Germany today is one of the most attractive countries for students who want to study. However, certain requirements need to be fulfilled in to be eligible to move to and study in Germany. You have to apply for a study visa for Germany, for which a blocked account in Germany is a mandatory requirement, unless you have scholarship or confirmation of stipend.

What is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) in Germany?

A blocked bank account is proof you can sustain yourself financially as an international student or job-seeker. Before you move to Germany, you have to deposit €11,208 in a German-registered bank account. This money will be frozen and after you arrive, you can only withdraw €934 every month to use for your day-to-day expenses – which is why it is called a “blocked” account.

The Blocked Account has to be opened at a German bank while you are still in your home country, preparing your documents for your visa application or, perhaps, when you are already in Germany and would like to obtain a residence permit.

Who Needs to Open a Blocked Bank Account?

You need a blocked account for Germany if you are from a country other than an European Union or Schengen Member State, and you are applying for one of the following German visas:

• Student visa
• Job-seeker visa
• Training or apprenticeship visa
• Visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications
• Visa for language acquisition

Countries whose citizens don’t need a blocked account

What Is the Amount Required For a Blocked Account?

From the 2022 winter semester, € 934.00 must be blocked for every month that you are planning to stay in Germany as a student – this would be €11,208.00 for one year. 

For the following visa types, you may be asked to deposit 10% more than the minimum required amount:

• Training or apprenticeship visa
• Language acquisition visa

If you plan to apply for one of the mentioned visas, please make sure to increase the monthly amount by 10%. So, instead of €934/month, you may have to deposit €1,027.4/month, which is €12,328.8 in total.

Also Read: Cost of Education & Living in Germany

Where Can I Open a German Blocked Account?

You have to open a blocked account with a bank that is registered in Germany. The providers listed below have been approved by the German Federal Government:

• Fintiba
• Expatrio
• Studely
• Coracle
• Drop Money
• ICICI Bank
• Kotak Mahindra

Although you can open a bank account directly with a bank, not all the branches of a German bank will offer blocked accounts, which may complicate matters. Some German banks which offer blocked bank accounts include: 

• Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)
• Targobank
• Postbank
• Sparkasse
• HypoVereinsbank
• Volksbank
• Commerzbank

How to Open a Blocked Bank Account?

You must open a blocked account before you apply for your German visa or residence permit, so in most cases, it means you have to be in your home country. The process of opening a blocked account changes depending on which provider you choose, but generally, you have to:

1. Check with the German Embassy or Consulate about how much money exactly you need to transfer.

2. Open a blocked account with the provider of your choice. You will need the following documents:

• The application form. You will have to complete an application with your personal information, either online or on paper, depending on your provider.
• Proof of admission in the German university (if applicable).

3. Wait for the application to process.

4. Transfer the money – Your provider will send you the blocked account’s IBAN and give you the necessary instructions on how you can make the transfer. You can make the transfer through a bank or an international money transfer service/app. This will take approximately 3-5 days.

5. Get the confirmation letter from the bank – Once your transfer is complete, your provider will send you the Confirmation Document for a Blocked Bank Account. This is the document that you need to submit to the German Embassy.

How to Activate Your Blocked Bank Account in Germany?

To activate your blocked bank account, you have to open a current account in Germany – which means, upon arrival in Germany, you need to apply for residence permit, register your address and get the Registration Certificate. You will only have access to your money after you open a current account. The documents you need to submit to activate your blocked bank account are: 

• Proof of having registered your residence in Germany, such as a lease agreement or the certificate of registration from the city hall (Anmeldung)
• Proof of your current account
• Your passport with the entry stamp
• Your German residence permit

Important Tip