Germany is among international students' and professionals' most popular study and work destinations worldwide. However, before you can move to Germany for study or work purposes, there are specific legal requirements that you must fulfil, and one of them is opening a blocked account. 

The Blocked Account is a specialised bank account in Germany designed for international students, job-seekers, and au-pair program participants. It must be opened at a German bank before or during the visa application process. The account requires a specific amount of money to be deposited, guaranteeing that the account holder can sustain living expenses while in Germany. Although the funds belong to the account holder, they cannot access the entire amount simultaneously. Instead, a monthly allowance is transferred to a regular bank account opened at a German bank chosen by the account holder.

This article will discuss a blocked account, its necessity, and how to open one.

What is a Blocked Account?

A blocked account is a type of bank account specifically designed for international students and professionals who wish to study or work in Germany. It is a requirement for individuals applying for a German student, work, or job seeker visa. A blocked account is a savings account in which a specific amount of money is deposited and locked away until the individual arrives in Germany.

Why is a Blocked Account Necessary?

A blocked account is necessary for several reasons. 

• First, it ensures international students and professionals have enough financial resources to support themselves in Germany. This is particularly important because living expenses in Germany can be pretty high, and having a blocked account guarantees that individuals have the necessary funds to cover their expenses.
• German authorities require a blocked account as proof of financial support. When applying for a student visa, work visa, or job seeker visa, individuals must provide evidence that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Germany. A blocked account is an easy and efficient way to do so.
• A blocked account is a legal requirement for international students and professionals who wish to study or work in Germany. Please comply with this requirement to avoid denying a visa application, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Non-EU students applying for a student visa in Germany must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses during their studies. A blocked account is a way to provide proof of financial resources.
• Some universities in Germany charge tuition fees for international students. These fees can be paid through a blocked account.
• International students who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days need a residence permit. A blocked account can help demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses.
• The German government requires international students to have a minimum of €10,332 in their blocked account to cover their living expenses for one year.
• International students are required to have health insurance while studying in Germany. The cost of health insurance can be paid through a blocked account.

How to Open a Blocked Account?

Opening a blocked account is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Choose a Bank

The first step in opening a blocked account is to choose a bank that offers this service. Several banks in Germany offer blocked account services, including Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, and X-patio.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Once you have chosen a bank, you must complete an application form. This form will ask for personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and passport details. You will also need proof of enrollment in a German university or a job offer from a German employer.

Step 3: Deposit Funds

After completing the application form, deposit the required funds into your blocked account. The amount of funds required varies depending on your stay in Germany. For example, if you plan to study in Germany for one year, you must deposit at least €8,640 into your blocked account.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

Once you have deposited the required funds, you will need to wait for confirmation from the bank. This can take several days, so planning and allowing enough time for the confirmation to come through is essential.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation and Visa Application

Once your blocked account has been confirmed, the bank will provide you with a confirmation letter that you can use as proof of financial support when applying for a student, work, or job seeker visa. You can also use this confirmation letter to apply for a visa application appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

Opening a block account in Deutsche Bank

• Visit the Deutsche Bank website and download the application form for a blocked account.
• Fill in the application form with accurate and complete information. You must provide your details, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and address.
• Provide the required documents, including your passport, proof of enrollment at a German university, and proof of financial means. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your country of origin.
• Send the completed application form and documents to Deutsche Bank via post or email, as instructed on their website.
• Wait for Deutsche Bank to review your application and confirm the opening of your blocked account. Once your account is opened, you will receive a confirmation letter with your account details.
• Transfer the required amount of money to your blocked account to activate it. The amount required may vary depending on your situation and the duration of your stay in Germany.
• Once your account is activated, you can request a confirmation of the account opening and balance statement from Deutsche Bank, which you will need for your visa application.

Opening a block account in Expatrio

• Visit the Expatrio website and select the "Blocked Account" option.
• Fill in the required information, including your details, contact information, and the duration of your stay in Germany.
• Choose the type of blocked account you want to open. Expatrio offers two types of blocked accounts: the "Value Package" and the "Plus Package." The Value Package only includes the blocked account, while the Plus includes additional services such as health insurance, liability insurance, and a current account.
• Choose your preferred payment method and pay the required fees. The fees will depend on the package you choose and the duration of your stay in Germany.
• Provide the required documents, including your passport, visa, enrollment certificate from a German university, and proof of financial means.
• Wait for Expatrio to review your application and confirm the opening of your blocked account. Once your account is opened, you will receive a confirmation email with your account details.
• Transfer the required amount of money to your blocked account to activate it. The amount required may vary depending on your situation and the duration of your stay in Germany.
• Once your account is activated, you can request a confirmation of the account opening and balance statement from Expatrio, which you will need for your visa application.