Blocked Account Activation for Studying in Germany

Last updated: May 2026

What Is a Blocked Account and Why Do You Need One?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account required by German authorities to prove you can financially support yourself during your studies. You deposit EUR 11,904 (EUR 992/month for 12 months) before your visa application, and after arriving in Germany, you withdraw a fixed monthly amount.

It is mandatory for:

• Student visa applications (D-National Visa)
• Residence permit renewals
• Job Seeker Visa applications (same amount: EUR 11,904)

Without a blocked account or equivalent financial proof, your visa application will be rejected.

For help setting up a blocked account before departure, see our blocked account service and blocked account calculator.

How to Activate Your Blocked Account After Arriving

Activation is the process of unlocking your monthly payouts after you land in Germany. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1:

Arrive in Germany and Complete Registration

Before activating your blocked account, complete these two tasks:

1. Enter Germany with your student visa
2. Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Burgeramt within 14 days of arrival

You will receive an Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate), which some providers require for activation.

Step 2:

Open a German Current Account (Girokonto)

You need a regular German bank account to receive your monthly blocked account payouts.

N26 can be opened with just your passport. Traditional banks require your passport, student ID or admission letter, and Anmeldebescheinigung.

Step 3:

Log Into Your Blocked Account Provider's Portal

Step 4:

Submit Required Documents

Upload or present:

• Passport with entry stamp (or alternative proof of arrival date)
• German bank account IBAN (where monthly payouts will be sent)
• Visa or residence permit (if already issued)
• Anmeldebescheinigung (required by some providers)

For Expatrio and Fintiba, this is done entirely online through their portal. For Deutsche Bank, visit a branch in person.

Step 5:

Wait for Verification and First Payout

Once activated, EUR 992 is automatically transferred to your German current account each month, typically at the end of the previous month (e.g., your January payout arrives late December).

Which Blocked Account Provider Should You Choose?

Expatrio is the most popular choice among international students due to its low setup fee, fast processing, and visa rejection money-back guarantee. Fintiba offers a slightly more premium experience with additional financial planning features. Deutsche Bank is free to set up but slower and requires in-branch activation.

Monthly Payout Schedule

After activation, payouts follow this pattern:

After all 12 payouts are complete, the blocked account closes automatically. If you deposited more than EUR 11,904 (e.g., for tuition), the excess is included in your final payout.

What If Activation Fails or Is Delayed?

Common issues and solutions:

If you arrive on a weekend or holiday, activation will process on the next business day. Always bring enough cash or have access to funds through another card for your first few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need in my blocked account?

EUR 11,904 for a 12-month period (EUR 992/month). This amount has been in effect since September 2024. If your program is longer than 12 months, you will need to either deposit a new year's amount or show alternative financial proof when renewing your residence permit.

Can I withdraw more than EUR 992 per month?

No. The monthly withdrawal limit is fixed at EUR 992. This is a legal requirement to ensure you have funds for the entire year. Any excess funds above EUR 11,904 are typically released in the final payout.

How long does activation take?

Online providers (Expatrio, Fintiba) typically activate within 1-3 business days. Deutsche Bank may take 3-5 business days since it requires an in-branch visit. Plan to have alternative funds available for your first week in Germany.

Can I open a blocked account from my home country?

Yes. You should open and fund the blocked account before applying for your visa. Expatrio and Fintiba allow fully online setup from anywhere. Deutsche Bank requires coordination with a German branch. The activation step happens after you arrive in Germany.

What happens to leftover money when my studies end?

Any remaining balance is transferred to your German current account when the blocked account closes. If you leave Germany early, contact your provider to arrange early closure and fund transfer. Note that some providers charge a small closure fee.

Do I need a new blocked account every year?

If your residence permit requires annual financial proof, you may need to deposit another EUR 11,904 for each subsequent year. Some students switch to showing regular income (from a Werkstudent job) as alternative financial proof after the first year. Check with your local Auslanderbehorde for accepted alternatives.