Blocked or closed bank account (das Sperrkonto)

• What is a blocked bank account (🇩🇪 das Sperrkonto)?

This is a bank account in a German bank, from which foreign doctors/students are only allowed to withdraw a maximum amount of money per month after they come to Germany. Since 01.01.2023, this amount has been 934 euros per month (11,208 euros per year), increasing each year/few years.

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• What is the goal of having this account?

Using a blocked account, you can demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means during the visa application process. In other words, the German embassies want to be sure that you would have enough money for your daily life after coming to Germany. An alternative to a blocked bank account is that a German citizen makes a “Declaration of Commitment” for you (🇩🇪 eine Verpflichtungserklärung).

• Amount of money to be transferred

• How much money must you transfer to this bank account before coming to Germany?

Before coming to Germany, one needs to transfer a fixed sum of money for each month he plans to stay in Germany. For example, if your visa is going to last one year, then you need to pay:

• Which banks offer a Sperrkonto?

Not all banks, but plenty of them.

• How can you activate the bank account after you come to Germany?

It would not be automatically activated. Therefore, you must go personally to a normal bank and open an account. Then, you can add this IBAN to your closed bank account, and the money will then be translated each month.

Sources:
• Website of the Federal Foreign Office (🇩🇪 das Auswärtige Amt), link
• Sparkasse (one of the biggest banks in Germany), link

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