Germany Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a legally required proof of financial resources for your German visa. Most non-EU nationals need it to demonstrate they can finance their stay in Germany.

A Blocked Account is an officially accepted proof of funds (Nachweis der finanziellen Mittel) for German long-term visa categories. For most applicants (e.g. students, language learners, jobseekers), the German Foreign Office mandates a minimum of €992.00/month, which must be deposited before applying for a visa. The money stays locked until your arrival and successful legitimation.

Students from countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area need a blocked account to obtain a student visa to enter Germany. This regulation also affects some other visa applicants.

Note: Some embassies may request a higher amount.

Most international students and non-EU residents need a blocked account to apply for a German visa — unless you have a full scholarship or are from the EU.

Applicants from non-EU/EEA countries are typically required to open a blocked account for the visa process. This applies to students, au-pairs, interns, jobseekers, and participants in language or foundation courses. Exceptions include individuals with a full scholarship or other sufficient financial proof. Some embassies may ask for higher monthly sums depending on personal circumstances (e.g. dependents, high-cost regions).

The Blocked Account amount for Germany is the minimum sum you must have to meet the financial proof required for your visa. This amount is officially defined and updated by the German government based on the estimated cost of living.
Please keep in mind that only your local German embassy or immigration office can provide you with binding information on the required blocked amount for your individual case.

For the Student Visa

For most international students, the official Blocked Account amount for Germany is €11,904 for 12 months (equivalent to €992 per month).

For the Opportunity Card

If you're applying for the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), the requirement is higher. You must show at least €13,092 per year (€1,091 per month).

Additionally, certain kinds of visas require a 10%-increase of the standard monthly blocked amount. This applies to the following types of visas:
- §16d AufenthG - Visa for recognition of foreign qualifications.
- §16f (1) AufenthG - Visa for language course which does not serve to prepare for studies.
- §17 AufenthG - Visa for searching for a course of study or apprenticeship.
If you plan to apply for one of the mentioned visas, please make sure to increase the monthly amount by 10%.

We recommend opening your Blocked Account around 3-4 weeks before your visa appointment. This gives you enough time to setup your account, transfer your money, and receive your confirmation without last-minute stress.

If you need to deposit the funds through an international bank transfer, it is especially important to start the process early. These transfers can take up to two weeks.

After you arrive in Germany, you need to open a German bank account. In the provider blocked account, you will be asked to upload your visa and provide us with the IBAN of your bank account. You will also need to connect your phone number to your account, for security purposes.

Monthly Payouts

After we have your bank details, we can then transfer your monthly sum from your Blocked Account to your regular account every month.

Legitimation Process

Depending on your passport and nationality, you might have to complete an additional step before receiving payouts. This is the final legitimation in Germany.

In the unlikely case that your visa application is rejected, don’t worry, you will receive a refund of your blocked amount with the exception of the account opening fees and any transfer fees that might have been charged.

No, the Blocked Account is not mandatory for all visa types but it is the most accepted method to demonstrate proof of funds for visa types such as the student visa or Opportunity Card. In some cases, alternative proof of funds such as a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung), scholarship, or confirmed income from a job are accepted.

You cannot use your Blocked Account to directly pay your living expenses. Additionally, please don't provide your Blocked Account details (IBAN, BIC) to your service providers, as their direct debit requests will be declined. To pay your rent and other expenses, you will need to open a German bank account and receive an IBAN.

No, you do not need to open a new Blocked Account for your second year of university. According to official requirements, a blocked account is typically only mandatory for the first year of your university studies in Germany. If you stay longer, you’ll need to prove sufficient financial means again to extend your residence permit. This doesn’t always have to be through a blocked account. Alternatives like a scholarship, working student job, parental support, or a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) are also accepted.

If your child is under 18 and applying for a German visa, they may be required to show proof of financial means. This is where the Blocked Account for minors comes in. It's a special type of bank account that holds a pre-defined amount of money to prove that your child can financially support themselves in Germany.

Why Minors Need a Different Process

In Germany, minors are not allowed to open a Blocked Account by themselves. A parent or legal guardian must open and manage the account on their behalf. Your Blocked Account Provider will issue all relevant documents in the child's name for the visa application process.

When Do Minors Need a Blocked Account?

Minors typically require a Blocked Account when applying for German visa to study, participate in a language course or a preparatory course.

Can I extend the Blocked Account for my child?

Yes, you can extend a Blocked Account for Minors. However, please note that there are two different processes, depending on the child’s age. If the child is still under 18 years of age at the point the extension process is initiated, you can follow all steps outlined in the provider blocked account. If your child has turned 18 by the time you want to extend the Blocked Account, you still need to initiate the process from within the App. However, in addition your child must open a new Blocked Account in their name. You can then connect your already running Blocked Account with the newly created account for the extension process. Your App will seamlessly guide you through the process.

What documents do I need to open the account for my child?

The only documents you need for the opening process is your passport and the passport of your child.

Will I have control over the money?

You as parents are the account holder and are responsible for all orders. If your child would like to have information about the account, you can leave your consent in the process so that he/she can receive information about his/her account by phone.

How does the video legitimation process work?

Please note that the video legitimation process is only available in English or German. For the video legitimation, you need the original passport that was used to open your account. Also note that access to the mobile phone number used during the start of your video legitimation must be guaranteed. To start the legitimation, log in to your account and go to “Profile”. There you can click on “Video Legitimation” to start the call. A new tab through WebID will open upon your click. During the call, you should ensure a good internet connection and good lighting in the room, so you and your passport are clearly visible. It is important that you answer the questions by yourself during the video call. You will be asked for your E-mail and Phone number to receive a code, which you should write on the respective field you will see on your screen to successfully complete the video legitimation!

Can the blocked account be used for rent and living expenses in Germany?

No, the blocked account cannot be used to pay the monthly rent and other expenses. The blocked account serves to secure the living expenses of a foreign student while studying in Germany. Therefore, the money from the blocked account is not directly accessible.

When do I have to open the account for my child?

You can open the account as soon as you know when your child’s visa appointment is. We usually open the account within 10 minutes if all documents are uploaded correctly. If the money is transferred as quickly as possible, the blocking confirmation can be issued within a few days. Depending on the video legitimation process, it may take a few more days to activate the account and issue the blocking confirmation.

What happens to my blocked account when I turn 18?

If you are already 18 by the time you want to extend the Blocked Account, your parent must initiate the process from the original account in the app. In addition, you must now create your own Blocked Account as well. We will then connect the already running original Blocked Account with the newly created account.

Is it possible to extend my blocked account?

If you are still under 18 years of age by the time you want to extend your blocked account, your parents will need to initiate the process in the App. They can do so by clicking on “Extend Account” in the blocked account section. The Fintiba App will offer step-by-step guidance through the whole process.

How can I access my money when in Germany?

The money remains in your blocked account until your arrival in Germany. Once you are in Germany, you can have your monthly blocked amount paid out to a current account, for which there are the following options. If both your parents arrive with you in Germany – they can open a current account in your name in a bank of your choice. If only one of your parents arrives with you in Germany – he or she can open a basic account in their name. Important – this should be the parent who is also the Fintiba account holder! From abroad, your parents can open a bunq account for you in your name from abroad (if one of them already has a bunq account). Here is more information on how to open a bunq account for minors and a list of eligible countries. One of your parents can open a WISE multi-currency account from abroad in their name. Important – this should be the parent who is also the Fintiba account holder. Find out if your country is eligible here. In general, we advise you to take enough cash with you to Germany.

Can I open a blocked account myself, when I am under 18?

As your parents will open the blocked account for you, they will also be the holders of the account and will be able to manage it for you. This process is agreed upon with the German Federal Foreign Office.

Do I receive information on my account or do I always have to ask my parents to log in?

The account holders of your blocked account are your legal guardians and all account orders must be initiated by them via the app. However, you can receive account information by phone if your parents give their consent during the process. Otherwise, your parents will receive all account information via email.

Please contact finance@aufin.org for further assistance.