Blocked account in Germany for international students
Studying in Germany is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with certain rules and requirements. To study in Germany, you need a student visa. You usually need a blocked account for this.
This article breaks down the requirements and steps to open a blocked account for Germany. You will also find easy-to-follow instructions to set up your account smoothly.
This is a special type of German bank account. It was made for internationals who would like to study, look for a job, or be an au-pair in Germany.
To apply for a visa, non-EU citizens must open a Blocked Account at a German bank in their home country. If you are from the following countries, you still need to open one for your residence permit in Germany:
USA
Canada
Japan
South Korea
Israel
Australia
New Zealand
Brazil
Andorra
El Salvador
Honduras
Monaco
San Marino
This type of bank account implies that your money will be “blocked” for the duration of your stay in Germany. The blocked amount acts as a guarantee that you can uphold an appropriate standard of living abroad. The German authorities define the blocked amount.
Although the money is yours and in your name, you cannot access the entire amount at once. You receive a monthly allowance into your regular bank account opened at a German bank of your choice.
As soon as you deposit the required amount, the organisation you selected for the account opening will issue a “blocking confirmation”. This is the document that the authorities require you to submit together with your visa or residence permit application. It functions as your financial proof.
Why do you need a Blocked Account in Germany?
Non-EU students must meet both the government and university requirements when applying for a German student visa.
One of these requirements is proof of financial resources that students need to provide to the embassies. This demonstrates that they are capable of financing themselves during their stay in Germany. One of the most common methods is to open a Blocked Account with a German bank.
Please note that the requirements for a Blocked Account opened for a German visa and for a residence permit might differ. So, it’s crucial to recognise these differences beforehand and choose a Blocked Account provider that follows all the rules.
This would help to avoid unnecessary time and monetary costs upon arrival in Germany. Students often need to open a second Blocked Account for the local foreign office to accept it for a residence permit.
Ketu Majumdar, an international student from India, has shared his experience of coming to Germany and getting a student residence permit. Check out his story to be better informed about the process and the requirements one has to face after arrival.
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What should I pay attention to when opening a Blocked Account for Germany?
When opening a Blocked Account for Germany, there are certain points you should pay attention to. This will increase your chances of getting a visa and/or a residence permit:
The required German Blocked Account amount
Starting in the 2022 winter semester, students staying in Germany must have €934.00 per month blocked, totalling €11,208.00 for a year. However, we strongly recommend that you check the required sum on the website of your local embassy or respective authority.
Also, there are certain kinds of visas that require a 10%-increase of the standard monthly blocked amount. This applies to the following types of visas:
Visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications
Visa for language acquisition and visa for the purpose of applying for a course of study or apprenticeship (§§ 16d, 16f (1), 17 AufenthG – German Residence Act)
If you plan to apply for one of the mentioned visas, please make sure to increase the monthly amount by 10%.
Most authorities follow certain administrative regulations or the residence act for the Ministry of the Interior, called “Verwaltungsvorschrift” in German. The document specifies that a Blocked Account for a residence permit application must be opened exclusively at a German bank. This does not include a financial provider without a full banking license.
The service provider you choose should have the status of a German bank. You can check this with the banking regulator BaFin.
What do you need to open a Blocked Account?
With Fintiba, you open your account in less than 10 minutes. You only need:
A valid passport
An internet connection
Open your Blocked Account with Fintiba
To learn more about the Blocked Account, the requirements, and how to open one, click on the button below. The most convenient way to open such an account is to do so digitally – with Fintiba. It is fast, secure, and fully accepted by all German authorities with a 100% guarantee.
NEW! The fastest way to your blocking confirmation, now even faster!
Get your blocking confirmation for your German visa instantly after a single credit card payment. All you need to do is transfer the complete blocked amount sum via Fintiba Transfer!
Article: How to open a Blocked Account for Germany with Fintiba
This blog article covers all you need to know about opening a Fintiba Blocked Account. The article also includes screenshots of the process for you to be able to compare the steps.
Your Blocked Account opening checklist
Below, we have collected popular student opinions about things to consider before opening an account. You can also find the specific qualities that have proven to be important during their stay in Germany:
Check the requirements for a Blocked Account at the local embassy or foreign office. Some of them might accept Blocked Accounts opened at local banks or financial service providers. However, there is a high chance that the authorities will require you to open a Blocked Account at a German bank.
Apply for your Blocked Account in advance. Look for a provider that is fast from the opening process to the payouts set-up. For example, research if you will need a city registration to access your money.
Double-check the security standards guaranteed by a Blocked Account provider. Ensure that your data and documents are processed using a secure platform, such as an app, or through additional security measures.
Be sure to open the account in your own name. This helps ensure that you remain the holder of the funds in the account no matter what.
Go for a provider that offers online services as well as a mobile app. An app is important to receive real-time notifications and constant access to your account.
Helpful tips for an easy Blocked Account opening
The best time to open a Blocked Account for Germany
We recommend that you apply for a Blocked Account as early as possible. The ideal time would be as soon as you receive your university admission or confirmation of your studies in Germany.
Keep in mind that international transfers normally take some time, and there is always a risk of unexpected complications. You don’t want to be late with the documents for your visa appointment and risk a delay of multiple months.
International transfers made simple!
This is a large sum of money you are going to transfer. Many local banks get cautious when you send large amounts abroad, especially to someone else’s account.
Make sure you open your Blocked Account in your own name to avoid any inconvenience. Also, consider transferring your money through a provider specialising in international money transfers. Learn more on our Fintiba Transfer page.
Inform yourself – carefully go through the guidelines.
Learn everything about the process from the beginning and try to fully understand how it works. It is always important to know what is going to happen to your money and how you can access it.
Bring cash to stay secured.
Many unexpected situations could happen when moving to a new country. It might take some time until you get access to the money deposited in your Blocked Account. Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses until then.
What can you later do with your Blocked Account?
Depending on your future situation and plans, you might need to make certain changes to your Blocked Account. There are options for you to close the account if you decide to leave Germany and return to your home country. You could also extend it, should you decide to prolong your stay in Germany.
Do you need a Blocked Account for the second year of your studies in Germany?
As per official requirements, you only need a Blocked Account for the first year of university. Should you need to stay longer for your studies, you must show enough money again to extend your residence permit.
However, this does not have to be a Blocked Account. It could be a scholarship, a working student job, parental support, or a “Verpflichtungserklärung”.
The Foreigners’ Authority may request additional funds for your Blocked Account if they deem your financial proof insufficient.
How to close, extend, and reopen your Blocked Account
Watch our Q&A video to learn more about how you can close, reopen, adapt, or extend your Blocked Account at Fintiba.
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