Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: After arriving in Germany, activate your blocked account by submitting your passport entry stamp and German bank IBAN through your provider's portal (Expatrio, Fintiba, or Deutsche Bank). Activation takes 1-3 business days. You then receive EUR 992/month automatically. Open a free current account (N26, DKB) to receive these payouts.

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.

| Bank | Monthly Fee | Setup | Best For | |

---|

---|

---|

---| | N26 | EUR 0 | Online, 10 minutes | Quick setup, English app | | DKB | EUR 0 (student) | Online | Free ATM withdrawals | | Commerzbank | EUR 0 (student) | In-branch | Branch access + online | | Sparkasse | EUR 3-5 | In-branch | Cash deposits, wide branch network |

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

| Provider | Activation Portal | What You Need | |

---|

---|

---| | Expatrio | expatrio.com | Passport entry stamp, German IBAN | | Fintiba | fintiba.com | Passport entry stamp, German IBAN, Anmeldebescheinigung | | Deutsche Bank | Visit nearest branch | Passport, visa, Anmeldebescheinigung |

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

| Provider | Activation Time | First Payout | |

---|

---|

---| | Expatrio | 1-2 business days | Within 2 business days of activation | | Fintiba | 1-3 business days | Within 2 business days of activation | | Deutsche Bank | 3-5 business days | End of current/next month |

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?

| Feature | Expatrio | Fintiba | Deutsche Bank | |

---|

---|

---|

---| | Setup fee | EUR 49 | EUR 89 | EUR 0 | | Monthly fee | EUR 0 | EUR 4.90 | Varies | | Setup time | 1-3 days | 1-2 days | 2-4 weeks | | Activation | Online (fast) | Online (fast) | In-branch (slower) | | Includes health insurance | Optional bundle | Optional bundle | No | | English support | Yes | Yes | Limited | | Visa rejection refund | Yes | Yes | No |

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:

| Month | Payout Amount | When It Arrives | |

---|

---|

---| | Month 1 | EUR 992 | Within 2 business days of activation | | Months 2-11 | EUR 992/month | Last business days of the preceding month | | Month 12 (final) | Remaining balance | Includes any excess funds deposited |

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:

| Problem | Solution | |

---|

---| | Entry stamp not visible | Upload a clear photo; contact provider support if the stamp is faint | | Wrong IBAN submitted | Update through the provider portal before first payout | | Provider not responding | Allow 3 business days, then email support with your reference number | | Need money before activation | Bring EUR 1,000-1,500 in cash or on a travel card for initial expenses |

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.