Open a Blocked Account in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

Opening a blocked account in Germany is an essential step for non-EU students aiming to study in one of Europe’s leading educational hubs. This specialised bank account in Germany, known as a Sperrkonto, not only fulfils visa requirements but also ensures you have the financial means to support yourself during your studies. With Germany’s affordable education and world-renowned universities attracting thousands of international students each year, understanding the rules and restrictions associated with blocked accounts is crucial for navigating your financial responsibilities. Read on to discover everything you need to know about opening a blocked account in Germany.

Understanding What is Blocked Account in Germany

A blocked account in Germany, also known as a Sperrkonto (locally) is a special bank account for both: international students (from non-EU countries) and job-seeker visa applicants in Germany. This account ensures you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

To open a blocked account, you must deposit approximately EUR 11,904 for one year. This amount is gradually released to you monthly (around EUR 992.00), typically as a fixed allowance. It’s crucial to adhere to this monthly limit to avoid account freezing. This can be due to reasons like external regulations, internal bank policies or a court decision.

In case you over exceed your usage limit, chances are that your account might get blocked which is known as a frozen account. Another reason for a frozen account can be unpaid debt or the government has detected some suspicious activity through the account.

Who Needs a Blocked Account in Germany?

You need a blocked account in Germany, if you are from a non-EU country and are applying for the following German visas:

• German study visa
• German job-seeker visa
• Aupair visa
• Visa for language acquisition
• Germany opportunity card or Chancenkarte
• German Training visa
• Visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications

Who is Exempted From Having a Blocked Account in Germany?

Now that we are aware of people who must have a blocked account while in Germany. Let us look at which countries do not require blocked account for international students.

The following citizens from the European Union and Schengen states listed below can study or train in Germany without the necessity of having a blocked bank account.

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Germany Blocked Account Requirements

Following are the German blacked account requirements that one will have to submit.

• Your valid passport
• Filled Application form, this will depend on your provider with your personal information filed; either online or offline.
• Give proof of the origin of your money. Your provider might ask for bank statements of how you got your funds.
• Proof of admission to the university (depends on your provider)
• Your Identity proof

A blocked amount can take as long as a month to become active therefore it is advised that students must start as early as possible. 

How to Open a Blocked Account in Germany?

You will have to open a blocked account in Germany before you apply for a German visa, in this case, you will be in your home country. The process of opening a blocked account in Germany differs for each provider. However, here is a general process which you must follow:

Before Entering Germany

1. Check with the German Embassy or Consulate on the amount of money you need to transfer. You should check with the Embassy before transferring any amount. 
2. Visit the provider’s official website to open a blocked account. 
3. Wait for the application process to be completed. 
4. Once the application process is completed, your provider will send you an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) along with the necessary instructions on how to make a transfer.

• You will be able to transfer money through a bank or via an international money transfer app. This whole process alone can take up to 3-5 days.

5. Once your transfer is complete, your provider will send you the confirmation document for the ‘Blocked Bank Account.’ You must keep this document safe you will have to submit it to the German Embassy. 
6. Once all the above steps, you submit all the documents, you must wait for the visa to come. Then you will receive a National D Visa, which lets you gain entry to Germany.

After Entering Germany

1. After you have landed, you will have to apply for a German resident visa at Ausländerbehörde (German agency) within three months of entering Germany.
2. You can activate your blocked account as soon as you obtain the residence permission. Depending on the provider, there are different steps involved in activating your reserved account, but generally speaking, you must either bring a set of documents to the bank in person or upload them to the provider’s website.
3. You will get a monthly transfer from the banned account to your current account once it has been activated. Opening a current account with a German bank is also required; you may use the same bank or a different one.

Note: A blocked amount can take as long as a month to become active therefore it is advised that students must start as early as possible. 

Can I Study in Germany Without a Blocked Account?

Yes, you can study in Germany without a blocked account, but certain conditions must be met. 

1. Invitation Letter from a Sponsor: If you have a friend or relative residing in Germany who can provide financial support, they can issue an Verpflichtungserklärung (declaration of commitment). This document states that they will cover your living expenses during your stay.
2. Scholarships: If you are awarded a scholarship to study in Germany that covers your living expenses, you can use this as proof of financial means instead of a blocked account. Various organisations and universities offer scholarships specifically for international students.
3. Employment: If you have a job offer or are enrolled in an internship program that provides sufficient income to support yourself, this can also serve as proof of financial stability.
4. Education Programs: Some Ausbildung (vocational training) programs do not require a blocked account, as they often provide a stipend to cover living costs.

German Block Account Alternatives

If you’re considering studying in Germany but want to explore alternatives to the traditional blocked account, there are several options available. Here are the main alternatives:

1. Letter of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung):

A German resident (friend or family member) can provide a formal letter committing to cover your living expenses during your studies. This document serves as proof of financial support and can be submitted with your German visa application.

2. Proof of Parental Income:

You can submit documents that demonstrate your parents’ financial capability to support you. This may include bank statements or income certificates that show they can cover your living costs while you study in Germany.

3. Scholarships:

If you receive a scholarship from a recognized institution, you can use this as proof of financial resources. A scholarship certificate will confirm that your educational expenses are covered, alleviating the need for a blocked account.

4. Bank Guarantee:

A bank guarantee can also serve as an alternative, where a bank confirms that it will cover your financial needs during your stay in Germany. This option may require specific terms and conditions from the issuing bank.

5. Employment Contracts:

If you have a job offer or an internship that provides sufficient income to support yourself, this can be presented as evidence of financial stability, thus negating the need for a blocked account.

How Much Does it Cost to Open a Blocked Account in Germany?

Opening a blocked account in Germany typically involves several costs, primarily related to setup and maintenance fees. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you can expect:

1. Initial Setup Fee: The setup fee for a blocked account generally ranges from EUR 59 to EUR 150 depending on the provider. 

For Example:

Following is the fee that agencies handling blocked account In Germany charge:

• Expatrio: EUR 69 (refundable)
• Fintiba: EUR 89
• Coracle: EUR 59–EUR 99 (plus EUR 80 buffer deposit, refundable)

2. Monthly Maintenance Fee: After opening the account, there may be a monthly maintenance fee, which usually falls between EUR 4.90 and EUR 5. This fee varies by provider.

3. Total Estimated Costs: Considering both the setup and monthly fees, the total cost for the first year can range from approximately EUR 100 to EUR 200, not including the required deposit of EUR 11,904, which is necessary to demonstrate financial means for your stay.

Minimum Amount for Blocked Account in Germany

The minimum amount required to open a blocked account in Germany as of 2024 is EUR 11,904. This amount is intended to cover living expenses for one year, allowing for monthly withdrawals of EUR 992. This requirement is set to ensure that international students have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies in Germany and is based on the estimated living costs defined by the BAföG rate, Germany’s financial aid program for students.

Where Can I Open a Blocked Account in Germany?

You can open a blocked account in Germany through several providers, each offering different features, fees, and services. Here are some of the most popular options:

Blocked Account Providers in Germany
	Fintiba	Expatrio	Coracle
Setup Fee	EUR 89	EUR 69 (refundable)	EUR 59 to EUR 99 (plus an additional EUR 80 refundable buffer deposit)
Monthly Maintenance	EUR 4.90	EUR 5	None
Features	Fully digital process, linked with Sutor Bank, offers additional services like health insurance.	Quick online setup, money-back guarantee if the visa is rejected, includes a free German bank account.	Economical option with no monthly fees, money-back guarantee for visa rejection.

Note: As of July 2022, Deutsche Bank no longer offers blocked accounts for international students. It’s recommended to use one of the other providers listed above for easier access and services.

Opening a Blocked Account in Germany Without University Acceptance

Opening a blocked account in Germany without a university acceptance letter can be challenging, as most providers require proof of admission to process the account. However, here are some ways through which you achieve this:

1. Alternative Documents: Some banks or providers may allow you to open a blocked account with a conditional admission letter or proof of application to a university. This can sometimes suffice, but it varies by provider.
2. Using Third-Party Providers: Providers like Fintiba and Expatrio may have more flexible requirements compared to traditional banks. They often facilitate the process online and might offer options for students who are in the application process but have not yet received formal acceptance.

3. Proof of You Financial Means: If you can provide strong evidence of financial stability (such as bank statements showing sufficient funds), some providers may consider this alongside your application, even without a university acceptance letter.

4. Consulting with the German Embassy or Consulate: Before making any decision, it is advisable to consult with the German embassy or consulate in your home country for specific guidance on your situation.

5. Consideration of Other Visa Types: If you are considering other types of visas (like job-seeking visas), different requirements may apply, and you might not need a blocked account at all.

How Do I Activate My Blocked Bank Account?

To activate your blocked bank account in Germany, follow these steps based on the provider you used. Here’s a general guide for international students who want to open a blocked account in Germany:

1. Visit the online portal: Most providers like Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle require you to access their online customer portal to start the activation process.

2. Provide Required Information: You will need to enter your local German bank account details (IBAN) where you want your monthly allowance deposited. If you haven’t opened a local account yet, you may need to do so first.

3. Submit Necessary Documents:  A copy of your passport, Proof of arrival in Germany (immigration entry stamp), Registration confirmation (Anmeldebescheinigung) from your local municipality, Any additional documents specified by your provider.

4. Depending on the provider, you may need to fill out further forms or provide additional information as part of the activation process.

5. Once activated, you will receive confirmation that your blocked account is active, and you can start accessing your monthly withdrawals.

How to Withdraw Money from Blocked Account in Germany?

Withdrawing money from a blocked account in Germany involves a specific process, as these accounts are designed to limit access to funds. Here’s how you can withdraw money from your blocked account:

1. Understand your Withdrawal Limit: You can only withdraw a maximum of EUR 992 per month from your blocked account, which totals EUR 11,904 for the entire year. This amount is intended to cover your living expenses during your studies in Germany.

2. Transfer to a Regular Bank Account: Withdrawals from a blocked account must typically be transferred to a regular bank account that you have opened in Germany. Make sure you have set up this account beforehand.

3. Monthly Withdrawal Process: At the beginning of each month, you will need to initiate a transfer of the allowed amount (EUR 992) from your blocked account to your regular bank account. This can usually be done through the online banking platform provided by your blocked account provider.

4. Using Provider’s Online Portal: Log into the online portal of your blocked account provider (e.g., Fintiba, Expatrio). There, you can request the monthly transfer. You will have to confirm your identity or provide additional information.

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