What is a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto)?
A Sperrkonto is a special bank account required by German law, especially for international students, to prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses.
The money in this account can only be accessed after arriving in Germany and only in a fixed monthly amount.
It is a basic requirement for:
Student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)
Study applicant visa (Studienbewerbervisum)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Required annual amount | 11,208 € |
| Monthly withdrawal | 934 € |
| Typical account duration | 12 months (extendable) |
| Provider | Opening fee | Monthly fee | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coracle | 0 € | 0 € (for a limited time) | Currently no fees, in cooperation with Sutor Bank |
| Deutsche Bank | 0 € | 0 € | Traditional option, but more complex and slower |
| Expatrio | 49 € | 5 € | Fast opening + can be bundled with health insurance |
| Fintiba | 89 € | 4.90 € | English interface, opening often within one business day |
The currently fastest and cheapest option:
Coracle (in cooperation with Sutor Bank)
Steps:
Go to Coracle’s website:
https://www.coracle.de
Select “Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)”.
Fill in the online application form.
Upload your passport and your admission letter (if available).
Wait for the preliminary approval (usually around 2 working days).
Receive your international bank details (IBAN + SWIFT).
Transfer 11,208 € plus any international transfer or bank fees.
Receive the “Confirmation of Funds”, which you submit with your visa application.
Make sure the transfer is made from a bank account in your own name or that of a close family member.
Keep the “Sperrkonto Bestätigung / Confirmation of Funds” safe – you will need it for the embassy or consulate.
You cannot withdraw any money until you arrive in Germany and open a regular current account (Girokonto).
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sperrkonto | blocked bank account |
| Bestätigung | confirmation / certificate |
| Aufenthaltstitel | residence permit |
| Auszahlung | monthly withdrawal |
| Girokonto | current account |
Editorial note
The authors and editorial team of this website strive to provide accurate information based on careful research and various sources. However, errors, changes or uncertainties may still occur. Therefore, the information in this text should be considered as a first non-binding orientation only. For binding and up-to-date information, always contact the responsible authorities (e.g. embassies, immigration offices, banks).
