Can you explain the concept of the 15 lakh holding amount or block account required for visa purposes in Germany or other European countries?

The "15 lakh holding amount" you have heard about is simply the rupee equivalent of Germany's blocked account, called a Sperrkonto, which currently requires 11,904 euros for a standard student visa. Once converted with bank fees and currency movement, that lands you around Rs. 13.5 to 15 lakh, and the money is not spendable in one go; it unlocks in fixed monthly instalments after you land.

Germany's Current Blocked Account Numbers (2026/2027)

How Other European Countries Compare

• Austria: no locked account; a verifiable bank statement showing roughly 600+ euros a month under 24, or 1,100+ euros a month over 24, works.
• France and Spain: no blocked account either; you show regular monthly income or a lump sum, around 615 euros a month for France and 600 euros for Spain.
• Netherlands: you transfer your living costs to your university first, and they release it back to you monthly once you arrive.
• Setup steps: open your account online with an approved provider, wire the funds plus a small buffer, download your Blocking Confirmation for your visa appointment, then activate a local account after you land.

My Advice

Use only an officially approved digital provider for your blocked account rather than a traditional Indian bank, since German immigration will not accept anything outside these approved providers. Send an extra 100 euro buffer on top of the required amount when you wire the money, so intermediary bank charges never leave you short of the exact 11,904 euro threshold.