Is the €11,904 Blocked Account Enough? Monthly Withdrawals and How to Make It Work (2026)

By Nguyen Duc Minh

Is the €11,904 Blocked Account Enough? Monthly Withdrawals and How to Make It Work (2026)

To get a German student visa, you must prove you can fund yourself — and the most common way is a Sperrkonto (blocked account). But is that fixed amount enough to actually live in Germany, or only enough on paper?

This guide breaks down the official figure, how much you may withdraw each month, and the realistic ways to make the budget work — even in an expensive city.

📋 The Sperrkonto at a Glance

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🎯 What €11,904 Means and How Much You Can Withdraw

When you open a blocked account through a provider like Fintiba/Expatrio, you deposit a sum covering one year. As of 2024/2025, the required amount is €11,904 for the year, which corresponds to about €992 per month that you may withdraw.

This money is "blocked": you can't take it all at once, only receive it monthly. The figure has risen over time — it was €11,208 earlier — so always check the current official figure before applying for your visa.

🏠 Is €992/Month Enough? It Depends on the City

The honest answer: it depends on where you live. The biggest factor is rent (Miete) — it dominates the budget. A room in a shared flat (WG) in a smaller town is far cheaper than a studio in Munich or Frankfurt.

In big cities, rent alone can take more than half of the €992, leaving little for food and daily life.

🧮 An Example Monthly Budget

Here is an illustrative budget for a frugal student in a mid-size city. The figures are for guidance only and vary by city:

With a student bank account in Germany, you can track spending more easily and keep your Sperrkonto withdrawal separate.

🤝 Ways to Meet the Financing Requirement

The Sperrkonto isn't the only option. You can use one of these routes (or combine them):

> 💡 Tip: You can top up the Sperrkonto at any time and work part-time within legal limits to ease the budget — you don't have to rely on the €992 alone.

💼 Working and Topping Up to Make It Work

Students may work within legal limits (usually counted in days per year). A Werkstudent or Minijob role meaningfully supplements the €992, especially in an expensive city.

You should also top up the account in advance if you expect higher costs. When transferring money from Vietnam to Germany, compare fees and exchange rates so you don't lose money funding the Sperrkonto.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What period does €11,904 cover? One year, so about €992/month. This is the 2024/2025 figure; the amount is updated periodically — check the current official source.

Can I withdraw the €11,904 all at once? No. The account is blocked; you can only withdraw about €992 per month.

Is €992 enough to live in Munich? Quite tight. In big cities, rent alone takes most of it — you'll usually need to top up or work part-time.

Are there alternatives to a Sperrkonto? Yes: a recognised scholarship, a Verpflichtungserklärung (sponsorship in Germany), or proof of parents' income — depending on the consulate's requirements.

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Plan your study financing with confidence with StudienA — from choosing a Sperrkonto provider to budgeting and understanding living costs city by city.

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