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 |
Last Updated: April 20, 2026
Table of Contents
- What is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Germany?
- Blocked Account Germany 2026: Required Amount
- Best Blocked Account Providers for Indian Students 2026
- How to Open a Blocked Account from India: Step-by-Step
- How to Transfer Money from India to a German Blocked Account
- Blocked Account Germany: Frequently Asked Questions
🕑 3 min read
What is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Germany?
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special German bank account required for your student visa. You deposit a fixed amount upfront, and the German government “blocks” it — releasing only a fixed monthly amount after you arrive in Germany.
This proves to the German Embassy that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working illegally. For 2026, the required amount is €11,208 per year (approx ₹9.8–10.2 lakh).
Blocked Account Germany 2026: Required Amount
| Year | Amount Required | Monthly Release | In INR (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | €10,332 | €861/month | ₹9.0–9.5 lakh |
| 2025 | €11,208 | €934/month | ₹9.5–10 lakh |
| 2026 | €11,208 | €934/month | ₹9.8–10.2 lakh |
Note: The amount is reviewed annually. Always check the current figure at the official German Embassy website before applying.
Best Blocked Account Providers for Indian Students 2026
| Provider | Setup Fee | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fintiba | ~€29 + monthly fee | 3–5 business days | Most popular, fully online, English interface |
| Deutsche Bank | Free (student account) | 2–4 weeks | Requires visit to branch after arrival |
| Expatrio | ~€29 one-time | 3–5 business days | Bundles with health insurance, good for students |
| Coracle | €19 one-time | 3–5 business days | Cheapest option, fully online |
Kadamb recommends Fintiba or Coracle for most Indian students — fast, fully online, no branch visit needed, and accepted by all German embassies.
How to Open a Blocked Account from India: Step-by-Step
- Choose a provider — Fintiba, Coracle, or Expatrio (all accept Indian applications online)
- Register online — Fill your personal details, upload your passport copy
- Complete KYC verification — Video call identity verification (takes 10–15 minutes)
- Receive your German IBAN — Usually within 1–3 days after verification
- Transfer €11,208 — From your Indian bank account via SWIFT transfer to your blocked account IBAN
- Receive confirmation certificate — Fintiba/Coracle issues a certificate confirming your deposit
- Include in visa application — Submit this certificate with your German student visa documents
- After arrival in Germany — Activate monthly releases (€934/month)
How to Transfer Money from India to a German Blocked Account
You will need to make an international SWIFT transfer from your Indian bank. Here is what you need:
- Recipient IBAN: Provided by Fintiba/Coracle after account creation
- SWIFT/BIC code: Provided by the blocked account provider
- Transfer amount: €11,208 (plus your bank’s SWIFT charges: typically ₹500–₹2,000)
- Purpose code: S1301 (Education related remittances — under LRS)
- Form 15CA/CB: Required by Indian banks for transfers above ₹7 lakh under LRS
Important: Use the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to transfer funds. The annual LRS limit is $250,000/year. For transfers above ₹7 lakh, your chartered accountant must file Form 15CB and you must file Form 15CA online before the bank transfer.
Blocked Account Germany: Frequently Asked Questions
When should I open a blocked account?
Open your blocked account after receiving your German university admission letter (Zulassung). You need the certificate for your visa application, so open it at least 4–6 weeks before your visa appointment.
Can my parents transfer money to my blocked account?
Yes — LRS allows transfers from immediate family members (parents, spouse). The transfer must be from their bank account, not yours, if you want it under their LRS limit.
What happens to my blocked account money if my visa is rejected?
The money is returned to you. Fintiba and Coracle process refunds within 5–10 business days after closure. A small fee may be deducted.
Is a blocked account enough for a Germany student visa?
A blocked account is one of three accepted proof-of-funds options. The others are: a scholarship letter covering living costs, or a formal commitment from a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung). For Indian students, the blocked account is by far the most common route.
How much is released monthly from the blocked account?
In 2026, €934 per month is released. This covers your basic living expenses in most German cities (accommodation, food, transport). Most students supplement this with part-time work (allowed up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year).
Do I need a blocked account every year?
No — only for your initial student visa. For visa extensions in Germany, you typically show your bank statements or part-time income as proof of funds.
Need Help Setting Up Your Germany Blocked Account?
Kadamb Overseas guides you through every step — blocked account setup, LRS/Form 15CA, SWIFT transfer, and full visa file preparation. 97% Germany visa success rate. Zero fees.
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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