A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the most common way to prove that you can pay for your living costs during a German student visa application. This guide explains the amount that applies in 2026, the types of providers, the conditions you should compare and the points to check with the German mission before you open an account. It does not recommend a specific provider.
Short answer: For a German student visa in 2026, the blocked account must hold at least 992 euros per month, or 11,904 euros for a year, according to the German mission information sheet (status August 2025). Providers differ in opening process, fees, payout schedule and acceptance by the mission. Compare these conditions in writing and confirm the acceptance with the mission before you pay.
Key points at a glance
- The minimum monthly amount is 992 euros and the annual amount is 11,904 euros (status August 2025).
- The amount must be deposited and blocked before the visa is issued, and monthly payouts are released after your arrival.
- Providers charge different fees, so compare the total cost over the full period, not only the opening fee.
- Check that the German mission accepts the provider you choose, because acceptance rules can differ.
- Some missions accept a scholarship letter instead of a blocked account, so ask the mission first.
How much must be in a blocked account in 2026?
The German mission information sheet sets the minimum amounts that you must show for a student visa. Confirm these figures on the current website of the mission before you open an account, because the information sheet is dated August 2025.
| Item | Amount | Source and status |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum per month | 992 euros | German mission information sheet, status August 2025 |
| Minimum for one year | 11,904 euros | Same source, 12 x 992 euros |
Example (assumption): You plan a 10-month stay that starts in October. 992 x 10 = 9,920 euros. The mission decides what it requires for your programme and start date, so ask before you deposit.
Which types of providers offer blocked accounts?
Blocked accounts are offered by online providers and by some banks. The main difference is how the account is opened, how payouts are made and what each step costs. Both types must meet the mission’s requirements, and the mission decides whether it accepts your specific account.
| Type | Typical features | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Online providers | Opening online, with identity check by video or post | Fees, payout dates, acceptance by your mission |
| Banks | Account opened through the bank, sometimes with a branch visit | Opening conditions, account fees, mission acceptance |
Which conditions should I compare before I open an account?
Use the same list for every offer, so that you can compare them fairly. The conditions below matter most in practice:
- One-time opening fee and whether it is refundable.
- Monthly account fee for the full period of your stay.
- Payout schedule, including whether payouts start after your arrival and how many months are covered.
- Documents needed to open the account and how long the process takes.
- Whether the provider issues the confirmation document that the mission asks for.
- Conditions for closing the account and how any remaining balance is paid out.
How do I compare the total cost of two offers?
The total cost is the sum of all fees over the period you need the account. A low opening fee can be outweighed by a high monthly fee. The example below uses two hypothetical offers and is for illustration only, not a real provider price.
| Cost item | Offer A (hypothetical) | Offer B (hypothetical) |
|---|---|---|
| One-time opening fee | 50 euros | 0 euros |
| Monthly fee | 0 euros | 4 euros |
| Total over 12 months | 50 euros | 48 euros |
Example (assumption): Offer B looks cheaper for twelve months, but Offer A could be cheaper for a longer stay if the monthly fee rises. Calculate the total for your exact period, and include any other fees, such as those for transfers or confirmations.
How do the monthly payouts work after I arrive?
After you arrive in Germany, the provider releases the amount in monthly instalments, which you can use for living costs. The release schedule depends on the provider and on your contract. Keep the payout plan and your bank statements together, because the university or the Ausländerbehörde may ask for proof of your living costs later.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a blocked account if I have a scholarship?
This depends on the mission and on your award letter. Some missions accept a scholarship that covers your living costs in place of a blocked account. Ask the mission in writing before you open an account, because the answer determines whether you need the account at all.
Can my parents deposit the money for me?
Many applicants use funds from parents or relatives. The mission sets the rules on who may be the account holder and what evidence it needs. Ask the mission for the requirements and keep the documents that show the origin of the funds.
Is the blocked account in euros?
Blocked accounts for student visas are usually in euros. Check the currency and the transfer conditions with the provider and the mission before you transfer money.
What if my visa is refused or my plans change?
Ask the provider about the conditions for closing the account and for paying out any remaining balance. Conditions differ, so read them before you open the account.
Do doctoral candidates need a blocked account?
The rules can differ for doctoral candidates, for example if they hold a contract or a scholarship. Ask the German mission which proof applies to your situation, because a general answer does not cover every case.
What should I do next?
- Confirm the amount and the period you need with the German mission.
- Ask the mission whether it accepts the providers you are considering.
- Compare at least two offers using the same list of conditions and the total cost.
- Open the account and keep the confirmation document that the mission asks for.
- Book your visa appointment and bring the originals with you.
Related reading
- Studying in Germany from Morocco: insurance, blocked account, visa
- DAAD scholarships 2026 for international students: overview
- Erasmus Mundus scholarship: how to apply from abroad
- Scholarships in Germany for international students without DAAD
- Studying outside the EU: health insurance rules
If you want a personal assessment of your own situation, you can find out how we work at academycon.de. This page explains the process only and does not replace an individual consultation.
Sources:
- German mission information sheet on studying in Germany (status August 2025), for the blocked account amounts
- Auslandsportal, Federal Foreign Office, for visa information and the mission contacts
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
