The German blocked account, explained

What it is and why it's required

The blocked account holds roughly one year of living costs, released to you in equal monthly instalments once you're in Germany. It satisfies the proof-of-funds rule without requiring you to hand money to anyone — you keep it, you just can't spend it all at once.

Confirm the current annual figure and monthly release amount on the official source linked on the Germany pages, as they are revised periodically.

How much in 2026 — the exact numbers

The current requirement corresponds to the BAföG-linked rate: 11,904 EUR for a year, which releases as 992 EUR per month after you arrive (figures date-verified against the Federal Foreign Office source on our Germany pages — always confirm there before transferring, as the rate is revised periodically, usually announced in late summer).

Two practical notes on the amount. First, deposit slightly more than the minimum — a currency-conversion shortfall of even a few euros can bounce the confirmation. Second, if your course starts mid-year and the rate changes between application and arrival, the figure that matters is the one at the time of your visa application.

What providers cost, and how to compare them

Providers charge a one-time setup fee plus a monthly service fee; totals across a year typically land between roughly €100 and €200. The bigger hidden cost is usually the currency transfer into the account: an ordinary international bank wire can lose 3–5% to exchange-rate margins — on €11,904 that's €350–600, several times the provider fees. Compare the effective exchange rate of your transfer method before comparing provider fees.

Beyond price, compare: how fast the blocking confirmation is issued (same-day to a few days matters when your appointment is close), whether your German mission explicitly accepts the provider, refund terms if the visa is refused, and whether bundled health insurance actually meets the visa requirement or just adds cost.

Which providers embassies accept

German missions accept blocked accounts from recognised, BaFin-aware providers. The well-known options bundle the account with the paperwork embassies expect, which is why most applicants use a provider rather than a traditional bank.

• Choose a provider explicitly accepted by your German mission.
• Some bundle health insurance with the blocked account — convenient, but check the cover meets the visa rule.
• Keep the opening confirmation and funding receipt for your visa file.

Steps to open and fund it

Open the account online, transfer the annual minimum (use a low-FX transfer method to avoid losing money to bank margins), receive the confirmation, and include it in your application. After arrival, you activate monthly withdrawals once you have a German address and local bank account.