Blocked account in Germany: amount, opening and processing times

To obtain a student visa for Germany, you must prove that you will be able to finance your life there. The most common solution is the blocked account (Sperrkonto). It is often the step that worries Tunisian families most, because of the amount and the transfers. Here is how the blocked account in Germany works, how much you need, how to open it from Tunisia and how long it takes.

What is the blocked account for?

The blocked account is a German bank account into which you deposit, before the visa, a sum corresponding to your living costs for the first year. You cannot withdraw all the money at once: once in Germany, a fixed monthly amount is released to your current account.

For the German authorities, it is simple and reliable proof that you will not get into financial difficulty. The German Embassy in Tunis requires this proof in the student visa file.

How much should you plan for?

The amount is set by the German authorities and revised regularly, in line with the amount of German public student grants. For recent intakes, it has been around €1,000 per month, i.e. just under €12,000 for one year. Tuition fees are not included.

Always check the amount in force at the time of your application: it can change from one year to the next, and the embassy rejects an insufficiently funded account.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, the embassy accepts other proofs of funds, notably:

• a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) signed by a person living in Germany, at the foreigners' office;

• a scholarship from a recognised organisation (for example a DAAD scholarship) covering living costs;

• proof of income from parents living in Germany, in some cases.

For the vast majority of Tunisian students, the blocked account remains the simplest solution.

How to open a blocked account from Tunisia

Today, the account is opened online with approved providers (specialised companies in partnership with German banks). The main steps:

1. Choose a provider approved by the German Federal Foreign Office. Compare opening fees, monthly fees and included services (health insurance, current account).

2. Fill in the online application with your passport and, often, your admission letter.

3. Verify your identity (video identification or an equivalent procedure).

4. Make the transfer of the full amount from Tunisia, through your bank and as part of the student file (dossier scolarité) (see Non-scholarship certificate).

5. Receive the blocking confirmation (Sperrbestätigung), to be attached to the visa file.

Processing times to anticipate

The account itself opens in a few days. What takes time:

• opening the student file at your Tunisian bank;

• the international transfer, which can take several working days;

• receiving the blocking confirmation.

Allow 2 to 4 weeks in total, and start as soon as you have the admission (or confirmation of enrolment in a Studienkolleg or a language course). Visa appointments at the embassy may themselves be far off: do not let the blocked account become the link that delays everything.

Once in Germany

On arrival:

1. You open a current account (often offered by the provider).

2. You register your address (Anmeldung) at the town hall.

3. The provider starts the monthly payouts to your current account.

4. You present the confirmation to the foreigners' office to obtain your student residence permit.

If you leave before the end of the year or if your visa is refused, providers have refund procedures, with fees. Read the conditions carefully before choosing.

Other costs to plan for

In addition to the blocked account:

• the university's semester contribution (often a few hundred euros, with the regional transport ticket included in many cities);

• compulsory health insurance;

• visa fees;

• initial accommodation (deposit, first rent);

• German classes if necessary.

German public universities generally do not charge tuition fees, with a few exceptions depending on the Länder. Our page Study in Germany details the advantages and the points to watch.

Can you work to top up?

Yes, the student residence permit allows part-time work within the limits set by law. But the blocked account must be funded before departure: future wages do not count as proof of funds.

How to choose your blocked account provider

Compare at least two or three approved providers on these criteria:

• opening fees and monthly management fees;

• time taken to issue the blocking confirmation after receipt of the funds;

• included services: current account, student health insurance, bank card;

• refund conditions in case of visa refusal or cancellation of your plans;

• quality of support (language, responsiveness).

A slightly more expensive but fast and reliable provider can save you weeks at the critical moment of the visa.

Key takeaway: check the amount in force, choose an approved provider, prepare the student file at your Tunisian bank and allow two to four weeks before getting the blocking confirmation. Do not let this step delay your visa.

Our support

We help you choose the provider, prepare the bank file in Tunisia, follow the transfer and put together the complete visa file. If you are applying to university, also read Uni-assist: submitting your application.

👉 The required amount is revised regularly: talk to an advisor to find out the amount in force and the timeline for your visa.