4
Arrange Monthly Funds
Follow your provider's process for releasing the monthly blocked
funds.
✓
Still comparing blocked-account providers?
Review Expatrio's current Blocked Account options and pricing directly
before making your decision.
See Options →
Can I Get More Than €992 Per Month?
The standard 2026 student calculation is based on
€992 per month for a 12-month period.
If you need additional funds for a particular reason, do not assume that
simply depositing extra money automatically changes the permitted monthly
withdrawal. The rules depend on the structure of your blocked account and
the applicable immigration requirements.
Check with your provider before making assumptions about additional
deposits or monthly withdrawals.
What If I Have Money Left in the Account?
The treatment of remaining funds depends on the circumstances of your
account and the applicable release or closure procedure.
For questions about refunds, remaining balances, early account closure or
transfer of funds, follow your provider's current terms and the instructions
of the relevant German authority.
Germany Blocked Account 2026: Common Mistakes
1
Using an Old Amount
Online articles often contain outdated figures. For a standard
student case in 2026, the current government portal lists €11,904.
2
Confusing the Blocked Amount With Provider Fees
€11,904 is the standard blocked amount for a 12-month student case.
Provider fees are separate.
3
Assuming Expatrio Is Government-Recommended
Expatrio is a private provider. The Federal Foreign Office does not
recommend one private blocked-account provider over another.
4
Applying the Student Amount to Every Visa
Different residence purposes can have different financial
requirements.
5
Waiting Until the Last Moment
Transfers and verification can take time. Start early enough for
your situation.
Consular Services Portal: What Changed?
Germany has significantly digitised the national visa process.
The Federal Foreign Office launched the
Consular Services Portal worldwide on 1 January 2025.
Eligible applicants can submit national visa applications online through
the portal.
The current Federal Foreign Office information explains that applicants may
still need to attend an in-person appointment for biometrics, original
documents and payment of the visa fee, depending on the application.
If your visa category is available online, using the portal can make the
initial application process more convenient.
2026 Student Visa Checklist
-
Confirm that your residence purpose is study.
-
Check the latest financial requirement.
-
For a standard 12-month student case in 2026, prepare the
€11,904 blocked amount if using a blocked account.
-
Compare available blocked-account providers.
-
Check the provider's current fees.
-
Open the account early enough for verification and transfers.
-
Transfer the required amount plus applicable provider fees.
-
Obtain the official blocked-account confirmation.
-
Complete the visa application using the applicable procedure.
-
Follow your provider's post-arrival activation instructions.
Should You Choose Expatrio?
There is no universal answer because different applicants have different
needs.
Expatrio can be worth comparing if you want an online blocked-account
provider and are interested in combining the blocked account with other
services such as banking and insurance.
However, you should compare the current terms and total cost with other
available providers before choosing.
EX
2026 Partner Option
See Expatrio's current blocked-account options
Need a blocked account for your Germany plans? Review Expatrio's
current products, pricing and requirements directly before
applying.
€119
setup fee listed
✓
Blocked Account
Designed for applicants who need to demonstrate financial means.
+
Value Package
Additional services can be combined with the blocked account.
→
Check current terms
Pricing and product conditions can change.
Affiliate disclosure:
This is a partner link. GermanOnlineTests may receive a commission
from eligible referrals. The price and terms are controlled by
Expatrio.
Check Expatrio
→
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is required for a German student blocked account in 2026?
For a standard 12-month student case, the current amount is
€11,904, equivalent to €992 per month.
Is the €11,904 amount official?
Yes. The German government's current Make it in Germany portal
lists at least €11,904 in a blocked account for students in 2026.
Can I use Expatrio for a German student visa?
Expatrio offers a private blocked-account service. Applicants should check
that their selected account and confirmation satisfy the current
requirements for their application.
Is Expatrio the official German government blocked-account provider?
No. Expatrio is a private provider. The Federal Foreign Office states that
applicants are free to choose their provider and does not recommend
individual providers.
Are provider fees included in the €11,904?
No. Provider or banking fees are additional to the blocked amount.
Can I use another proof of funds instead of a blocked account?
Depending on your situation, yes. The Federal Foreign Office lists
alternatives such as parental financial evidence, a declaration of
commitment, a bank guarantee and certain scholarships.
Is €992 required for every German visa?
No. The amount depends on the residence purpose. The €992/month figure
applies to the standard student calculation for 2026 and should not
automatically be applied to other visa categories.
How early should I open my blocked account?
Start early enough to allow for provider verification, bank transfers,
confirmation and your visa appointment. There is no single processing time
that applies to every provider and applicant.
Can I apply for my German national visa online?
Eligible national visa categories can be submitted through Germany's
Consular Services Portal. However, depending on your application, you may
still need to attend an in-person appointment for biometrics, original
documents and other requirements.
Bottom Line: German Blocked Account 2026
For a standard 12-month student case in Germany in 2026, the required
financial amount is €11,904, equivalent to
€992 per month.
A blocked account is one possible way of proving your financial means, but
it is not necessarily the only option. Depending on your situation, other
forms of evidence may be available.
If you choose a private blocked-account provider, compare current fees,
processing procedures, insurance options and account conditions before
transferring your money.
Expatrio is one private provider currently offering an online Blocked
Account and additional package options. Its current listed Blocked Account
service fees are €119 for setup and €9 per month.
Always check the provider's current terms before applying.
Official Sources & Further Reading
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Financial requirements, provider pricing and visa procedures can change.
Always check the latest information from the German authorities and your
chosen provider before applying or transferring funds.
