The Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

What is a Blocked Account?

A blocked account — known in German as a Sperrkonto (literally: "locked account") — is a special type of bank account that you open before applying for your German visa. You deposit a set amount of money into it, and that money is held in the account as proof to the German embassy that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Germany.

The account is "blocked" in the sense that you cannot withdraw the full amount at once. Instead, once you arrive in Germany and complete a short verification process, the account releases a fixed monthly amount to your regular German bank account for day-to-day use.

The most important thing to understand: the money is always yours. It is not a fee, it is not a tax, and it is not paid to the German government. Once your stay in Germany ends — or if your visa is denied — you get your money back. The blocked account simply controls when you can access it, not whether it belongs to you.

Source: Federal Foreign Office — Blocked Account

Why Do I Need a Blocked Account?

Germany's immigration system is built on a clear principle: anyone coming to live in the country must be able to financially support themselves. The German state does not want to — and legally does not have to — cover the living costs of foreign nationals who arrive without sufficient funds.

The blocked account is Germany's standardised way of verifying this before you arrive. By depositing the required amount upfront and demonstrating it to the embassy, you are showing the German authorities that you have the means to pay for your accommodation, food, health insurance, transport and day-to-day expenses — without needing to rely on German public welfare systems.

Think of it as a financial credibility check: not a punishment, not a fee, but a structured way of proving that your move to Germany is financially sustainable from day one.

Do I Need One?

A blocked account is required for most non-EU nationals applying for the following visa types:

• →Student Visa (§16b AufenthG)
• →Opportunity Card — Academic and Vocational/Points System (§20a AufenthG)
• →German Language Study Visa (§16f AufenthG)
• →Apprenticeship Seeker Visa (§17 AufenthG)
• →Recognition Visa — Qualification Measure (§16d AufenthG)
• →Au Pair Visa

It is not required for visa types where you already have a confirmed job offer or training contract — such as the Skilled Worker Visa (§18a/§18b), EU Blue Card, or Apprenticeship Visa (§16a) — because your employment contract serves as proof of financial self-sufficiency instead.

How Much Do I Need?

The required amount depends on your visa type. Here is a breakdown based on 2026 figures:

Do I Earn Interest on the Money?

No. As of 2026, none of the major providers pay interest on blocked account deposits. Your money sits in the account without earning returns. The blocked account is a regulatory instrument, not an investment product.

What Does It Cost?

Opening and maintaining a blocked account is not free. Here is a summary of the main approved providers and their current fees (2026):

All approved providers are accepted by all German embassies and consulates worldwide. Always check the provider's website for the most current fees.

Important: only you or your family members may transfer the funds to your blocked account. Transfers from friends, business accounts, or sponsoring institutions are not allowed.

Can I Close the Account?

Yes — but only under specific circumstances, and there is a process to follow.

You can close your blocked account if:

• →Your visa application is rejected
• →You decide not to travel to Germany
• →You leave Germany permanently
• →You switch to a different proof of financial means (e.g. a scholarship or declaration of commitment)

You initiate account closure through your provider, and the funds are transferred back to your original bank account. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. You will generally need to provide supporting documentation such as a visa rejection letter, flight booking, or deregistration certificate (Abmeldung).

The provider may charge an early closure fee, usually €50–100. For visa rejections specifically, some providers such as Expatrio also refund the setup fee — check your provider's terms before opening.

Alternatives to a Blocked Account

A blocked account is the most widely accepted proof of financial self-sufficiency — but it is not the only option. Depending on your visa type and personal circumstances, the following alternatives may be accepted:

Important: which alternatives are accepted varies by embassy and visa type. Always confirm with your local German embassy before relying on an alternative to a blocked account.

Practical Tips Before You Open One

• →Start early. The complete process from registration to receiving your Sperrbescheinigung takes at least 1–3 weeks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your visa appointment — and ideally earlier if you are transferring from Nigeria, India, Ghana or Kenya, where international transfers can take longer.
• →Transfer in euros. If your bank converts your currency before sending, exchange rate fluctuations and intermediary fees may reduce the arriving amount below the required minimum. Transfer slightly more than the minimum to be safe.
• →Your name must match your passport exactly. Any discrepancy will delay or invalidate your Sperrbescheinigung.
• →Do not use the blocked account IBAN for regular payments. The blocked account is for visa compliance only — you will need a separate regular German bank account for day-to-day expenses once you arrive.
• →Raising the funds. If the required amount feels out of reach, some candidates raise it among family and friends, framing it as a short-term loan that will be repaid once they are earning in Germany. The money comes back to you in full, so this is a viable and common approach.