Money & taxes
Sperrkonto
A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a German bank account that proves financing for a student visa. In 2026, degree students must deposit €992 per month of planned stay, €11,904 for a year, and can withdraw only the monthly amount after arrival.
The Sperrkonto is the standard proof of financial means for German student visa applications. You deposit the required total before the visa appointment; after arriving in Germany, the account releases at most the fixed monthly amount, which is why it is called blocked. For admitted degree students the 2026 rate is €992 per month, so a twelve-month visa requires €11,904. Other visa purposes, such as language courses or the Opportunity Card, use different monthly rates.
Blocked accounts are offered by specialized providers (Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle) and a few banks. Most students open one online from their home country, transfer the deposit plus a buffer for fees, and receive a blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung) for the embassy. After arrival you pair it with a normal Girokonto where the monthly payout lands.
What it means for working students
Alternatives to a Sperrkonto exist: a formal sponsor declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung), a scholarship covering the rate, or parents' income proof accepted by some embassies. Once you start a working student job, your salary supplements the monthly payout, but the blocked account requirement at renewal can shrink only if you prove regular income. Compare provider fees before opening; setup and monthly fees differ noticeably.