Germany is one of the most affordable serious study destinations — many public universities charge little or no tuition. But the visa has one financial gate almost every Sri Lankan applicant has to clear: the blocked account, or Sperrkonto. Here’s exactly how it works in 2026.
The amount and rules below are illustrative and change periodically. Always confirm the current Sperrkonto figure and accepted providers with the German Mission in Colombo and the Federal Foreign Office, or with our counsellors, before you transfer any money.
What a Sperrkonto actually is
Sperrkonto literally means “blocked account.” You deposit a set sum into a special account before your visa; the money is locked so you can’t withdraw it all at once. After you arrive in Germany, the bank releases a fixed amount to you each month to cover living costs. It’s the German embassy’s standard, verifiable proof that you can support yourself in your first year.
The 2026 amount
For 2026 the required amount is €11,904 for the year — about LKR 4.1 million at current rates — released as €992 per month. That figure is tied to Germany’s BAföG student-support rate and has held steady since 2024.
- check_circle Annual blocked amount: €11,904 (roughly LKR 4.1 million)
- check_circle Monthly release once you arrive: €992
- check_circle Applies to: essentially every non-EU student, including Sri Lankans
- check_circle Purpose: proof of living-cost funds for your first year
Which providers to use
Several providers are set up specifically for this and are widely accepted by German missions — common names include Expatrio, Fintiba, and Coracle, alongside traditional options like a Deutsche Bank blocked account. They differ on setup fees, monthly handling fees, and how quickly they confirm your deposit, so compare before choosing.
Pro Counsellor Tip
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Open your blocked account early. The transfer, confirmation, and any document corrections can take longer than students expect — and your visa appointment depends on having the confirmation in hand. Treat the Sperrkonto as one of the first things you arrange, not the last.
"How it fits the rest of your visa
The blocked account is the most common way to show funds, but it works alongside your other documents: admission letter, health insurance, academic certificates (often attested), and language evidence where required. Note that the Sperrkonto covers living costs — if your programme charges tuition or semester fees, budget those separately on top.
Planning a German student visa?
We'll help you choose a Sperrkonto provider, time your transfer, and assemble the rest of your funds and document file so your visa appointment goes smoothly.
Get Germany Visa HelpGetting your money back
The blocked funds are yours — once you’re in Germany and your local bank account is set up, the monthly releases flow to you, and any remaining balance is accessible when you close the account under the provider’s process. It isn’t a fee; it’s your own living money, parked to satisfy the visa.
The bottom line
The Sperrkonto is less intimidating once you see it for what it is: your first-year living costs, deposited early and drip-fed back to you monthly. Budget the €11,904, pick a reputable provider, and set it up well ahead of your visa appointment.
Next steps
If Germany is your destination, bring us your admission letter and we’ll walk you through the Sperrkonto, health insurance, and document attestation in the right order — so nothing holds up your visa.
Written by
Lanka Scholar Editorial
Lanka Scholar Editorial is the Lanka Scholar counsellor team — senior advisors who place Sri Lankan students into universities across 18 destinations. Articles are reviewed before publication and refreshed when fees, deadlines, or visa rules change.
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