Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) in Austria

What Is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) in Austria?

A blocked account is a restricted bank account where you deposit a predetermined amount of money before or during your student visaapplication. The account is "blocked" in the sense that you cannot withdraw the entire sum at once. Instead, a fixed monthly amount is released to your regular Austrian bank account, ensuring you have steady funds throughout the year to cover living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. You will also need health insurance as part of your visa requirements.

The concept is similar to the German Sperrkonto but with Austria-specific requirements set by the MA 35 (in Vienna) or the relevant Bezirkshauptmannschaft in other federal states, as outlined on migration.gv.at and the OeAD (Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation). The blocked account serves as a guarantee to the Austrian government that you will not become a burden on the social welfare system.

Who Needs a Blocked Account in Austria?

• Non-EU students

  International students from outside the EU/EEA applying for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende) are the most common group required to show proof of funds via a blocked account.

• Residence permit applicants

  Certain residence permit categories require proof of sufficient financial means. A blocked account is one of the accepted ways to demonstrate this, alongside employment contracts or scholarship letters.

• Au pairs and language students

  Au pairs and individuals on language course visas may also need to demonstrate financial resources through a blocked account, depending on their specific visa requirements.

How Much Money Do You Need for an Austrian Blocked Account?

The required deposit amount depends on your age and is updated periodically. As a general guideline, applicants over 24 years old need to deposit approximately EUR 12,500 to EUR 13,000 for a full year (roughly EUR 1,050 per month). Applicants under 24 may need a slightly lower amount of around EUR 6,200 to EUR 6,600 for six months. Always check the latest figures from MA 35 or your local immigration authority, as these amounts are adjusted annually based on cost-of-living calculations.

How Do You Open a Blocked Account in Austria?

1. 1.Choose a provider that is accepted by Austrian immigration authorities. Not all banks offer blocked accounts, so you need a specialized provider.
2. 2.Register online with the provider and upload your passport, university admission letter (if applicable), and any other required documents.
3. 3.Complete identity verification, usually through a video call or PostIdent process.
4. 4.Transfer the required amount from your home country bank account to the blocked account. International wire transfers typically take 3 to 7 business days. You will also want to open a regular Austrian bank account for the monthly disbursements.
5. 5.Receive your blocked account confirmation letter (Sperrkonto-Bestätigung), which you submit with your visa application.

What Are the Best Blocked Account Providers for Austria?

The following providers specialize in blocked accounts for international students and visa applicants in Austria: