study in Germany
By admin 23/10/2026 21/10/2026
If you are planning a master's or bachelor's in Germany, the blocked account is the single largest amount you must arrange before your visa. Tuition at most public universities is free or very low, but the German embassy still needs proof that you can cover your living costs for the first year. This guide explains the blocked account in Germany for 2027 intakes: how much you need, how it works, which providers Indian students use, the step-by-step process and the alternatives if you cannot open one.
What this guide covers
- What a blocked account is
- How much you need in 2027
- Choosing a provider
- How to open one from India
- Transferring money from India
- After you arrive in Germany
- Alternatives to a blocked account
- FAQs
What is a blocked account (Sperrkonto)?
A blocked account is a special bank account that holds your living-cost money for one year. You deposit the full amount before applying for your student visa. After you arrive in Germany and activate the account, the provider releases a fixed amount to your regular bank account every month. You cannot withdraw more than that monthly limit.
The German missions in India accept it as the standard proof of financial resources for a national (D) student visa. It reassures the embassy that you will not run out of money in your first year.
How much money do you need in the blocked account?
| Item | Amount | Approx. in ₹ (at ₹100 per euro) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly release | €992 | ₹99,200 |
| Required for 12 months | €11,904 | ₹11.9 lakh |
| Provider fees and buffer (typical) | €100 to €300 | ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 |
The €992 rate has applied since the 2024 winter semester and is linked to Germany's BAföG student support rate. The government reviews it periodically, so confirm the current figure on the German missions in India website before you transfer money, especially for the Winter 2027/28 intake.
The exchange rate changes daily. Transfer a little more than the minimum so that a small currency movement does not leave you short of the required amount.
Choosing a blocked account provider
Most Indian students open their blocked account online with a provider approved by the German Federal Foreign Office. Commonly used providers include Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle. When comparing them, check:
- Set-up fee and monthly fee: some charge a one-time fee, others a monthly fee, and some refund fees if you buy health insurance through them.
- Health insurance bundle: many students take travel health insurance for the visa and public health insurance after enrolment through the same provider.
- Speed: how quickly they issue the confirmation letter after your money arrives.
- Refund process: how easily you can get your money back if your visa is refused.
Use only the provider's official website, never a link sent by an unknown agent, and never transfer money to a personal account.
How to open a blocked account from India, step by step
- Get your admission or conditional admission letter. Most providers let you open an account before admission, but your visa file will need both.
- Sign up online with your passport details. Your name must match your passport exactly.
- Verify your identity through the provider's online process.
- Receive your account details (IBAN and reference) by email.
- Transfer the full amount from an Indian bank account through an outward remittance.
- Download the blocking confirmation once the money arrives. Add this to your visa file.
- Book your visa appointment and submit your file with the confirmation, admission letter, APS certificate and insurance.
The full visa checklist is in our guide to masters in Germany requirements , and the APS step is explained in our APS certificate guide .
Transferring money from India
A blocked account transfer is an education remittance under RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme. Keep these points in mind:
- Purpose code: ask your bank to tag the transfer for education. Carry your admission letter and the provider's account details to the branch.
- TCS: from 1 April 2026, TCS on self-funded education remittances is 2 percent on the amount above ₹10 lakh in a financial year, and nil if the money comes from an education loan from a specified lender. TCS is not a cost; you can claim it against your income tax.
- Time: international transfers usually take two to five working days. Do not leave this to the week of your visa appointment.
- Loan funding: many Indian banks and NBFCs can disburse the blocked account amount as part of an education loan.
After you arrive in Germany
- Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local citizens' office.
- Open a regular German current account (some providers include one).
- Activate your blocked account by linking your German account and uploading your address registration.
- Receive your first monthly release of €992, then one release each month.
Plan your first few weeks' expenses carefully, because activation can take a little time. Our guide to living cost in Germany for Indian students shows a realistic monthly budget by city.
Alternatives to a blocked account
| Option | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Scholarship (e.g. DAAD) covering at least the required amount | Students with a confirmed scholarship award letter |
| Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) | Students with a sponsor living in Germany who meets the income rules |
| Combination of the above with a smaller blocked account | Partial scholarship holders |
The embassy decides which proof it accepts, so check the current rules on the German missions in India website before choosing an alternative.
FAQs on the blocked account in Germany
How much is the blocked account for Germany in 2027?
The current requirement is €11,904 for one year, released at €992 a month. Confirm the figure before you transfer, as it can be revised.
Can I open a blocked account before getting admission?
Yes, many providers allow it, but you will need your admission letter for the visa application.
What happens to my money if my visa is refused?
You can request a refund by sending the refusal letter to the provider. Fees may be deducted according to their terms.
Can I pay my tuition or semester fee from the blocked account?
Not directly. The account only releases the monthly amount. Pay semester contributions from separate funds.
Is health insurance mandatory as well?
Yes. You need travel health insurance for the visa and German health insurance for university enrolment.
Plan your blocked account early
The blocked account is simple once you know the steps, but delays in transfers or name mismatches can push back your visa appointment. Arrange it as soon as your admission is likely.
edbgo helps Indian students planning to study in Germany with university applications, APS, blocked account set-up and visa support . Talk to our Chennai team to plan your timeline for the 2027 intakes.
Post Tags: # Blocked Account # German Student Visa # Study in Germany
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