Germany blocked account (Sperrkonto): what it is and how it works

What a blocked account is

A blocked account, called a Sperrkonto in German, is one way to prove that you can support yourself in Germany. The Federal Foreign Office describes it as proof of funds for certain visa categories. It is not the only possible way to show funds, and the rules depend on your purpose of stay, so read the instructions for your own application before you open anything.

This guide uses two sources: the Federal Foreign Office page on blocked accounts and the DAAD page on finances in Germany. It explains what the account is, how much money is involved, and how opening, withdrawing and closing work. It cannot tell you whether a visa will be granted. Confirm every detail with the German mission in India before you act.

How much money a blocked account needs

The required amount depends on the purpose of stay. The Federal Foreign Office says it is based on the maximum support rates for German students, and asks you to check the competent mission or the Consular Services Portal for the figure that applies to you. Do not copy a number from a forum post or an agent.

DAAD gives the student figures. Since January 2023, students were expected to show EUR 934 per month, or EUR 11,208 per year. From September 2024 the figure is EUR 992 per month, or EUR 11,904 per year. DAAD also says average student expenses are EUR 842 per month. That is an average across students, not a requirement and not a promise about your own costs.

At the market rate of Rs 106.31 for one euro on 23 October 2026, EUR 11,904 is about Rs 12.7 lakh. Rates will move, and your bank may use a different rate and add charges. Confirm the current required amount with the German mission in India before you plan. Our Germany guide and the living cost guide keep this figure separate from tuition, because they pay for different things.

Opening the account and naming a beneficiary

You open a blocked account with a bank or a similar provider, usually online. The Federal Foreign Office says you may choose the provider. Conditions vary between providers, so compare them carefully before you pay. Banking fees apply in addition to the blocked amount, so the money you need is more than the blocked figure itself.

When you open the account, you name an account beneficiary. Before the visa is granted or used, this is the mission abroad where you applied. After you arrive in Germany, it is the foreigners authority. The beneficiary cannot withdraw your money. The account is usually opened for one year, unless your stay is shorter.

The monthly limit and how closing works

Only a set amount can be withdrawn each month. Money meant for a longer period cannot be taken out at the start. This is the point of the account: it shows that your living money will last across the stay, not just on the day you arrive. Plan your first weeks with this limit in mind, because rent deposits and other one-time costs can be larger than a monthly withdrawal.

To close the account, the blocking notice must be lifted with the beneficiary's agreement. If your visa was rejected, the Federal Foreign Office says the rejection notice is enough. Otherwise, the mission can issue a consular certificate if you did not apply and did not travel, withdrew the application, got a visa but did not use it, or left the Schengen area before getting a residence permit. If you are already in Germany, contact the foreigners authority.

Planning how the money reaches the account

If part of the money comes from an education loan, the lender may need a plan for how funds reach the blocked account. Ask the bank in writing how disbursement to a blocked account works, when the money is released and what papers it needs. Do this before the visa appointment, not after it.

Money sent abroad can involve tax collected at source. Read our TCS guide and ask your bank how it applies to your transfer. Then test the full loan, including living costs, in the calculator, so the family sees the EMI before committing to a course.

Blocked account in short

A blocked account is one way to prove living funds for Germany. DAAD lists EUR 992 per month, EUR 11,904 per year, from September 2024, about Rs 12.7 lakh at the 23 October 2026 rate. Only a set monthly amount can be withdrawn, banking fees apply on top, and closing needs the beneficiary's agreement. Confirm the current amount with the German mission in India. This is general information, not financial advice.

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