How does the German blocked account work, step by step?
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a German bank account that proves you can pay for your first year. You deposit the full year’s amount before your visa appointment, currently €11,904 (about ₹12.6 lakh). Once you are in Germany it is paid back to you month by month for rent and living costs.
"That is a lot of money to lock away. Is it safe, and do we get it back?"
The money stays yours. It simply arrives in monthly instalments in Germany, which many families find makes the first year easier to manage.
- 1Your bank in IndiaFamily savings or an education loan
- 2Blocked accountThe full first-year amount, deposited before the visa
- 3Visa fileBlocking confirmation goes with your application
- 4Monthly in GermanyA fixed monthly sum is released to you
Steps, in order
- Get your admission letter (or confirmation you are applying) from a German university.
- Open a blocked account with a provider accepted by the German missions. Compare fees and check the provider on the official German government pages.
- Transfer the full amount from India through your bank. Keep the transfer receipt.
- Download the blocking confirmation and add it to your visa file.
- After arrival, register your address and activate the monthly payouts.
Plan the money in rupees
The box on this page shows the amount at the rate on our data sheet. Add a margin: the rupee can move between the day you plan and the day you transfer, and providers charge their own fees.
When to do what
- As soon as you have an admitChoose a provider and open the account.
- 4–6 weeks before the visa appointmentTransfer the full amount from one account.
- Before the appointmentDownload the blocking confirmation for your visa file.
- First weeks in GermanyRegister your address and activate payouts.
Blocked account checklist
Common mistakes
- Transferring in several small amounts from different accounts, which makes the source of funds harder to show.
- Leaving the transfer to the last week before the visa appointment.
- Assuming the amount is fixed for years: it can change, so check before you transfer.
Questions families ask
How much is the blocked account?
Currently €11,904 (about ₹12.6 lakh) for the first year, released monthly. Confirm on the official page before you transfer.
Can a scholarship replace the blocked account?
A scholarship or a sponsor declaration from someone in Germany can count as proof of funds. Your visa officer decides what is enough.
Can an education loan be used?
Yes, many families fund the blocked account with an education loan; the bank pays into the account.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you act.
Want a counsellor to look at your case?.
The first consultation is free. Leave your number and a counsellor will call you back, usually the same working day (Monday to Saturday).
Prefer WhatsApp? Message a counsellor →