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Blocked account for Pakistani students
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is one common way to prove funds for a German student visa; the embassy's finance page also lists a deed of obligation and official scholarships. Below is what the German Embassy Islamabad and the Federal Foreign Office say. Checked 2026-10-22.
How much
- Amount for visa applications from 1 January 2025
From 1 January 2025 the presumed annual requirement that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a visa will increase to 992,00 Euros monthly or 11.904,00 Euros yearly. This increased amount applies to all visa applications submitted from 1 January 2025.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Sometimes two years
The Embassy and Consulate General reserve the right to request a blocked amount for up to two years in particular cases.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Other ways to prove funds (scholarship)
Please note that a scholarship awarded by a Pakistani University is not sufficient, only a scholarship awarded by HEC can be accepted.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Old figure in the older embassy checklist PDF (dated 10/2023)
blocked account (11,208 EUR for one year)
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/resource/blob/2208710/4a44b499964d27c04ecb6e5770fdb824/study-visa---leaflet-data.pdf · checked 2026-10-22- Date printed on that PDF
Stand 10/2023
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/resource/blob/2208710/4a44b499964d27c04ecb6e5770fdb824/study-visa---leaflet-data.pdf · checked 2026-10-22
Choosing a provider
- Which provider? Your choice
You have free choice of Provider. However, please ensure that the provider offers a login code for authorities which allows us to verify the blocked account or provides a contact in order to do so.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Official provider list: deleted
The list of providers offering blocked accounts available up until the middle of 2022 has now been deleted.
Source: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600 · checked 2026-10-22- No recommendation
The Federal Foreign Office does not make any recommendations and does not accept any liability for failed payment on the part of providers.
Source: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600 · checked 2026-10-22- Not stated officially
- Neither the German Embassy Islamabad nor the Federal Foreign Office names any blocked-account provider on the pages we checked, so StudyGate does not list providers either.
- Bank fees come on top
In addition to the amount blocked in the account, you have to pay the requisite banking fees.
Source: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600 · checked 2026-10-22
Opening and using it from Pakistan
- Signature attestation in Pakistan
Your signature on the documents to open a blocked account has to be attested by the Embassy in Islamabad, the Consulate General in Karachi or the Honorary Consul in Lahore.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Attestation fee
The fee to be paid directly at the Embassy is 25,- € (about 5400 PKR), but may change due to exchange rate.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Separate visa appointment
Please note that you have to book the online appointment for submission of your visa application seperately.
Source: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/-/1995528 · checked 2026-10-22- Monthly withdrawal limit
Only a certain amount can be withdrawn every month from the blocked account.
Source: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600 · checked 2026-10-22- If the visa is refused
If your visa application was rejected, the rejection notice is sufficient to lift the blocking notice.
Source: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600 · checked 2026-10-22
Work out your amount in PKR with the blocked account calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much money must be in a German blocked account in 2026?
€992 per month or €11,904 per year for visa applications submitted from 1 January 2025, according to the German Embassy Islamabad.
Why does my checklist say €11,208?
That figure is in the embassy's older student visa checklist PDF dated 10/2023. The embassy's finance page now states €11,904 per year.
Which blocked account provider should I use?
The embassy says you have free choice of provider, as long as it offers a login code or contact for authorities. The Federal Foreign Office deleted its provider list and makes no recommendations.
Do I need to visit the embassy for a blocked account?
Your signature on the account-opening documents must be attested by the Embassy in Islamabad, the Consulate General in Karachi or the Honorary Consul in Lahore. The embassy states a fee of €25 (about 5400 PKR).
Can a scholarship replace the blocked account?
An official scholarship is another accepted proof, but the embassy says a scholarship from a Pakistani university is not sufficient; only an HEC scholarship can be accepted.