Blocked account for German Student Visa Application- What Is It?

A blocked account is one of the core requirements needed to apply for a Student visa. In our previous post, we discussed one of the main requirements for securing a German student visa – A blocked German bank account. This post will explain this in detail and how you can get one of these accounts for yourself.

Need to know What A Blocked Account Is? No Problem

A blocked bank account is one of the main requirements needed by the German embassy before a student visa application is approved; it serves as a sign of financial security on the part of the visa applicant as it shows that the applicant would be financially independent during their stay in the country.

A total of EUR 11,208 will be deposited into a blocked German bank account before the visa applicant arrives in Germany. On arrival into the country, the student is entitled to withdraw a maximum of EUR 934 monthly to help cover their day-to-day expenses.

Students from the European Union and Schengen states are not required to have this account during their visa application process.

What Is The Amount Required To Be Deposited In The Blocked Account?

The minimum amount to be deposited in the bank account usually depends on the type of visa a person is applying for. If a person is applying for a Standard Student Visa, they would be required to deposit EUR 11,208 into the account. A person with an Apprenticeship visa/Language Acquisition visa would be expected to deposit EUR 12,328.8.

German Banks Where You Can Open A Blocked Account

1. Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)
2.  Targobank
3.  Postbank
4.  Sparkasse
5.  HypoVereinsbank
6.  Volksbank
7.  Commerzbank
8.  ICICI Bank

Private companies like Drop Money, Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle, and Studely can also act as intermediaries between the visa applicant and the bank. Although these companies would charge an extra processing fee, they are still a good substitute for a traditional German bank, especially if the visa applicant is outside Germany while applying.

See Procedures For Opening A Block Blank Account

If you have the required amount ready, follow the following steps below to open your account:

1. Go to a German Embassy and make the necessary requirements: Although, as of November 2023, the minimum amount to be transferred is still EUR 11,208, it is still advisable to check in with any embassy near you in case there’s been a change in price.
2.  Open the blocked account with any provider of your choice: If you plan to open this account online, the best option would be to use an Intermediary bank; Drop Money, Fintiba, and Expatrio are a few options you can consider. If you’re already in Germany at the time of application, you can open an account with any traditional bank you choose.
3.  Wait for the application to be processed; once the application is successful, you can transfer the money into the newly created account.
4.  Once the money has been received, you will receive a confirmation letter from the bank.

Once your account has been created, you have to wait for your visa application to be approved. When your visa application has been approved and you get to Germany, you must apply for a residence permit. Once the residence permit has been issued, you can activate your blocked account, granting you access to your funds.