Short answer: To set up a German blocked account, open one with Fintiba or Expatrio (about €89 setup plus €4.90/month), verify your identity by video call, and transfer €11,904. Once the funds clear, the provider issues a blocking certificate for your visa appointment, and after you arrive in Germany the account releases €992 per month.

The blocked account (Sperrkonto in German) is one of the most discussed requirements in the German student visa process, and one of the most misunderstood. Students hear "blocked" and assume the money is frozen for a year. It isn't. You deposit €11,904, and after arriving in Germany, you get €992 released every month. The account pays for your life while you study.

This guide covers what the account is, which providers offer it, how to open one, and what to expect at the visa appointment.

Why you need it

German student visas require proof that you can support yourself financially without working. The blocked account is the standard way to prove this. The amount, €11,904, is 12 months of the BAföG minimum support rate (€992/month), which Germany uses as its official standard for student living costs.

Alternatives exist (scholarships, sponsorship letters, paid positions), but the blocked account is the default for self-funded students. If you have a DAAD or Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you don't need it. If you're applying as a self-funded student, assume you do.

Step 1: Choose a provider

Three providers dominate this space for international students:

Fintiba

• Process is fully online
• Account is typically ready in 2-3 business days after verification
• SWIFT transfer accepted
• Fee: approximately €89 one-time setup + €4.90/month service fee
• Well-regarded for customer support in English

Expatrio

• Also fully online
• Bundled with health insurance options (useful since you need health insurance anyway)
• Fee structure similar to Fintiba
• Integration with some insurance providers makes the setup slightly faster

Deutsche Bank (traditional bank route)

• Requires more documentation and in-person steps in some cases
• Slower process (can take 2-3 weeks)
• No monthly fee beyond normal account maintenance
• Less commonly used now that fintech options exist

For most students, Fintiba or Expatrio is the practical choice. The process is faster, documents are digital, and support is available in English. UniTracker's Sperrkonto guide has a current comparison of fees and processing times.

Step 2: Create your account and upload documents

For Fintiba or Expatrio:

1. Register on their website with your email address
2. Complete the identity verification process (typically a video call or VideoIdent procedure)
3. Upload your required documents:

• Passport
• Admission letter from your German university
• Proof of address

The VideoIdent process takes 10-15 minutes and can be done from your phone. You'll show your passport to the camera and answer a few questions. It runs through a third-party service (WebID or similar) that the provider integrates.

Step 3: Transfer the funds

Once your account is approved and opened (you'll receive a confirmation with your IBAN), you transfer €11,904 from your bank in Pakistan.

International transfer options:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): competitive rates, 1-2 business days
• Direct bank SWIFT transfer: higher fees, 3-5 business days
• Some providers accept transfers from third parties (a parent can send the money)

Make sure the transfer amount covers any fees charged during the transfer. The destination account must show exactly €11,904 or more. If fees reduce the final amount below this threshold, it causes problems.

Keep your SWIFT/transfer receipt. You'll need it to show where the money came from.

Step 4: Receive your blocking certificate

Once the funds clear, the provider issues a blocking certificate. This is the document you bring to your visa appointment. It confirms:

• The account exists
• It contains at least €11,904
• The funds are blocked for release in monthly instalments after your arrival

This certificate is what the visa officer needs to see. Processing time after funds clear: 1-2 business days for Fintiba, similar for Expatrio.

Step 5: Present at the visa appointment

Bring the blocking certificate (printed) to your embassy appointment alongside your other visa documents. The officer will record the account details and confirm the amount.

After arriving in Germany

Once you're in Germany, you activate the account by visiting the provider's local bank partner or through their app (for fintech providers). After activation, €992 is released each month on the same date.

The money transfers to a regular German bank account that you open after arrival. Most students open a free current account with N26, DKB, or a German Sparkasse shortly after arriving.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Transfer amount falls short due to fees. The receiving account must show the full €11,904. Use Wise for accurate fee calculation before sending, or send slightly more to cover.

Slow SWIFT transfers. Budget 5-7 business days for international bank transfers in case there are delays. Don't leave this for the week before your visa appointment.

Verification call scheduling. VideoIdent sessions are available at specific times, not 24/7. Check the provider's schedule and book early. If you miss a slot, there's usually a short wait to rebook.

Name mismatches. The name on the transfer must exactly match the name on your passport. Even minor differences (middle name included vs. excluded) can delay processing.

What the blocked account costs, total

For a Fintiba account held for one year:

• Setup fee: ~€89
• Monthly fee (12 months): ~€58.80
• Total: ~€148 in fees

This is on top of the €11,904 deposit, which is your money. It comes back to you month by month after you arrive in Germany.

Track your blocked account setup progress using UniTracker's document tracker and monitor your timeline with the timeline tool so the account is ready well before your visa appointment.

Frequently asked questions