What is the concept of a blocked account for Germany, and can you withdraw monthly living expenses from it after starting university?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special German bank account required for international students to prove they have enough funds for living expenses. You must deposit a fixed amount - currently €11,904 for one year - before your visa is approved.

After arriving in Germany and registering your residence, you can withdraw a set monthly amount (€992) from the blocked account to cover living costs like rent, food, and transport. Access to these funds begins once you’ve completed the necessary registrations and started university.