Updated July 2026. A blocked account, known in German as a Sperrkonto, is one of the main ways Opportunity Card applicants can prove they have enough money to support themselves while searching for work in Germany.
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For 2026, the official financial requirement for the Germany Opportunity Card is generally €1,091 net per month. For a full 12-month job-search period, that equals €13,092, before bank, transfer, or blocked-account provider fees.
Important: The required amount can depend on the approved length of stay and any other accepted financial evidence. Always confirm the final figure through the German Consular Services Portal or the German mission processing your application before transferring money.
What Is a Germany Blocked Account?
A blocked account is a special account used to prove that you can pay your living expenses in Germany. The full amount is deposited before the visa decision, but you cannot withdraw all the money at once after arrival. Instead, the account releases only an approved monthly amount.
The account beneficiary is normally the German mission handling the visa before entry or the competent foreigners authority after arrival. The beneficiary does not own or withdraw the applicant’s money; its role is connected to the blocking arrangement.
The German Federal Foreign Office blocked-account guide explains that applicants may choose their own bank or provider. It does not recommend a specific company, and provider conditions and fees differ.
Germany Opportunity Card Required Amount in 2026
The official Opportunity Card guidance states that an applicant meets the financial requirement with at least €1,091 per month net in 2026.
| Planned stay | Illustrative blocked amount |
|---|---|
| 6 months | €6,546 |
| 9 months | €9,819 |
| 12 months | €13,092 |
These totals are simple calculations based on €1,091 per month. They do not include provider setup fees, monthly administration charges, international transfer costs, exchange-rate differences, or any separate insurance payment. The competent German mission determines what evidence and total amount it will accept.
Do All Opportunity Card Applicants Need a Blocked Account?
No. A blocked account is one accepted method, but it is not the only possible way to prove funds.
Declaration of Commitment
A person legally residing in Germany may be able to provide a formal Declaration of Commitment, called a Verpflichtungserklärung. The sponsor accepts financial responsibility under German law and must prove sufficient resources to the responsible authority.
Part-Time Employment Contract
Opportunity Card holders may take one or more part-time jobs totalling up to 20 hours per week. If an applicant already has a qualifying part-time contract paying at least €1,091 net per month, the official guidance says it can meet the financial requirement. If the salary is lower, the applicant may be able to cover the difference through a blocked account.
Combination of Accepted Evidence
Depending on the mission and circumstances, an applicant may combine permitted income or support with blocked funds. Do not assume a combination will be accepted: obtain confirmation before submitting the application.
Blocked Account Provider Fees to Compare
The deposited living-expense amount remains your money, but opening and operating the account normally involves separate charges. A provider advertising a low setup price may still be more expensive after transfer costs and monthly fees.
Compare the following:
- One-time setup fee: The amount charged to open and verify the account.
- Monthly administration fee: A recurring charge throughout the blocked period.
- International transfer fee: Fees charged by the sending bank, intermediary banks, or transfer platform.
- Foreign-exchange margin: The difference between the market exchange rate and the provider’s conversion rate.
- Incoming-payment fee: Some providers or banks charge to receive international funds.
- Account activation requirements: Check which German address, registration, tax, or identity documents are required after arrival.
- Refund or closure fee: Review charges if the visa is refused or the account must be closed early.
- Health-insurance bundle: Confirm the real price and whether the included policy is suitable for the visa.
- Customer-support access: Compare response channels, support hours, and document-processing times.
How to Choose a Blocked Account Provider
- Check acceptance. Confirm that the certificate format is accepted by the German mission handling your application.
- Calculate total cost. Add setup, monthly, transfer, foreign-exchange, and closure charges.
- Review processing time. Ask how long identity verification, incoming transfers, and confirmation letters usually take.
- Confirm monthly payout. Understand when and how the €1,091 monthly amount becomes available after arrival.
- Read refund rules. Check the documents required after a visa refusal or withdrawal.
- Verify regulation and safeguarding. Identify the bank or financial institution holding the funds and read the provider’s legal disclosures.
- Keep records. Save the contract, fee schedule, transfer receipt, confirmation letter, and support correspondence.
How to Open a Germany Blocked Account
Step 1: Confirm Your Required Amount
Use the Consular Services Portal or the website of the competent German mission. Confirm the required monthly sum and intended duration before paying a provider.
Step 2: Compare Providers
Compare at least two written fee schedules where practical. Avoid relying only on affiliate rankings or advertisements that do not show total costs.
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
The provider may request a passport copy, visa-purpose information, contact details, and video or document-based identity checks.
Step 4: Transfer the Funds and Fees
Use the exact payment reference supplied by the provider. International transfers can lose value through bank charges or currency conversion, so confirm whether the provider must receive the full euro amount after fees.
Step 5: Obtain the Blocking Confirmation
After the funds clear, the provider should issue a document confirming the account and blocked amount. Review your name, passport details, monthly release amount, and total deposit for mistakes.
Step 6: Submit the Visa Application
Add the official confirmation to the other Opportunity Card documents. A national visa fee may also apply; check the current amount and accepted payment method with the mission.
Step 7: Activate Monthly Payments in Germany
After arrival, complete the provider’s activation steps. These may include proof of entry, a German address, identity verification, or connection to a regular current account for monthly transfers.
What Happens if the Visa Is Refused?
A refusal notice is generally sufficient to start lifting the blocking notice, but the provider’s closure process still applies. The Federal Foreign Office explains that other situations may require consent or a certificate from the German mission or foreigners authority.
Before opening the account, check:
- How to submit a refusal notice
- Whether an original, certified copy, or upload is required
- The refund processing time
- Closure and outgoing-transfer fees
- Which bank account can receive the returned funds
- How exchange-rate changes may affect the amount received
Opportunity Card Work Rules That Affect Your Funds
The Opportunity Card is initially issued for job searching for up to one year. During this period, holders may work part-time for a combined maximum of 20 hours per week. Job trials of up to two weeks per employer are permitted when connected to qualified employment, training, or a recognition measure.
Part-time earnings can help with living costs, but do not budget on the assumption that a job will be found immediately. Housing deposits, transport, insurance, phone service, and initial setup expenses may occur before the first salary.
See our guide to Germany permanent residency for immigrants in 2026 for a broader view of long-term work and settlement pathways.
Common Blocked Account Mistakes
- Transferring an outdated amount without checking the 2026 requirement
- Forgetting provider and international-transfer fees
- Using the wrong payment reference
- Opening an account too late for the visa appointment
- Assuming the entire deposit is available immediately after arrival
- Buying a bundled insurance policy without checking visa suitability
- Ignoring refund and closure procedures
- Using an unofficial agent who cannot prove where the money is held
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Opportunity Card blocked account in 2026?
The official monthly financial requirement is generally €1,091 net. A full 12 months therefore equals €13,092 before provider and transfer fees.
Can I withdraw the full blocked amount after reaching Germany?
No. The account normally releases only the approved monthly amount, helping demonstrate that living expenses are covered throughout the stay.
Can a job contract replace the blocked account?
A qualifying part-time contract can be considered. If net income reaches €1,091 per month, it may satisfy the requirement; a lower salary may be supplemented with blocked funds, subject to approval.
Does the German government recommend a blocked account provider?
No. The Federal Foreign Office states that applicants choose their own provider and should research conditions carefully.
Are provider fees included in the €13,092?
No. The living-expense deposit and commercial provider fees are separate. Bank and foreign-exchange charges may also apply.
Final Application Checklist
- Confirm the required monthly amount and duration
- Compare complete provider fee schedules
- Verify the provider’s certificate is accepted
- Transfer enough to cover the full required euro amount
- Check every detail on the confirmation letter
- Keep copies of all receipts and agreements
- Plan visa health insurance separately
- Understand activation, monthly payout, and refund procedures
Official Sources
- German Federal Foreign Office: Opening and Closing a Blocked Account
- Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card Questions and Answers
- Make it in Germany: Job Search Opportunity Card
Information checked against official German sources in July 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so verify them before transferring funds or applying.