The blocked account (Sperrkonto), explained

What it is and why it exists

A blocked account is a German bank account holding your first year's living costs, 'blocked' so you can only withdraw a fixed monthly amount after arrival. It's the standard proof to the visa officer that you can support yourself — about €11,904 for twelve months as of mid-2026 (roughly €992/month; verify the current figure with your German mission before opening one).

How to open one

Online providers dominate because they're fast and embassy-recognized: Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle are the common choices, typically opening within days and often bundling health insurance. Traditional banks (e.g., Deutsche Bank) also offer Sperrkonten but are slower and heavier on paperwork from abroad.

• —Open after (or while) applying — you need it confirmed before the visa appointment.
• —Transfer via a low-fee route (Wise or similar) and keep every receipt; the funding trail may be checked.
• —After arrival, complete the provider's activation to start monthly payouts.

Traps that cost people their intake

• —Opening too late: transfers from Nigeria or Bangladesh can take longer than the brochure says — start the week you apply.
• —Wrong amount: the required figure changes; the old number in a blog post is not evidence.
• —Assuming it's the only way: sponsors (Verpflichtungserklärung) and scholarships work too, but expect more questions at the visa stage.