The blocked account is one of the first steps for a German student visa. Here is the 2026 amount, how it works and the common mistakes to avoid.
If you are planning to study in Germany, you will almost certainly need a blocked account (Sperrkonto). It proves to the German embassy that you can cover your living costs for your first year.
How much is it in 2026?
For a student visa, the required amount in 2026 is €11,904* for one year. Once you are in Germany, you can withdraw up to €992* per month. Job-seeker and Opportunity Card applicants usually need a higher amount of about €1,091* per month.
How it works
- Open a blocked account online with a provider approved by the German Federal Foreign Office.
- Transfer the full amount from India, plus the provider's fees and any required buffer.
- Download the blocking confirmation and add it to your visa application.
- After you arrive and register your address, activate the account and link it to a German current account.
- Receive your monthly payout of up to €992*.
Common mistakes
- Transferring the money too late. International transfers can take several working days.
- Forgetting provider fees and the buffer, so the account falls short of the required amount.
- Name mismatches between the passport and the transfer details.
- Ignoring the remitter rules for education payments from India. Your bank will ask for the right documents.
Can a scholarship or sponsor replace it?
Yes, in some cases. A recognised scholarship, or a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany, can replace all or part of the blocked account. Check with the embassy for your case.
Amounts are reviewed regularly, so confirm the current figure on the German embassy website before you transfer. See our Study in Germany guide or contact us for help.
