Blocked Account Germany 2025: A Guide for Visa Applicants

Who needs a Blocked Account?

A blocked account is usually required by the non-EU students and few other individuals who are willing to stay for an extended period in Germany. This account serves as proof of sufficient financial resources, demonstrating your ability to cover living expenses during your stay.

Key Considerations:

1. Visa Type:
   The requirement for a blocked account depends on the type of visa you are applying for. It is commonly needed for student visas and jobseeker visas, but other visa types may have different requirements.
2. Alternative Proof of Funds:
   If you can provide alternative financial documentation, such as a scholarship award letter or proof of sponsorship, you may not need a blocked account. This can vary depending on your situation and the visa guidelines.
3. Specific Requirements from the Consulate or Embassy:
   The German consulate or embassy in your home country will outline the exact financial proof needed. These requirements can differ by region and visa type, so it’s important to check their official guidance.

What is the required amount for a Blocked Account?

Can you study without a Blocked Account?

Yes, you can get your visa without a blocked account however, you need to prove that you have sufficient alternative financial sources. This could include:

1. Parent’s income proofs: You can prove that your parents are sponsoring you or will take care of your financial needs in Germany. You need to submit the income statements.
2. Scholarship/Sponsorships: If you have a sponsorship letter from a university in Germany, you may not require a blocked account.
3. Letter of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung): You have a family member or relative in Germany who can commit to cover your expense.
4. Other financial means: You can also submit proof of income from jobs, business, assets or investments, institutions or organizations.

Tip: Personally, I would suggest going with a blocked account as compared to any other means as it is fast and secured. It is accepted by all the German embassies, whereas you need to verify for alternatives with the German embassy of your region.

How does a Blocked Account work?

This includes:

• passport
• university offer/admission letter
• proof of funds and if required a proof of residence/address.

Once done and verified, the provider sets up the account for you (Do check all the details before approving. In some cases you may need to fill out the form where a lot of spelling mistakes can delay the process) and share blocked account details with you.

• Deposit funds

After opening the blocked account, it may take up to 2-3 weeks for the provider to verify and pass on the blocked account details to you. Then you need to deposit the minimum amount i.e. €11,904 for one year. You can transfer it directly from your bank account or from a forex provider. You receive a letter of confirmation from your blocked account provider once they receive the money. This confirmation letter is a very important document as you need to submit it for the visa application.

• Accessing blocked amount in Germany

You can apply for the visa once you have all the necessary documents and once you receive your visa, it’s time for you to explore new horizons in Germany. However, you will be requiring funds for your day-to-day expenses and that is where the blocked account will be useful. After arriving in Germany, you need to register yourself within the city that you will be studying (Anmeldebescheingung). Afterwards, you can open a local bank account in Germany, which will be your destination for your monthly funds from the blocked account.

• Receiving the funds

You need to inform your blocked account provider to activate your account so that you can receive €992 every month for your expenses. Each month a specific amount is transferred from your blocked account to your local bank account and you cannot withdraw more than that amount. This ensures that you have enough funds for one year.

Key Features:

1. You need to open a blocked account before applying for your visa.
2. You can only withdraw a certain amount monthly, ensuring you have enough funds for one year.
3. You may need to deposit funds again if you intend to stay more than a year.
4. If your visa gets rejected, you receive back your money, however this process may take some time and proper documentation.

Tip: I would suggest you carry some cash or a forex card with you additionally when you first travel to Germany because you need to have funds for unforeseen circumstances.

How to choose a good provider for a Blocked Account?

When it comes to choosing a blocked account provider, a lot of things should be compared. As there are several providers, it often comes to convenience, cost and support to decide which provider to select. Certain providers focus on working with clients from outside and provide extra services like health insurance plans or help obtaining a visa, which can make the process of moving easier. Here’s a checklist for you to decide which provider is best for you:

• Research providers

There are 3 main providers namely Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle. However, there are certain banks like Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, etc. who also provide blocked account facilities. While Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle are known for fast services, health insurance bundles and discounts, banks are usually a traditional choice.

• Evaluate process time

Processing time is a very important factor when selecting the right provider because you need to have a letter of confirmation with you before you apply for the visa. Generally it may take up to several days or weeks with Expatrio, Fintiba and Coracle, it may take more time with banks because of paperwork and manual processes.

• Fees and Charges

Blocked Account comes with certain setup charges and monthly maintenance charges. It ranges from €50-€100 for setup charges and up to €10 for maintenance every month. You can always find more information on their respective website for the charges.

• Additional Services

Due to significant competition, some providers offer more than just blocked accounts. For instance, when I opened my blocked account with Expatrio, I got a discounted travel insurance included. Similarly, other providers also provide public or private health insurance with blocked accounts, saving you time and energy in finding a separate provider for your health insurance. They may also provide facilities like student discounts and SIM cards. Always try to find a one-stop solution, and therefore always look for a provider who gives multiple benefits with the blocked account.

• Ease of use and Customer Support

Compare the online vs. offline process. While most of the providers offer online services, there are still certain providers who insist on offline processes. Go through their website and check if they have mobile apps or an easy to navigate portal for account management. Select the provider who has a multilingual support, as certain providers only offer support in German language. Compare online reviews for support channels. Generally, all the providers offer multi support channels like chatbots, Emails, etc., it is always safer to have a look at it before selecting a provider.

How much does opening a blocked account cost?

Generally, it costs up to €50-€100 for setup and €5-€10 for monthly maintenance charges. Coracle offers premium packages such as Prime Uni and Prime Pre, depending on your preferences, which include public or private health insurance, travel insurance, and more. If you decide to open a blocked account with prime membership, setup charges are only €59, but if you decide to open only blocked accounts without opting for prime membership, then the setup charges are €99. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of opening a blocked account for you to make an informed decision.