When it comes to Visa for Germany, in maximum cases you might need a Blocked Account, especially for higher education or Opportunity Card Visa. But many people are hesitant to make this blocked account. Because they are doubt about which Blocked Account in Germany is good, what is the price or what kind of facilities are, and so on.
To solve these problems, this blog will focus on them today. If you read the entire blog, we’re confident you’ll find answers to all your questions about the blocked account in Germany. Let’s read the whole blog without delay.
Blocked Account in German: All You Should Know
When discussing the topic as a whole, it’s essential to understand the basic concept of a blocked account. Additionally, many individuals possess such an account along with a bank statement.
Basically, the bank statement is unrelated to the blocked account. When coming to Germany as a student, showing a bank statement is not required; instead, a blocked account is necessary.
What is the Blocked Account Actually?
In Germany, to apply for a visa, you need to open a special account called a blocked account. You have to deposit a specific amount of money (originally in Euros) that will be locked in the account. Obtaining a visa without it is impossible, although there are exceptions. I’ll delve into the details shortly.
Blocked Account in Germany: 4 Options
There are several organizations in Germany who provide blocked account services for students and immigrants. Many people will now ask what are they and what will be the best.
In this paragraph, we will discuss those issues in detail. In Germany, a number of companies opened blocked accounts for immigrants, including students.
The four most popular companies in Germany that offer blocked account opening services are:
Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of the most popular organizations. But before delving into that, let’s examine the features of the institutions listed below.
However, one important point to mention upfront is that the choice of a blocked account in Germany depends on your individual needs. By reading our entire blog, you’ll gain clarity on which organization to select for the blocked account.
Comparison Between Blocked Account in Germany
| Features | Expatrio | Fintiba | Coracle | Deutsche Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-time set-up fees | 49€ | 89€ | 99€ | 150€ |
| Monthly fees | 5€ (only blocking-period) | 4.90€ (once money enters your account) | Free | 6.90€ |
| Required documents | Passport | Passport | Passport | Passport |
| Supported language | English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Urdu, Arabic, Bengali, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Simplified Chinese | English, German, Chinese, Korean | English, German, Chinese, Turkish, Urdu, Spanish, Bangla, Korean, Russian, Portuguese | English, German |
| Approved by the German Government | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Responding time | Less than 24h | 3-5 business days | Less than 24h | No info |
| Account opening time | One day | 10 minutes | One day | No info |
| German IBAN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⛔ |
| Public health insurance (optional) | Yes, with TK | Yes, with DAK | Free choice, any provider | ⛔ |
| Private health insurance (optional) | Yes (Dr. Walter) | Yes (Mawista Student) | Yes (ERV Ergo) | No info |
| Available for Minors | ⛔ | ✅ | ✅ | ⛔ |
| Travel health insurance | Free for up to 92 days for university students (Dr. Walter) | Include in Fintiba Plus for up to 12 months (Mawista) | Include in Coracle Prime for up to 6 months (ERV Ergo) | ⛔ |
| Money-back guarantee if visa rejection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | No info |
| Extension fees | Monthly 5€ plus 49€ one time | Monthly 4.90€ plus 89€ one time | No monthly fees, 60€ one time | No info |
| Mobile apps | ✅ | ✅ | ⛔ | ⛔ |
| Support options | Phone, contact form, social media | Email, phone, social media | Email, phone, contact form, social media | No info |
| Checking Bank Account Possible | ✅ | ⛔ | ⛔ | No info |
| Required documents to activate account while in Germany | ✈ Valid visa document with entry stamp ✈ Proof of German address ✈ German bank details | ✈ Copy/picture of your visa ✈ Your German address ✈ German mobile phone number ✈ German bank details ✈ Depending on your home country, additional documents may ask | ✈ Immigration entry stamp ✈ Proof of German address ✈ German bank details | No info |
| English website | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⛔ |
| TrustPilot Ratings | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.9 | No info |
| Companies 👉👉 | Know Details | Know Details | Know Details | Know Details |
Having reviewed a list of details about the characteristics of each organization, I will now proceed to discuss the pros and cons of the institutions individually. Through this discussion, you can hopefully determine which organization will be most suitable for you.
Expatrio
Expatrio is a relatively new organization that offers blocked accounts. Founded by three German entrepreneurs in Berlin, the capital of Germany, Expatrio caters to students, job candidates, and individuals seeking family reunion visas.
The company offers its services in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it accessible to a diverse range of users. Expatrio‘s service is characterized by its simplicity and modernity, reflected in the beautifully designed interface of their website.
They also distinguish themselves with unique services included in their packages, such as incoming travel insurance for up to 12 days, access to Techniker Krankenkasse for health insurance, and a complimentary ISIC (International Student Identity Card) for one year.
Expatrio’s set-up fee is very cheap, which is only 5 euros at one time. And the monthly fee is only 5 euros. With their value package, 5 euros can be returned through cashback offer. Considering these aspects, it can be considered a very good blockd account company.
Positive aspects of Expatrio:
✅ In just a few minutes the account is opened
✅ Authorized by the German government i.e. the Federal Foreign Office
✅ Blocked accounts by the German IBAN-including one’s own name
✅ Set-up fee is only 1€
✅ Some packages offer cashback, that is, no set-up fees
✅ Service through mobile app
✅ Health insurance, incoming travel-insurance, ISIC-card, etc
✅ Written confirmation of customer service within a day
✅ In case of rejection of visa, guarantee of money in case of rejection
✅ Free Account Checking Facility for Payout while in Germany
✅ Website is in English, Chinese and Korean languages
✅ Details Video Tutorial on how to open an account
✅ Opportunity to receive customer service through email, phone and contact form
The negative aspects of Expatrio:
⛔ There is no opportunity to block more than the annual fee of the government (eg: 1,25 Euro for 2021)
⛔ Blocked accounts cannot be opened for minors
⛔ You have to pay in advance the fee of 5€ is in advance
Fintiba
Fintiba is another popular and reliable organization for opening a blocked account in Germany. Established in Frankfurt, Germany’s commercial center, in the 21st century, the institution employs workers from various countries around the world. Fintiba has already gained significant recognition among foreign students.
Although their one-time set-up fee is slightly higher, Fintiba stands out due to some unique features. One notable feature is their mobile apps, which enable users to access a wide range of services conveniently through their mobile phones.
One advantage of Fintiba is its ability to open blocked accounts for minors. This means that individuals wishing to bring their children to Germany through family reunions can create a blocked account through Fintiba. Additionally, Fintiba has both advantages and disadvantages, which are highlighted below.
Positive aspects of Fintiba:
✅ Authorized by the German government i.e. the Federal Foreign Office
✅ Blocked account with one’s own name including
✅ German IBAN
✅ In less than 5 minutes the account is opened
✅ contains different types of packages
✅ Reply from Customer Service in one day
✅ The facility of obtaining customer service through phones, emails, etc
✅ Service through mobile app
✅ Block accounts are possible for the underprivileged elderly
✅ In any month, it is possible to cancel the account or extend the term
✅ It is possible to open a block account more than the government-fixed
✅ Website is in English, Chinese and Spanish language
✅ Video Tutorial on how to open an account
Fintiba’s negative aspects:
⛔ More than the set-up fee Expatrio, 5€ a year
⛔ As long as the block account is active, the monthly fee should be paid
⛔ Bank account cannot be checked
Coracle
When it comes to opening a blocked account in Germany, Coracle is considered one of the oldest providers. It originated in Germany’s port city, Hamburg. Since then, this establishment has continuously updated its offerings with new packages for the blocked account.
The biggest advantage of Coracle is that they have no monthly fees. In addition, it is possible for minors to open block accounts.
At the same time, Coracle offers the flexibility to open a blocked account with a higher amount than the government-fixed requirement. For instance, if the government requires a blocked account of 12,000€ but you prefer to open one with 4,000€, Coracle facilitates this process seamlessly.
Additionally, Coracle allows for easy cancellation or extension of the account term on a monthly basis. However, it’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of Coracle. Let’s examine them one by one.
Positive aspects of Coracle:
✅ There is no monthly fee
✅ Block accounts are possible for the underprivileged elderly
✅ Authorized the German government i.e. Federal Foreign Office
✅ In case of rejection of visa, guarantee of money in case of rejection
✅ Blocked account with German IBAN one’s own name (applies to citizens of almost all countries)
✅ Customer service facilities in different languages such as English, Spanish and Russian
✅ Account is open within a few hours
✅ contains different types of packages
✅ RESPLY from Customer Service in one day
✅ The benefits of obtaining customer service through phones, email, WhatsApp, etc.
✅ In any month, it is possible to cancel the account or extend the term
✅ It is possible to open a block account more than the government-fixed
✅ In any month, it is possible to cancel the account or extend the term
✅ Block account extending fee is only 1€
The negative aspects of the Coracle:
⛔ Set-up fee is higher than other companies
⛔ Prime Pre Package for language and preparatory students
Some cheap flights to Berlin
Deutsche Bank (Deutsche Bank)
Although Deutsche Bank is a large organization, it does not excel in providing satisfactory service for opening a blocked account. Despite being a multinational company and one of the oldest in Germany, the features of their blocked account service are not very convenient.
Compared to other organizations, Deutsche Bank ranks at the bottom for opening a blocked account. Not only is their set-up fee high, but their monthly charges are also steep. With a set-up fee of 5€, which is considerably higher than others, Deutsche Bank’s offering may not be the most cost-effective option.
Considering these aspects, Deutsche Bank indeed falls at the bottom line. In fact, they lack any noteworthy special features. At least, none that I could find. Nevertheless, I’ll highlight two or three aspects below…
Positive aspects of Deutsche Bank:
✅ Like other organizations it is possible to open blocked accounts with only passports
✅ Authorized by the German government i.e. Federal Foreign Office
✅ Very famous, multinational institution and the oldest
Deutsche Bank’s negative aspects:
⛔ Set-up fee is higher than other companies, 5€ a year
⛔ As long as the block account is active, the monthly fee should be paid
⛔ Does not offer any kind of health insurance package
⛔ There is still a lot of analog method applications
⛔ There is not too much data related to service
How to Come to Germany Without Blocked Account?
Many people often wonder if they can apply for a student visa in Germany without opening a blocked account. The answer to this question is that, typically, a blocked account is a prerequisite for obtaining a student visa in Germany.
However, an exception exists for individuals who receive a full scholarship or those who have a sponsor willing to deposit the required amount in their account. In such cases, a blocked account may not be necessary, provided that sufficient funds are available in the account or provided by the sponsor. However, health insurance coverage is still required.
We have a detailed blog post on this topic. Reading it will provide more information on how to come to Germany without a blocked account.
Blocked Account Germany Amount 2024
The issue of blocked account in Germany is updated every year. The German government determines the figure in line with the cost of living. There was a time when Germany would come with a blocked account of about 4,000€. But that amount is increasing almost every year.
As of 2024, the current required amount for a Blocked Account to apply for a German visa is 11,208€. This amount is blocked in the student’s bank account for one year in Germany. That means the student will get back to their current bank account 934€ per month. That means, you have to block this amount of money in Germany for a year.
What is the process of blocked account? What documents you need?
The blocked account consists of two parts: the German part and the part related to the country of origin. So far, we have primarily discussed the German part. Now, let’s explore the part related to the country of origin. Firstly, you need to inquire whether your bank handles the student file process.
If they do, your responsibility is to provide the documents they require. Below is a list of the documents that the bank typically demands:
The documents typically required by the bank for the part related to the country of origin include:
- Offer letter from the University in Germany
- Language course confirmation, if applicable
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Language proficiency certificates (e.g., IELTS, GRE, GMAT)
- Passport photos
- National identity card
- Copy of passport (as backup, if passport is submitted)
- Photocopies of all documents
- Original copies of all documents
- Any additional academic-related documents, if applicable
Purpose of a Blocked Account in Germany
A blocked account, also referred to as a ‘Sperrkonto‘ in German, acts as a financial safeguard for international students and expatriates. Its main function is to guarantee that individuals living in Germany have enough funds to cover their living costs throughout their residency.
By depositing a predetermined amount of money into a blocked account, individuals show their financial capability and readiness to sustain themselves during their time in the country.
Why is it Needed?
The primary reason for the blocked account requirement is to safeguard that international students can cover their living expenses without the need for public funds. Students are typically required to deposit a specific minimum amount that is meant to cover their living expenses for one year.
Process of Opening a Blocked Account
To open a blocked account in Germany you have to maintain several processes. In this section we will elaborate those one by one. We have divided them into four parts. These are:
- Choosing a Suitable Bank or Provider
- Required Documentation and Application Process
- Depositing Funds and Monthly Allowance
- Accessing Funds and Withdrawal Process
Now, let’s explain them step by step so that you understand the full process of opening a blocked account in Germany.
Choosing a Suitable Bank or Provider
When opening a blocked account in Germany, individuals can choose from various banks and financial service providers. It is crucial to select a reputable institution that offers blocked account services tailored to the needs of international students and expats.
Required Documentation and Application Process
The process of opening a blocked account typically involves providing specific documentation, such as a valid passport, visa documents, and proof of enrollment in a German university or a job offer for expats. The application process may vary depending on the chosen bank or provider, and it is essential to follow their guidelines carefully.
Depositing Funds and Monthly Allowance
Once the blocked account is opened and the initial deposit is made, individuals can access a monthly allowance for their living expenses. It is crucial to manage these funds prudently to ensure that they last throughout the intended duration of stay in Germany.
Accessing Funds and Withdrawal Process
Accessing funds from a blocked account involves following the withdrawal process outlined by the bank or provider. This may include submitting withdrawal requests within the specified timeframes and providing the necessary documentation to support the purpose of the withdrawal.
Some cheap flights to Frankfurt
Final thoughts about Blocked Account in Germany
When it comes to living and studying in Germany as an international student or expat, one of the essential financial aspects to consider is the blocked account requirement.
From the extensive discussion above, you should have a clear understanding of which blocked account is suitable for Germany. Essentially, there isn’t much difference between them. Any of them, whether Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle, has its advantages.
We believe that all the questions and uncertainties regarding the blocked account will be resolved by reading today’s blog. If you find this information helpful, consider bookmarking the post or saving it for future reference.
You can also share it on your Facebook timeline to help others who are planning to go to Germany. Don’t forget to share it with your relatives or friends who may benefit from this information!
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Assalamu Alaikum, how is everyone? I am doing well. I need a job and want to go to Europe. I have work experience in PPF and polishing.