German Blocked Account 2026: New Requirements & Guide
For 2026, the mandatory blocked account amount for German student visas is €11,904 per year (€992 per month). This follows the federal standard for student living costs (BAföG basis) used by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and applies to student visa applicants worldwide. This guide covers the 2026 requirements, how to open a blocked account, providers, alternatives, and what to do after you arrive.
What this means for you
If you're applying for a student visa: you must prove funds of €11,904 for one year (€992/month). The usual way is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with an approved provider; the embassy or consulate gets a blocking confirmation (Sperrkonto-Bestätigung). Start the process 4–6 weeks before your visa appointment—transfer and confirmation take time. After you arrive, you register, open a German bank account, and receive €992 per month from the blocked account. Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) has a higher requirement: €13,092/year (€1,091/month).
2026 Blocked Account Amount: Confirmed
The amount is tied to the BAföG (Federal Training Assistance) standard for student living costs and is updated periodically. For 2026:
Category
2026 Amount
Notes
Annual
€11,904
Total for one year
Monthly
€992
Monthly payout after arrival
Basis
BAföG standard
Federal standard for student living costs
Applications are increasingly handled via the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de); the blocking confirmation is uploaded there as proof of funds.
Student Visa vs Other Visa Types (2026)
Visa type
Monthly
Annual
Notes
Student visa
€992
€11,904
BAföG-based
Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)
€1,091
€13,092
Higher for job seekers
Language visa
€992
€11,904
Same as student
Job seeker visa
Varies
Varies
Depends on situation
If you're considering the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) 2026, note the higher requirement: €13,092/year (€1,091/month).
Country and Embassy Notes
The €11,904/year is a federal standard and applies globally; there is no separate “Pakistani” or country-specific amount. Some embassies or consulates may ask for proof of funds for longer than one year (e.g. full study duration) if your programme is multi-year or they require extra assurance. If your course is 2–3 years, be prepared to show funds or a guarantee for that period where requested.
How to Open a Blocked Account: Steps
1. Choose a provider
Common approved providers include Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle. Deutsche Bank stopped offering the product in 2022, so these and similar online providers are the main option. Expatrio also offers combined blocked account + health insurance packages.
2. Register online
You need a valid passport, email, and usually your admission letter (if you have it). Registration is done online and takes a few minutes.
3. Transfer funds
Transfer at least €11,904 (the annual requirement). Add provider setup fees (often around €50–100) and a small buffer; many students plan for about €12,000–12,500 in total. Payment is typically by bank transfer or other methods offered by the provider.
4. Get the blocking confirmation
Once the provider receives the money (often 3–14 business days), they issue the Sperrkonto-Bestätigung (blocking confirmation). This is the document you upload or present for your visa appointment.
5. After arrival in Germany
- Register your address (Anmeldung) and get your Anmeldebescheinigung
- Open a current account (Girokonto) at a German bank
- Link the blocked account to this current account (via the provider)
- Receive €992 per month into your current account; you cannot withdraw more than the monthly limit
Timeline
From starting the process to having the confirmation for your visa appointment:
- Registration: A few minutes online
- Transfer: 3–14 business days (depends on your bank and method)
- Confirmation: Usually 1–2 business days after funds are received
Plan at least 4–6 weeks before your visa appointment. Start as soon as you have your admission letter.
Providers (2026)
Typical setup fees are around €89 and monthly fees around €4.90; conditions vary. Compare Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle (and any others you find) for current fees and packages. Expatrio’s combined blocked account + health insurance can simplify things if you need both.
Required Documents
Usually: valid passport (at least 6 months), admission letter (if available), and the means to transfer the funds. Your provider will confirm exactly what they need.
Alternatives to a Blocked Account
The Federal Foreign Office also accepts other proof of funds in many cases:
- Verpflichtungserklärung (declaration of commitment): A person in Germany (e.g. citizen or permanent resident) guarantees your living costs at the immigration office. They must show sufficient income.
- Bank guarantee: From a recognised (often German) bank covering the required amount for your stay.
- Scholarship: An official award letter showing at least €11,904/year for the duration of your studies.
Check with your embassy or consulate which alternatives they accept.
After You Arrive
Register your address first, then open a German current account and link it to your blocked account. Monthly payouts of €992 will then be transferred automatically. You cannot take more than the monthly limit. If you have money left at the end, it can be used when extending your visa or released when the account is closed (with consent from the authorities). You can top up the blocked account; extra funds are paid out in later months or when the account is closed.
Common Questions
Can I use a blocked account from my home country? No. For the visa you need an account with an approved German provider (e.g. Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle) or a German bank that offers Sperrkonto.
What if I run out of money? €992/month is the minimum; you are responsible for budgeting. You cannot withdraw more than the monthly limit from the blocked account.
Can I add more money? Yes. The monthly payout stays €992; the rest is paid in later months or when the account is closed.
Official sources & last checked
Financial requirements for the student visa are set by the Federal Foreign Office. We used:
Last checked: February 2026. The amount is reviewed periodically (BAföG); confirm with the embassy or Auswärtiges Amt for your application year.
2026 Digital Applications
Student visa applications are increasingly submitted via the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de). Your blocking confirmation is uploaded there as part of your proof of funds.
Action Items
Before your visa appointment: Start the blocked account 4–6 weeks ahead; have €11,904 plus fees ready; get your passport and admission letter in order; consider Verpflichtungserklärung if you have a guarantor.
After arrival: Do Anmeldung, open a Girokonto, link the blocked account, and budget for €992/month.
Bottom Line
For 2026, the student visa blocked account requirement is €11,904/year (€992/month), based on the BAföG standard and applied globally. Open the account with an approved provider in good time, upload the confirmation (e.g. via the Consular Services Portal), and after arrival link it to a German bank account for monthly payouts. For the Chancenkarte, the requirement is higher: €13,092/year (€1,091/month). For other 2026 visa and application topics, see our guides on the Consular Services Portal and Work and Stay Agency (WSA) 2026.
