Last reviewed: 13 September 2026
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special German bank account that proves you can support yourself while your visa or residence permit is active. You deposit a set amount before your visa appointment, the account is locked, and you draw it down in instalments once you arrive. Use the blocked-account calculator to check the current amount for your visa type.
It is not a fee, a deposit you lose, or money paid to the German state. It stays yours: the block is only released gradually, so the embassy can be confident you won’t run out of money in your first months in Germany.
How much you need
The required amount depends on which visa you’re applying for. It is set by the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and pegged to the BAföG student maximum, so it is updated periodically.
| Visa type | Per month | For 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity Card / job-seeker | €1,091 | about €13,092 |
| Student visa, language-course visa, school-based/unpaid Ausbildung | €992 | about €11,904 |
💶 It's your money, not a fee
You keep every euro. The account simply controls how quickly you can withdraw it, so you don't spend it all in your first week.
If you’re applying for the Opportunity Card, see the Opportunity Card points calculator for how this figure fits into the full eligibility picture.
How it works
The bank releases roughly a twelfth of the total balance each month, so you always have enough to cover rent and living costs without being able to withdraw the whole sum at once.
Alternatives to a blocked account
A blocked account is the default, but it isn’t the only way to prove funds. Depending on your situation, one of these may replace it:
- Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) A sponsor already living in Germany, a relative, friend, or employer, formally agrees to cover your costs.
- An official scholarship A scholarship that fully or partly covers your living costs can substitute for the blocked account, depending on the amount.
- A confirmed job contract or documented parental income At the discretion of the German mission or authority handling your case, proof of a job contract or your parents' income can sometimes stand in for a blocked account.
🎓 Paid company-based Ausbildung is usually different
If you have a paid, company-based Ausbildung contract, your training salary usually counts as proof of funds on its own, so you typically need no blocked account at all. The full blocked-account amount above applies mainly to school-based or unpaid Ausbildung, where there is no training salary to rely on.
A blocked account can usually be opened online before you travel, including through providers such as Fintiba. Always check the figures against the official source below, not a provider’s marketing page.
Before you rely on this
⚠️ Confirm the current amount with your mission
The required amount is set by the Auswärtiges Amt and changes periodically. Only the German mission or authority handling your case can confirm the figure and process that apply to you. Treat this guide as planning guidance, not legal or immigration advice, and confirm the current details against a primary source:
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are general in nature and may not reflect your circumstances. Verify against official sources or a qualified adviser before making decisions.