This is your practical guide to the blocked account Germany 2026 rules. If you are planning to study in Germany, the blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the one document you cannot skip. Without it, or an accepted alternative, the German embassy will not issue a student visa.
This guide explains exactly how much you need in 2026, how the money is paid out once you arrive, how to open the account from India and the mistakes that delay visas every intake.
How Much Money Do You Need in 2026?
| Purpose | Total | Monthly release |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa, 12 months | €11,904 | €992 |
The student figure is linked to the BAföG student support rate. It is a minimum: you can always deposit more. Other visa types, such as the Opportunity Card, require a different monthly amount.
Remember that the provider also charges a setup fee, and many ask for a small buffer on top. Plan to transfer a little more than €11,904.
How the Blocked Account Works
- You open the account online with an approved provider before your visa appointment.
- You transfer the full amount from India in one go.
- The provider issues a confirmation letter that you submit with your visa application.
- After you arrive in Germany and register your address, the provider pays out €992 every month into your normal German current account.
The money remains yours. It is not a fee. You simply cannot withdraw more than the monthly amount during the first year.
Approved Providers
The Federal Foreign Office accepts blocked accounts from several licensed providers. Popular options among Indian students include Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle. Many of them bundle the blocked account with health insurance, which saves time.
Compare setup fees, monthly charges and how quickly they issue the confirmation letter. Always check the current list of accepted providers on the website of the German mission in India before you transfer money.
How to Open a Blocked Account From India
- Get your admission letter from a German university or Studienkolleg.
- Apply online with your chosen provider and upload your passport.
- Transfer the money through your Indian bank. Use your own name as the sender and include the reference number exactly as given.
- Download the confirmation once the funds arrive and add it to your visa file.
Start at least six to eight weeks before your embassy appointment. International transfers and LRS paperwork at Indian banks often take longer than expected.
Alternatives to a Blocked Account
- Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung): someone living in Germany guarantees to cover your costs. They sign it at their local immigration office.
- Scholarship: a scholarship from a recognised organisation such as DAAD can replace part or all of the amount.
- Parents’ income and assets: accepted by some missions, but rules are strict and it is best to confirm with the embassy first.
Common Mistakes That Delay Visas
- Using an outdated amount from a friend or a forum post.
- Transferring from a third-party account without the correct reference, which delays matching the payment.
- Forgetting the regular bank account: the monthly €992 needs a normal German current account (Girokonto), which you open after arrival.
- Leaving it too late: without the confirmation letter, you cannot attend your appointment with a complete file.
Is €992 a Month Enough to Live On?
It covers the basics in most university towns: shared accommodation, food, the semester ticket and phone. In expensive cities like Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg, rent alone can take most of it, so many students add a part-time job. For a full breakdown, read our guide to Germany study costs for Indian students.
Key Takeaways
Here is the blocked account Germany 2026 requirement at a glance:
- For a 12-month student visa you need €11,904 in your blocked account.
- Once you arrive, €992 is released to you each month.
- Open the account with an approved provider and keep the confirmation for your visa file.
- Check that the blocked account Germany 2026 amount is fully deposited before your visa appointment.
For official information, visit the German Federal Foreign Office website.
Blocked Account Germany 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my visa is rejected?
Providers refund the deposit once you submit the rejection letter, minus their fees.
Can I use my blocked account for the Opportunity Card?
A blocked account is a common way to prove funds for the Opportunity Card too, but the required amount is different. Read our Opportunity Card guide for details.
Do I need health insurance as well?
Yes. Health insurance is a separate requirement. See our health insurance guide.
Need Help With Your Student Visa?
Tejas Germany helps students choose the right public university, prepare the blocked account and complete the visa file. Book a free consultation to get started.
Note: amounts reflect 2026 requirements. They are reviewed regularly, so confirm the current figure with the Federal Foreign Office or your German mission before transferring money.
