If you plan to study in Germany without a full scholarship, you will almost certainly need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for your student visa. For 2026 the required amount is €11,904 for the first year, and you can withdraw up to €992 a month after you arrive. This guide explains how it works, what providers charge and what to do if your visa is refused.
Quick Answer
- Amount: €11,904 for one year of study (€992 × 12 months).
- Monthly limit: up to €992 can be released each month once you are in Germany.
- Provider fees: roughly €119 to €159 to open with the best-known providers, plus a small monthly fee.
- Visa refused? The provider refunds the deposit after you send the official refusal letter.
- Alternatives: a qualifying scholarship of at least €992 a month or a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor living in Germany.
How a Blocked Account Works
- Open the account online with an approved provider before your visa appointment.
- Transfer the full €11,904 (plus any buffer the provider asks for) from your home bank.
- Download the blocked account confirmation and add it to your visa application.
- After you arrive and register your address in Germany, activate the payouts.
- Each month the provider releases up to €992 to your normal German current account.
The account is "blocked" because you cannot take out more than the monthly limit. That is what proves to the embassy that you can cover your living costs for a year.
Provider Costs Compared
Fees change often, so treat these as examples and confirm on each provider's site before opening.
| Provider | Setup fee | Monthly fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expatrio | €119 | €9 | Reported to refund fees in full if the visa is refused |
| Fintiba | €159 | €9.90 | Opening and transfer fees kept if the visa is refused |
| Studely | €127 | €0 | Check current availability |
| Care Concept | €50 | €4.90 | Check current availability |
| Edubao | €99 | €6 | Check current availability |
Over 12 months, total provider fees are roughly €227 with Expatrio and about €278 with Fintiba. ICICI Bank Germany stopped opening new blocked accounts in July 2024.
How Much Money You Really Need
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blocked amount | €11,904 |
| Provider fees for 12 months | About €230 to €280 |
| Health insurance (public student rate) | Check with your insurer; required for enrolment |
| Semester contribution at public universities | Varies by university |
Remember that €992 a month is the minimum the visa rules assume. Rent in large cities like Munich or Frankfurt can take most of that, so plan extra savings or part-time work.
Alternatives to a Blocked Account
- Scholarship: a German or EU scholarship that pays at least €992 a month can replace the blocked account.
- Obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung): a sponsor living in Germany formally commits to cover your costs at the local foreigners' office.
- Education loan: can support your finances, but usually as extra proof, not a replacement.
If Your Visa Is Refused
Send the provider the official refusal letter from the German embassy or consulate. The deposit is returned to your account, but refunds can take more than a month and some providers keep the opening fee. Read the refund terms before choosing a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw more than €992 a month?
Only if you deposited more than the minimum and your provider allows a higher monthly payout. Many providers release only the standard amount.
When should I open the account?
At least 3 to 4 weeks before your visa appointment, because international transfers and document checks take time.
Will the amount go up?
It is linked to the maximum student grant (BAföG). A proposed increase to the housing part from 2027 is not law yet, so €11,904 still applies for 2026. Check the German embassy website before you apply.
The Bottom Line
For a German student visa in 2026, plan for €11,904 in a blocked account plus about €230 to €280 in provider fees. Compare refund terms, open the account early and keep your confirmation ready for the embassy.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not immigration advice. Amounts and provider fees change; confirm with the German embassy or consulate and with the provider before you transfer money.
Sources: Ardent Overseas: Germany blocked account 2026; MyGermanUniversity: Blocked account amount and providers.