Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) in Austria (2026)
Jules de Bruin
Expat in Vienna
Updated: June 7 2026 | Found helpful by 6 others
Updated June 2026. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a restricted account where a lump sum is locked and released in fixed monthly amounts. Austria does not legally require one (unlike Germany); it is just one accepted way to show proof of funds. German providers like Expatrio and Fintiba are Germany-first, so confirm Austrian acceptance with your embassy or MA 35 before paying. For most applicants a normal personal account with 12 months of funds plus source-of-funds evidence works just as well.
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What is a blocked account (Sperrkonto)?
A blocked account (Sperrkonto in German) is a bank account where the full deposited amount is frozen and only released in predetermined fixed monthly instalments. The account holder cannot withdraw the full balance at once. This structure is designed to prove to immigration authorities that an applicant has guaranteed living funds for a specific period, typically 12 months.
The mechanism works as follows: you deposit a lump sum, the bank or provider issues a Bankbestätigung (bank confirmation letter) or a Sperrkonto-Bestätigung confirming the locked balance and the release schedule, and you include this letter with your visa or residence permit application. After you arrive and register, monthly amounts are released to your linked current account automatically.
The concept originated in Germany, where it is a legal requirement for student visa applications. Austria uses the same terminology and accepts the product, but as explained in the next section, it is not the only accepted proof format.
Is a blocked account required in Austria?
No. Austria does not have a statutory requirement for a blocked account. The legal test under the Austrian Settlement and Residence Act (migration.gv.at) is that applicants demonstrate adequate means of subsistence. This is a broader standard than Germany's, and it can be satisfied in several ways: a blocked account, a regular savings account with 12 months of funds, a Haftungserklärung (financial guarantee from a sponsor), a scholarship letter from OeAD, or proof of employment with a sufficient salary.
The key difference from Germany is that in Germany a blocked account is mandatory by law for student visas. In Austria, the embassy or MA 35 decides which documents they accept case by case. Some Austrian embassies are familiar with Expatrio and Fintiba certificates; others prefer a standard bank statement or a guarantee letter. Always confirm with your specific embassy or consulate before paying a provider setup fee.
Important
Do not assume that a product accepted for a German visa will be accepted for an Austrian one. Contact your Austrian embassy or MA 35 Vienna directly and ask which proof-of-funds formats they currently accept. See also: Do I need a blocked account for Austria?
How does a blocked account work (DIY vs provider)?
There are two routes: the DIY approach and the managed provider approach. Each involves depositing the required lump sum into a restricted account and obtaining a confirmation letter for your visa application, but the process, cost, and documentation differ.
DIY (bank-direct)
Open a restricted savings account at an Austrian or European bank. Negotiate the release structure directly with the bank. The bank issues a Bankbestätigung confirming the locked balance and monthly release amount. Lower cost (no provider fee), but requires more paperwork and direct communication with the bank. See the full walkthrough in our guide to set up a blocked account yourself.
Provider (Expatrio / Fintiba / Coracle)
Register online, complete identity verification, deposit funds, and receive a Sperrkonto-Bestätigung within a few days. The provider handles the bank relationship and automates monthly releases. Higher cost due to setup and monthly fees, but faster and simpler. Note that these providers are Germany-first; confirm Austrian acceptance first.
How much does a blocked account cost?
Provider fees vary and are updated frequently. The figures below are approximate as of June 2026; always verify on the provider's website before signing up.
Setup fee approximately EUR 49 to EUR 89, plus optional monthly service packages. Includes identity verification and certificate issuance. Designed primarily for Germany; confirm Austrian embassy acceptance before ordering.
Setup fee approximately EUR 89. Includes the blocked account certificate and online account management. Also primarily Germany-focused.
Coracle
Setup fee approximately EUR 59 to EUR 99. Tiered plans with different service levels. Verify current pricing and Austrian acceptance on their website.
DIY (bank-direct)
No provider fee. Some banks charge a small account maintenance fee. You do the coordination work yourself. Costs depend on the bank.
In addition to provider fees, you need to deposit the actual living funds. For a EUR 1,000 per month release plan, the total deposit is typically EUR 12,000 to EUR 13,000 (12 months plus buffer). These funds are yours; they are released back to you monthly and are not a fee. For international transfers, consider using Wise to reduce conversion and transfer costs compared to a standard bank wire.
Compare blocked account providers
See a side-by-side comparison of Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle, and DIY options including fees, setup time, and Austrian acceptance status.
Compare providers →How do you set one up step by step?
The process takes 2 to 4 weeks from start to confirmation letter. Allow extra time if you are transferring funds internationally via SWIFT. Start early to avoid delays before your visa appointment.
- 1
Determine the required amount
Check the current Austrian subsistence threshold at migration.gv.at or with OeAD. Multiply by 12 months and add a buffer for provider fees if using a service.
- 2
Gather your documents
Prepare your passport, proof of enrolment or visa application reference, and proof of address. Provider requirements vary; check the relevant website for their current document list.
- 3
Open the account or register with a provider
For DIY: open a restricted savings account at a bank (see open a bank account in Austria). For providers: register online with Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle and complete their identity verification.
- 4
Deposit the funds early
Transfer the full lump sum via SWIFT, SEPA, or Wise. Allow at least 5 to 10 business days before your visa appointment. SWIFT transfers from outside the EU can take longer.
- 5
Obtain your confirmation letter
The bank issues a Bankbestätigung; providers issue a Sperrkonto-Bestätigung. Both confirm the balance and the monthly release structure. This letter is the document you submit with your visa application.
- 6
Submit with your visa application
Include the confirmation letter in your document pack for the Austrian embassy or MA 35. Keep a certified copy for your records.
- 7
Access funds after arrival
After registering in Austria (Meldezettel) and your residence permit is activated, notify your provider or bank to begin monthly releases.
- 8
Close the account at the end
Once you no longer need the blocked account, close it and repatriate any remaining balance. Typical closure point is after your first permit renewal when employment income covers subsistence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a blocked account mandatory for an Austrian visa?
No. Austria does not legally require a blocked account. The legal standard is proof of adequate means of subsistence. A normal bank account holding 12 months of funds, backed by source-of-funds evidence, satisfies this in most cases. Confirm the accepted format with your local Austrian embassy or with MA 35 in Vienna before paying any setup fees.
Will a German blocked account (Expatrio or Fintiba) be accepted in Austria?
Possibly, but not guaranteed. Expatrio and Fintiba are designed for German university admissions and German visa requirements. Austrian embassies and MA 35 may accept them, but there is no legal obligation to do so. Contact your specific Austrian embassy or consulate before opening one of these accounts for an Austrian application.
How much money do I need to deposit into a blocked account for Austria?
The required amount depends on the monthly release figure you choose. If you want EUR 1,000 released per month, you deposit roughly EUR 12,000 to EUR 13,000 (12 months plus provider buffer fees). The Austrian subsistence threshold for students is set by regulation; check the current figure at migration.gv.at or with OeAD before calculating.
Can I set up a blocked account on my own without a provider like Expatrio?
Yes. You can open a restricted savings account at an Austrian or European bank, deposit the required lump sum, and instruct the bank to release funds in fixed monthly instalments. The bank then issues a Bankbestätigung (bank confirmation letter) stating the balance and release structure. This DIY route saves the provider fee but requires more coordination with the bank.
How do I access the money after I arrive in Austria?
Once you have registered in Austria (Meldezettel) and your residence permit is activated, you notify your blocked account provider or bank. They verify your documents and then release the agreed monthly amount to your linked current account. With providers like Expatrio or Fintiba this is handled through their online portal. With a DIY setup you contact the bank directly each month or set up a standing instruction.
Sources: migration.gv.at, OeAD, Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle provider websites. Updated: June 2026.