What is a Sperrkonto and why do you need one?
Proof of financial means for your student visa
A Sperrkonto (blocked account) is a German bank account that holds a specific sum of money to prove you can support yourself financially during your studies. The German Embassy will not issue a student visa without proof that this account has been funded. Once you arrive in Germany, the account "unblocks" monthly — you can withdraw approximately €934 per month (the standard monthly allowance, revised annually by the German government). The current required total is approximately €11,208 (12 × €934), though the exact figure is updated annually.
Approved Sperrkonto providers for UK students
- Fintiba (fintiba.com) — most popular with international students; fully online, recognized by German embassies worldwide including London
- Expatrio (expatrio.com) — combines Sperrkonto with travel health insurance in one package
- Deutsche Bank (limited availability for non-residents)
- Coracle (coracle.de) — newer provider with competitive fees
- Note: avoid providers not explicitly approved by the German Embassy in London
Blocked account at a glance
| Required deposit | ~€11,208 (current figure; check German Embassy London website for latest) |
|---|---|
| Monthly withdrawal | ~€934/month after arrival |
| Account opening time | 1–5 business days (Fintiba, Expatrio) |
| Setup/admin fee | €49–€89 depending on provider |
| Currency for deposit | EUR — you transfer GBP and it converts |
| Needed for | Student visa application at German Embassy London |
Transferring GBP to fund your Sperrkonto
How to move money from the UK efficiently
Sperrkonto providers accept deposits in EUR. You transfer GBP from your UK bank account and the amount is converted to EUR. The exchange rate matters: at the time of writing, £1 ≈ €1.17, meaning £9,600–£9,800 should cover the required €11,208 (always check the current rate). Using Wise (formerly TransferWise) for the GBP→EUR conversion will typically save you £50–£150 compared to using your high street bank's international transfer rates. Transfer directly to your Sperrkonto's EUR account details provided by the provider.
Step-by-step: opening your blocked account from the UK
- Register with Fintiba or Expatrio — you'll need your passport and a university acceptance letter or conditional offer
- Sign the account agreement digitally
- Transfer the required EUR amount (converted from GBP via Wise or your bank)
- Receive confirmation document (Sperrkonto certificate) — typically within 1–3 business days
- Include the Sperrkonto certificate with your visa application at the German Embassy
- After arriving in Germany: visit your bank branch to activate the monthly withdrawal
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