What is Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?
A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto in German) is a special German bank account that Indian students must open to prove they have sufficient funds to live in Germany. As of 2026, the minimum required balance is EUR 11,904 (~ INR 10.6 lakhs), which equates to EUR 992/month for 12 months.
| Minimum balance 2026 | EUR 11,904 (~ INR 10.6 lakh) |
| Monthly limit | EUR 992/month (you can withdraw only this much) |
| Approved providers | Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle, Deutsche Bank, Sutor Bank |
| Setup time | 1-2 weeks |
| Cost to setup | EUR 0-110 one-time |
| When to set up | After admission, before visa application |
| Required for | German student visa application |
Table of Contents
🕑 3 min read
German student visa requires a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with EUR 11,208 (approx. Rs 1 lakh per month) deposited for 12 months. This money is yours — it is released to you at EUR 934/month after you arrive in Germany. Top Blocked Account providers for Indian students: Fintiba and Expatrio charge Rs 4,500–5,500 as setup fee. Opening takes 5–15 business days.
What Is a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?
A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is a special German bank account that holds your living expenses for 12 months. The German government requires proof that you can financially support yourself in Germany without working illegally.
- Required amount: EUR 11,208 for 12 months (2026 requirement)
- Monthly release: EUR 934/month after you arrive in Germany
- Your money: The full EUR 11,208 is returned to you — it is not a fee
- Purpose: Visa requirement proof of funds (not for tuition)
- When to open: Before applying for Germany student visa
Best Blocked Account Providers for Indian Students
| Provider | Setup Fee | Processing Time | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fintiba | EUR 49 (Rs 4,400) | 5–10 business days | Health insurance add-on, English support |
| Expatrio | EUR 49 + EUR 9.90/month (Rs 5,300 total) | 3–7 business days | Fastest processing, health insurance bundle |
| Deutsche Bank (Sperrkonto) | Free | 2–4 weeks | Established bank, slower process |
| Coracle | EUR 35 (Rs 3,150) | 7–14 business days | Cheaper, basic features |
Kadamb recommendation: Fintiba or Expatrio — fastest processing, English-language support, and easy-to-use app for Indian students.
Step-by-Step: How to Open a German Blocked Account from India
- Choose provider — Fintiba or Expatrio (recommended)
- Register online — Email, passport details, enrollment/admission letter from German university
- Verify identity — Video call KYC (Fintiba uses IDnow; Expatrio uses WebID) — done from India via smartphone
- Transfer funds — Transfer EUR 11,208 + setup fee via wire transfer from your Indian bank (SWIFT/international transfer)
- Receive confirmation — Account opening certificate (Kontoeröffnungsbestätigung) issued
- Use certificate for visa — Submit this certificate with your Germany student visa application
- Arrive in Germany — Register at university, get German address, activate monthly release of EUR 934
How Much Does a Blocked Account Cost Indian Students?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blocked Account deposit (refundable) | EUR 11,208 (approx. Rs 10L) |
| Setup fee (Fintiba) | EUR 49 (Rs 4,400) |
| SWIFT transfer fee (Indian bank) | Rs 1,000–2,000 |
| Forex conversion spread | Rs 3,000–8,000 depending on bank |
| Total one-time outflow | approx. Rs 10.1–10.2L |
| Monthly release after arrival | EUR 934/month (Rs 84,000) |
Note: The Rs 10L deposit is YOUR money — it comes back to you monthly. Only the setup fee (Rs 4,400) is a permanent cost.
Blocked Account vs Bank Statement — Which Does Germany Accept?
Germany student visa officially accepts EITHER a Blocked Account OR a formal declaration of financial guarantee from an eligible guarantor (German sponsor). In practice, for Indian students:
- Blocked Account — Standard method, accepted at all German consulates in India
- Bank statement — NOT accepted as substitute for Blocked Account for German student visa from India
- Scholarship letter — Accepted IF scholarship fully covers tuition + living (e.g., DAAD full scholarship)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need for Germany student visa Blocked Account?
EUR 11,208 for 2026 (updated from EUR 10,236 in 2023). This amount is set by the German government and increases periodically. Check the current year requirement on the DAAD or German Embassy India website before applying.
Can I use Fintiba or Expatrio from India?
Yes. Both Fintiba and Expatrio are specifically designed for international students. Their video KYC works on smartphones anywhere in India. SWIFT transfers from Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Kotak) are accepted.
What happens to my Blocked Account money if my visa is rejected?
If your visa is rejected, you can close the Blocked Account and request a full refund of your EUR 11,208. The setup fee (EUR 49) is non-refundable. Refund processing takes 5–15 business days.
Germany Visa — Blocked Account Help from Kadamb Overseas
We walk every student through the Blocked Account opening process step-by-step. No confusion, no mistakes. 97% Germany visa success rate.
Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder of Kadamb Overseas Pvt. Ltd., India's leading Europe-focused study abroad consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of expertise in European education, he has personally counselled 2,500+ Indian families and helped 500+ students secure admission to top European universities including TU Munich, ETH Zurich, EPFL, KU Leuven, HEC Paris, Sapienza Rome, TU Wien, and Warsaw University of Technology. He has visited 25+ European universities, partners with 250+ EU institutions, and maintains a 97% visa success rate.
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Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder and lead counsellor at Kadamb Overseas, India's trusted Europe education consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of hands-on experience, he has personally guided 500+ students to universities across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Saumitra has visited partner universities across Europe, holds deep expertise in European visa processes, scholarships, and student life, and has achieved a 97% visa success rate for his clients. He is the host of the YouTube channel "Europe with Saumitra", where he shares first-hand insights on studying and living in Europe. His mission: make Europe accessible to every Indian student, with zero consultancy fees.
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