How much money do I need to block in a German blocked account, and is it mandatory to have it for visa?
For a German student visa in 2026, you need EUR 11,904 in a blocked account (EUR 992 per month for 12 months). The blocked account is mandatory for most non-EU applicants unless you have a full scholarship from a recognised body or a formal German sponsor guarantee.
The blocked account - called a Sperrkonto in German - is one of the most important documents for your German student visa application. It proves to the German embassy that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for at least one year without relying on illegal employment. The amount required is set by the German government and updated periodically, so make sure you are using the current 2026 figures.
Required Blocked Account Amounts by Visa Type (2026)
| Visa Type | Monthly Payout | Total Required (12 Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Studienvisum) | EUR 992 | EUR 11,904 |
| Opportunity Card / Job Seeker Visa | EUR 1,091 | EUR 13,092 |
| Training / Language Course Visa | EUR 1,091 | EUR 13,092 |
| Recommended buffer (for transfer fees) | - | Add EUR 100 to 150 above the minimum |
Alternatives to the Blocked Account
| Alternative | What It Is | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Full scholarship from a recognised body | Official award letter covering full living costs (EUR 992+ per month) | Must be from DAAD, a German public institution, or another embassy-recognised body |
| Verpflichtungserklärung (Formal Commitment Letter) | A legally binding declaration from a Germany-based sponsor | Sponsor must live in Germany and agree to cover all your financial liabilities |
| German bank guarantee | A guarantee issued by a recognised German credit institution | Rare and requires a strong existing banking relationship |
| Home country bank statement | Not accepted | Standard savings account statements from Indian banks are not accepted by German embassies |
My Advice
Open your blocked account at least 4 to 6 weeks before your visa appointment, as the fund transfer and account activation can take time. Use one of the three embassy-approved online providers - Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle - as they are all India-friendly, have English interfaces, and generate the Sperrbescheinigung (blocking confirmation certificate) automatically once your deposit is confirmed. This certificate is what you bring to your visa interview as proof of financial readiness. Transfer slightly more than the minimum to account for international wire transfer fees.
More expert answers
You need to show €11,904 in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for a German student visa in 2026. This covers €992/month for 12 months of living expenses.
After arriving in Germany, you can withdraw up to €992 each month for your costs. The required blocked account amount is subject to change each year.
If you have a sponsor in Germany, they can provide a declaration of commitment instead, but this process is more complex and needs extra documentation.
Start the blocked account process early to avoid visa delays.
You must deposit €11,904 into a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to meet the financial requirement for a German student visa in 2026. This covers living expenses at €992/month for 12 months (amount subject to change).
Process:
- Open a blocked account with an authorized provider.
- Complete identity verification and transfer the full amount (consider extra for transaction fees).
- Receive the blocking confirmation document to include in your visa application.
- After arrival in Germany, you can withdraw up to €992/month.
Some embassies may accept alternatives like scholarship letters, but the blocked account is the standard method.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the German visa check.
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