Study Visa — Blocked Account Requirement
The Germany student visa requires a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of €11,208. Here is exactly what it is, how to open one from Nigeria, and what it costs.
Key Requirements
What is the blocked account?
A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a special German bank account you must open and fund before your student visa is approved. It proves to the German embassy that you can support yourself financially during your studies.
Required amount: €11,208 (as of 2026 — equivalent to €934 per month for 12 months)
The funds are released to you monthly after you arrive in Germany. You cannot withdraw the full amount at once.
Key requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blocked account amount | €11,208 |
| Monthly release | €934/month |
| Account providers | Fintiba, Expatrio, Deutsche Bank |
| Setup time | 5–10 business days |
| Visa type | National visa (D) for study |
How to open a blocked account from Nigeria
- Choose a provider — Fintiba and Expatrio accept international transfers and are the most commonly used by Nigerian applicants
- Register online and receive your IBAN
- Transfer €11,208 from a Nigerian domiciliary account (USD → EUR) via Wise or your bank
- Receive your Finanzierungsnachweis (proof of funds certificate) — this goes into your visa application
Costs beyond the blocked account
The blocked account covers living expenses only. You will also need:
- Visa application fee: €75
- Health insurance: ~€110/month (statutory German insurance)
- University semester contribution: €150–€350 per semester (admin/transport — not tuition)
- Flight: varies
What this pathway does not cover
This page covers the financial proof requirement for the German student visa. It does not cover:
- University admission requirements
- Language test requirements (TestDaF / IELTS)
- APS certificate (required for Nigerian applicants)
- Post-study job search visa (Chancenkarte)
For the full picture, read the Germany country audit or use Find MyPathway to filter study routes.