What is a blocked account and how do I set it up?
If you plan to study in Germany as an international student (and in many cases also in other EU countries), you will sooner or later come across the term “blocked account.”
Conclusion
A blocked account is a standardized way to prove your financial means: open the account, deposit the required amount, receive your confirmation, and activate the monthly payouts. If you start early and prepare your documents carefully, the whole process is straightforward and easy to plan.
If you're a non-EU student planning to study in Europe, there's a good chance you'll need to open a blocked account before you can even apply for your student visa. But not every country requires one – and the amounts vary significantly. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Blocked Account?
A blocked account (German: Sperrkonto) is a special bank account that proves you have enough money to cover your living expenses while studying abroad. You deposit a set amount upfront, and the account releases a fixed monthly portion to you once you arrive in the country. It cannot be fully withdrawn all at once – hence the name. Many European countries require this as part of the student visa application to ensure you won't face financial hardship during your studies.
Countries That Require a Blocked Account
The following countries require non-EU students to hold a blocked account as proof of financial means for a student visa.
🇩🇪 Germany — approx. €11,208 per year
🇦🇹 Austria — approx. €11,640 per year
🇳🇱 Netherlands — approx. €12,167 per year
🇩🇰 Denmark — approx. €6,397 per year
🇫🇮 Finland — approx. €6,720 per year
🇫🇷 France — approx. €7,380 per year
🇧🇪 Belgium — approx. €8,100 per year
(as of 2024)
Countries Where a Blocked Account Is Not Required
These countries do not require a blocked account specifically. You can demonstrate sufficient financial means through other documents such as bank statements, a sponsorship letter or proof of a scholarship.
🇪🇸 Spain — alternative proof of funding accepted
🇮🇹 Italy — alternative proof of funding accepted
🇨🇿 Czech Republic — alternative proof of funding accepted
🇵🇱 Poland — alternative proof of funding accepted
Countries With Partial Requirements
🇸🇪 Sweden — no general blocked account requirement, but proof of sufficient funds may be required depending on individual circumstances.
🇮🇪 Ireland — no general blocked account requirement, but proof of sufficient funds may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
How Does a Blocked Account Work in Practice?
Once your blocked account is set up, the bank holds the full amount and releases a fixed monthly payment to you after you arrive in the country. In Germany for example, this works out to approximately €934 per month – the current minimum amount set by German authorities. The account acts as proof that you can financially support yourself without relying on public funds or working excessive hours.
You typically need to open the account before your visa appointment, as the confirmation document from the bank is part of your visa application.