The Sperrkonto is the piece of the German study visa most Nepali families ask about. It is not a punishment — it is a proof-of-funds mechanism designed to ensure students have money accessible each month during study. This piece explains how it works.
What is the Sperrkonto
- A German bank account into which you deposit the required amount before applying for a student visa.
- Funds are “blocked” from lump-sum withdrawal.
- Funds are released to your regular German account in monthly instalments once you arrive.
Amount required (indicative)
The Federal Foreign Office of Germany sets the required annual amount. It is periodically revised. Confirm the current figure on the Auswartiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) website before you open the account. As of the most recent published guidance, the amount is approximately EUR 11,904 for a 12-month student visa.
Approved Sperrkonto providers
The German embassy and consulates recognise several providers. Common options used by Nepali applicants include:
- Fintiba
- Expatrio
- Coracle
- Deutsche Bank
Each provider charges a set-up fee and a small monthly maintenance fee. Confirm the current fee schedule directly with the provider.
Process
- Receive admission letter from a recognised German institution.
- Open a Sperrkonto with an approved provider (fully online for Nepali applicants).
- Transfer the required amount from Nepal to the Sperrkonto — requires a MoEST NOC to release foreign exchange from Nepal.
- Receive confirmation of the deposit.
- Submit the confirmation with the German student visa application at the German Embassy Kathmandu or the visa application centre.
- After arrival, activate a German regular bank account and link it to the Sperrkonto for monthly disbursements.
Alternatives to Sperrkonto
- A written declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklarung) from a resident of Germany.
- Scholarship confirmation from a recognised German scholarship.
- Certain bank guarantees, subject to consular acceptance.
Practical tips for Nepali applicants
- Budget for the Sperrkonto in the total funding plan; it is not lost money, but it must be transferred before the visa application.
- Plan the NOC timeline against the Sperrkonto deposit deadline.
- Confirm the current amount and provider fee schedule immediately before opening the account.
Key takeaways
- Sperrkonto is the standard proof-of-funds for German student visas.
- Current required amount is approximately EUR 11,904 per year; confirm on the Auswartiges Amt website.
- Approved providers include Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle and Deutsche Bank.
- MoEST NOC is required to release foreign exchange from Nepal.
- Alternatives exist for scholarship holders and sponsored applicants.
Related resources
See our Study in Europe hub, Study in Netherlands, and MoEST NOC process.