How do I open and fund a blocked account for Germany's Opportunity Card from Nigeria or Ghana?
Short answer
Pay in at least EUR 1,091 for each month; the German Embassy Accra's FAQ puts it at EUR 13,092.00 for 12 months. You choose the blocked account (Sperrkonto) provider yourself. The Federal Foreign Office recommends none, and you pay the bank fees on top. Accra and the German Missions in Nigeria both say to open it in good time before you apply. 1345
On this page
Which bank should you use?
Any bank or similar provider that offers a blocked account (Sperrkonto). The Federal Foreign Office says you are free to choose where to open it, and recommends you choose carefully after detailed research.
Neither the Federal Foreign Office nor Make it in Germany names providers. The Foreign Office makes no recommendations and deleted the provider list it kept until the middle of 2022. Make it in Germany says it can't recommend banks for blocked accounts, for competition law reasons.
Instead, Make it in Germany points you to the competent German mission abroad for country-specific rules on banks and blocked accounts.
You pay the provider's banking fees on top of the money that is blocked.
Applicants report that some providers ask where the money came from and have declined some applicants, so open the account early enough to switch if needed.
When should you open it and how much do you pay in?
Both missions say to open the blocked account in good time BEFORE you apply for the visa. The German Embassy Accra says it on its Opportunity Card page, and the German Missions in Nigeria on their financial means page.
Pay in at least EUR 1,091 for each month. For 12 months, the Accra national visa FAQ says the account should contain EUR 13,092.00. Our article on proof of funds covers the other ways to prove funds.
At Lagos, applicants report waiting many months on the list. They say they funded the account once the consulate asked for proof of funds, and had about 30 days to do it.
Some say they were refused because the account was not funded by interview day, or was funded a few days late. These are applicants' reports, not an official rule.
One applicant at another mission says her bank transfer took 5 business days, so allow time, and ask the mission at which step it expects the confirmation.
What must the bank confirmation show?
Accra and the Nigeria missions accept only the bank's official confirmation that the account was opened. It must state the amount paid in and the amount available each month.
A confirmation without those two details is not sufficient. Neither is proof of lodgement or transfer of funds without the bank's confirmation.
Applicants report bringing the original bank confirmation and a copy to the appointment.
How does the block work?
When you open the account, you name an account beneficiary. Before your visa is granted or used, that's the German mission where you applied; after you arrive, it's the competent foreigners authority. The beneficiary cannot withdraw your money.
Only a certain amount can be taken out each month. The Federal Foreign Office says this makes sure the minimum for each month is available. It also means that money meant for a whole year, for example, cannot be taken out right at the start of your stay.
The Foreign Office says the blocked account is usually opened for a year, unless your planned stay is shorter.
Sources for this part1
How is the block lifted if your visa is refused?
The Federal Foreign Office says the rejection notice "is sufficient" to lift the block. The German Missions in Nigeria's release page says the rejection letter "is usually sufficient" for the bank to release your account.
That Nigeria page says that if you cancelled your application, or withdrew due to incomplete documentation, and did not receive a formal rejection letter, you book an appointment for a consular declaration. The same applies if your rejection letter is not accepted.
The consular declaration costs EUR 36, payable in naira. The mission says it cannot contact the bank for you.
Reading the answer is the easy part. Say it out loud.
The officer will ask about this. Answer in your own words, then read what your answer missed. Your first practice interview is free.
Practise saying it out loudPeople also ask
Can I fund the blocked account for 6 months instead of 12?
Make it in Germany says the card is issued for 12 months, and if you cannot prove you can cover living costs for the full 12 months, it may be issued for a shorter period. The German Embassy Accra's FAQ says the blocked account should contain EUR 13,092.00 for 12 months. Applicants at Lagos report being asked to top up a 6-month account to the full amount, while one applicant at another mission says 6 months was accepted. These reports are older and mixed, so ask the mission before funding less than 12 months. 2478
Is proof of lodgement or transfer of funds enough to show I paid in?
No. Accra and the Nigeria missions say proof of lodgement or transfer of funds without the bank's official confirmation is not sufficient. 35
Can the embassy take money from my blocked account?
No. The Federal Foreign Office says the account beneficiary, which is the mission before your visa is used, cannot withdraw your money. 1
How do I get my blocked account released if my visa is refused?
The Federal Foreign Office says the rejection notice "is sufficient" to lift the block. The German Missions in Nigeria say the rejection letter "is usually sufficient" for the bank to release your account. If it is not accepted, or you have no formal rejection letter, you book an appointment for a consular declaration, which costs EUR 36. 16
Sources
- 1Opening and closing a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto)OfficialAuswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 2Questions and Answers Regarding the Opportunity CardOfficialMake it in Germany (Federal Government portal) · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 3Opportunity CardOfficialGerman Embassy Accra · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 4FAQs on national visa and their answersOfficialGerman Embassy Accra · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 5Proof of financial meansOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 6Release of a blocked accountOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 2 Nov 2026
- 7Applicant reportsApplicant reportsApplicant reports gathered by VisaRoom · checked 3 Nov 2026
- 8Applicant at the German Embassy Nairobi (first-hand video)Applicant reportsApplicant reports gathered by VisaRoom · checked 3 Nov 2026
Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.
General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.