Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for

How to open a blocked account for Studienkolleg. Required amount (11,904 EUR), how it works, monthly withdrawals, and what happens after arrival.

The Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a special bank account that proves to the German embassy you have enough money to live in Germany for one year. You deposit 11,904 EUR (as of 2026), and once you arrive in Germany, the bank releases 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. You cannot withdraw the full amount at once — that is the point. The account proves you will not run out of money during your Studienkolleg year.

Every non-EU student applying for a German student visa needs a Sperrkonto. No blocked account, no visa. This guide explains exactly how the account works, how to open one, what to bring to the embassy, and what happens after you land in Germany.

What Is a Sperrkonto and Why Do You Need One?

A Sperrkonto is a restricted savings account at a German bank. “Sperr” means “blocked” — the money sits in the account, and you can only access it in fixed monthly installments after arriving in Germany. The German government uses this mechanism to ensure that international students can fund their living expenses without relying on employment or social welfare.

The legal basis is Section 2 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act). The German embassy requires proof of financial resources as part of the student visa application. The Sperrkonto is the most common and widely accepted way to provide this proof.

Who Needs a Sperrkonto?

Student Type	Sperrkonto Required?
Non-EU/EEA students applying for a student visa	Yes — mandatory
EU/EEA students (including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland)	No
Students whose parents or sponsor sign a Verpflichtungserklärung	No (but the Sperrkonto is often simpler)
Students with a full DAAD or government scholarship covering living costs	No (scholarship confirmation replaces Sperrkonto)

If you are from a non-EU country and do not have a formal sponsorship declaration or full scholarship, you need a Sperrkonto. There are no exceptions.

How Much Money Do You Need?

The required deposit is set by the German government and adjusts annually based on the BAföG rate (Germany’s student financial aid reference).

Year	Monthly Rate	Annual Deposit (12 Months)
2026	992 EUR/month	11,904 EUR
2025	992 EUR/month	11,904 EUR
2024	934 EUR/month	11,208 EUR

The 11,904 EUR covers 12 months of living expenses at the legally defined minimum. This is the amount the embassy requires to see in your Sperrkonto when you apply for your visa.

Is 11,904 EUR Enough to Live On?

The 992 EUR per month is a legal minimum — not a comfortable budget. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Expense	Monthly Cost
Rent (shared apartment / WG)	300-500 EUR
Health insurance	120-150 EUR
Food and groceries	200-250 EUR
Transport (Semesterticket covers most)	0-49 EUR
Phone and internet	10-20 EUR
Personal expenses	50-100 EUR
Total	680-1,069 EUR

In affordable cities (eastern Germany, smaller towns), 992 EUR per month is enough. In expensive cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, you will need additional income from part-time work or family support. For a full cost breakdown, see our Studienkolleg costs guide.

Mini-example: A student in Halle (Saale) pays 250 EUR rent for a room in a shared apartment, 120 EUR for health insurance, and 200 EUR for food. Her monthly total is about 650 EUR, well within the 992 EUR allowance. A student in Munich paying 550 EUR rent is already at 950 EUR before personal expenses.

How to Open a Sperrkonto: Step by Step

Opening a Sperrkonto is done entirely online. You do not need to visit a German bank in person. The process takes 1-3 weeks from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose a Blocked Account Provider

Several German banks and fintech companies offer blocked accounts specifically for international students. The process and fees are similar across providers. When choosing, compare:

Setup fee: Ranges from 0 to 89 EUR
Monthly account fee: 0-5 EUR/month
Processing speed: How quickly they issue the confirmation letter
Customer support: Availability in your language
Additional services: Some offer health insurance bundles or regular bank accounts

Step 2: Create an Account Online

Visit the provider’s website and register. You will need:

A valid passport (scanned copy or photo)
Your admission letter from the Studienkolleg (if you have it already — some providers allow opening the account before admission)
Your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, address)
An email address

The registration takes 10-15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

Identity verification is required by German banking law (KYC — Know Your Customer). Methods vary by provider:

Video identification: A live video call where you show your passport. Takes 5-10 minutes
PostIdent: Verification at a post office (only available in Germany)
eID: Electronic identification for countries with compatible ID cards

Video identification is the standard option for students applying from abroad.

Step 4: Transfer the Full Amount

After verification, you receive bank details (IBAN) for your Sperrkonto. Transfer 11,904 EUR to this account.

Transfer methods:

International bank transfer (SWIFT): The most common method. Your bank sends EUR directly. Processing time: 2-5 business days. Fees: 15-50 EUR depending on your bank
Online transfer service: Currency exchange platforms often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. Processing time: 1-3 business days
Transfer from a parent’s or sponsor’s account: The money does not need to come from your own bank account. A parent or sponsor can transfer it directly to your Sperrkonto

Important: The full 11,904 EUR must arrive in the account. If your bank deducts transfer fees from the amount, the balance will be below the required minimum, and the provider cannot issue the confirmation letter. Transfer slightly more (e.g., 12,000 EUR) to account for bank fees, or ensure fees are charged separately.

Step 5: Receive the Confirmation Letter (Sperrbescheinigung)

Once the full amount has arrived and cleared, the provider issues a Sperrbescheinigung — the official confirmation that your blocked account is funded. This letter states:

Your name and passport number
The account balance (11,904 EUR)
The monthly release amount (992 EUR)
The provider’s contact information

You receive the Sperrbescheinigung as a PDF by email. Some providers also send a printed copy by post. This document is what you bring to your visa appointment.

The entire process from registration to receiving the Sperrbescheinigung takes 1-3 weeks, depending on how quickly your bank transfer clears.

What to Bring to the Embassy for Your Visa

At your student visa appointment, you present the Sperrbescheinigung as proof of financial resources. The embassy staff will check:

The account holder’s name matches your passport
The balance is at least 11,904 EUR (or the current year’s required amount)
The account is with a recognized German provider
The confirmation letter is recent (ideally issued within the last 3 months)

Some embassies accept only the printed Sperrbescheinigung; others accept the PDF on a tablet or phone. To be safe, print the document.

What If the Embassy Rejects My Sperrkonto Proof?

This almost never happens if the amount is correct and the provider is recognized. The most common issues are:

The balance is slightly below 11,904 EUR due to transfer fees — deposit the difference and request a new confirmation
The Sperrbescheinigung is older than 3-6 months — request a current one from your provider
The name on the account does not match the passport exactly — contact the provider to correct it

What Happens After You Arrive in Germany

The Sperrkonto is “dormant” while you are still in your home country. It activates only after you arrive in Germany and register your German address.

Step 1: Register at the Einwohnermeldeamt

Within the first two weeks of arriving in Germany, you must register your address at the local residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt / Bürgeramt). You receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration confirmation).

Step 2: Activate Your Sperrkonto

Send your Meldebescheinigung to your blocked account provider. Some providers also require a copy of your residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis). Once they verify your German address, the account is activated.

Step 3: Start Receiving Monthly Payments

After activation, the provider releases 992 EUR per month into a regular bank account. You need to have a standard German checking account (Girokonto) to receive the monthly transfers.

Some blocked account providers offer a free Girokonto as part of the package
Otherwise, open a Girokonto at any German bank (most offer free student accounts)
The first monthly payment typically arrives within 1-2 weeks of activation
Subsequent payments arrive automatically on the same day each month

Can I Withdraw More Than 992 EUR in One Month?

No. The monthly limit is fixed at 992 EUR. This is by design — the German government wants to ensure the money lasts the full 12 months. If you have an emergency, you cannot access extra funds from the Sperrkonto.

Tip: If you need more than 992 EUR in a given month (e.g., for a rent deposit or unexpected expense), the extra money must come from another source — savings in a regular bank account, part-time work, or family support.

What Happens to the Money After 12 Months?

After 12 monthly withdrawals, the Sperrkonto balance reaches zero and the account is empty. At this point:

If you are continuing your studies (e.g., entering university after Studienkolleg), you need to open a new Sperrkonto with another 11,904 EUR for your visa extension
If you are leaving Germany, any remaining balance is transferred to your regular bank account
If you finish your Studienkolleg year early (rare), the remaining balance stays locked until the 12-month cycle completes — unless you request early closure

Renewing Your Sperrkonto for University

Most Studienkolleg students continue directly to university after passing the Feststellungsprüfung. For your residence permit extension, the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ office) typically requires a new Sperrkonto or equivalent proof of funding for the next 12 months. The process is identical: deposit 11,904 EUR (or the then-current annual amount) and receive a new Sperrbescheinigung.

What If Your Visa Is Denied? The Refund Process

If the German embassy denies your visa, you can close the Sperrkonto and get your money back.

How to Get a Refund

Contact your blocked account provider and request account closure
Provide proof of visa denial (the rejection letter from the embassy)
Specify your refund bank account (the account where you want the money sent back)
Wait for processing: Refunds typically take 2-4 weeks

Refund Costs

Item	Typical Cost
Account closure fee	0-50 EUR
International transfer fee	15-30 EUR
Currency conversion loss	Varies (depends on exchange rate changes)
Net refund	11,824-11,889 EUR (of 11,904 EUR deposited)

You will get back nearly the full amount. The main cost is the setup fee (non-refundable) and any transfer fees. Currency conversion can work in your favor or against you depending on exchange rate movements between the deposit and refund dates.

Mini-example: A student from India deposited 11,904 EUR at an exchange rate of 89 INR per EUR. His visa was denied 6 weeks later. By the time the refund arrived, the exchange rate had shifted to 90 INR per EUR, and after fees of 65 EUR, he received 11,839 EUR back — equivalent to about 1,065,510 INR. The fees were minimal; the exchange rate actually gave him a small gain in rupees.

Sperrkonto vs. Verpflichtungserklärung: Which One?

There are two ways to prove financial resources for your student visa. The Sperrkonto is the default, but the Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter) is an alternative.

Feature	Sperrkonto	Verpflichtungserklärung
What it is	Your own money in a blocked bank account	A legal guarantee by a sponsor living in Germany
Cost to you	11,904 EUR (your own money, returned to you monthly)	0 EUR (your sponsor bears the cost)
Who provides it	You (the student)	A sponsor with sufficient income in Germany
Accepted by all embassies?	Yes	Yes, but requirements for the sponsor are strict
Risk	Minimal — it is your money	The sponsor is legally liable for all your costs, including medical bills and deportation costs
Complexity	Simple online process	Sponsor must visit the Ausländerbehörde in person, show proof of income, sign a legal obligation
When it makes sense	You have the funds available	A relative or friend in Germany has a stable income and is willing to take legal responsibility

Why Most Students Choose the Sperrkonto

The Sperrkonto is simpler, faster, and does not depend on anyone else. The Verpflichtungserklärung requires a sponsor in Germany with a net monthly income of at least 1,800-2,000 EUR (varies by city), and the sponsor assumes significant legal liability. If you have the 11,904 EUR available, the Sperrkonto is the better option.

The Verpflichtungserklärung makes sense only if you genuinely cannot raise 11,904 EUR and have a close relative or trusted contact in Germany willing to sponsor you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Transferring less than 11,904 EUR

If your bank deducts fees from the transfer amount, the balance falls below the minimum. The provider cannot issue the Sperrbescheinigung until the full amount is in the account. Always transfer slightly more than required or ensure your bank charges fees separately.

Mistake 2: Opening the account too late

The entire process (registration, verification, transfer, confirmation) takes 1-3 weeks. If you open the account two days before your visa appointment, you will not have the Sperrbescheinigung in time. Start at least 4-6 weeks before your embassy appointment.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to open a regular bank account in Germany

The Sperrkonto releases 992 EUR per month into a Girokonto. If you do not have a Girokonto, you cannot access the money. Open a student checking account as soon as you arrive in Germany — or choose a blocked account provider that offers a Girokonto as part of the package.

Mistake 4: Assuming the Sperrkonto covers all costs

The 992 EUR per month is a minimum for basic living expenses. It does not cover one-time costs like a rent deposit (Kaution), furniture, or the Semesterbeitrag. Have an additional 1,000-2,000 EUR in a regular savings account or available from family for the first month’s settling-in expenses.

Mistake 5: Not registering your address promptly after arrival

The Sperrkonto stays locked until you provide your German address (Meldebescheinigung). If you delay registration at the Einwohnermeldeamt, you delay access to your own money. Register within the first week after finding housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I open the Sperrkonto — before or after Studienkolleg admission?

Open it after receiving your admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) from the Studienkolleg. You need the admission letter for your visa application anyway, and opening the Sperrkonto earlier means your money is locked up for longer than necessary. The typical sequence: apply to Studienkolleg, receive admission, open Sperrkonto, apply for visa.

Can my parents deposit the money for me?

Yes. The 11,904 EUR does not have to come from your own bank account. A parent, relative, or sponsor can transfer the money directly to your Sperrkonto. The account is in your name, and the monthly withdrawals go to you.

Can I open a Sperrkonto from any country?

Yes. The registration and verification process is fully online. Students from virtually every country can open a Sperrkonto. However, transferring money internationally can be more difficult from countries with strict currency controls (e.g., Iran, Nigeria, Bangladesh). In those cases, you may need to work with an approved currency exchange service or have a relative in another country make the transfer.

What happens if I change my mind and do not go to Germany?

If you decide not to go to Germany (and have not applied for or received a visa), you can close the Sperrkonto and request a full refund. Contact your provider, submit a closure request, and the money is transferred back to your original account within 2-4 weeks minus any fees.

Is the Sperrkonto the same as a regular German bank account?

No. A Sperrkonto is a special restricted account. You cannot use it for daily transactions, card payments, or ATM withdrawals. It only releases 992 EUR per month to your regular Girokonto. Think of it as a controlled savings account — you own the money, but you access it on a schedule.

Do EU students also need a Sperrkonto?

No. EU/EEA citizens (and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) do not need a visa to study in Germany and therefore do not need a Sperrkonto. They still need to prove they can fund their studies, but a regular bank statement showing sufficient savings is enough.

What if I earn money from part-time work? Does that affect my Sperrkonto withdrawals?

Your Sperrkonto withdrawals continue regardless of your employment status. Earning money from a part-time job does not reduce or pause the monthly 992 EUR release. The two income streams are completely independent. Part-time work simply gives you extra money on top of the Sperrkonto allowance.

Can I use the Sperrkonto for my Studienkolleg scholarship application?

The Sperrkonto and scholarship applications are separate processes. A scholarship may reduce or eliminate the need for a Sperrkonto if it covers your full living expenses and the scholarship confirmation is accepted by the embassy as proof of financial resources. However, partial scholarships typically do not replace the Sperrkonto requirement — you would still need to deposit the full 11,904 EUR (or the difference between the scholarship amount and the required annual minimum).

Your Next Steps

Get your Studienkolleg admission letter first. The Sperrkonto comes after admission, not before
Compare blocked account providers based on fees, processing speed, and additional services (Girokonto, health insurance bundles)
Transfer the full 11,904 EUR plus a buffer for transfer fees (send 12,000 EUR to be safe)
Receive the Sperrbescheinigung and print it for your visa appointment
Apply for your student visa with the Sperrbescheinigung, admission letter, and all other required documents
After arrival: Register your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt, activate the Sperrkonto, and open a regular Girokonto

The Sperrkonto is not a fee or a penalty — it is your own money, held in a controlled account, released to you every month. The deposit feels like a large sum upfront, but every euro comes back to you. Start the process as soon as you have your admission letter, and give yourself at least 4 weeks before your visa appointment.