Blocked Account for Studying in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

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If you dream of creating a career path for yourself in Germany, there are many hurdles you will have to overcome while making your initial application. One of the necessary steps for securing your German Visa is creating a German Blocked Account.

Without a blocked account, your Visa procedures will be stuck on hold—that’s not something we want, is it? You might have a thousand questions about your German Blocked account. This blog is crafted to answer all your questions so that you can be better prepared to make your bid for your life in Germany. 

Let’s look closer at the German Blocked Account, its challenges and related procedures.

What is a Blocked Account in Germany?

A blocked account is a bank account. International students who aim to study in Germany will be required to transfer a minimum fixed amount of euros in order to prove that they will be able to support themselves while studying in Germany. 

This applies for the entire first year they pursue their studies in Germany. As per the latest intake and economic conditions, an international student is required to transfer 11,904 EUR in the first year of their studies in Germany.

Why Do You Need a Blocked Account to Studying in Germany?

A Blocked account is a necessary precaution taken by the German government. Students are required to support themselves while they are studying within the country. 

A blocked account essentially provides proof that the student has the means to provide for themselves while studying in Germany. The account is blocked, and a limitation is placed on the amount that a student can withdraw while in Germany. 

The monthly usage of the blocked account is restricted in order to encourage responsible spending. The student is required to utilize the monthly withdrawal to cover travel expenses, accommodation, and other basic living expenses. 

How Much Money Do You Need for a Blocked Account?

The German blocked account amount changes constantly. The rate is determined by considering the present economic situation. This is because prices of basic amenities and goods are continually fluctuating.

To support themselves, students must be able to afford the goods, services and amenities in Germany. The German blocked account amount is updated to assist students in living sustainably within the country during their studies. 

Currently, the minimum amount to be transferred to the German-blocked account is EUR 11904. Monthly withdrawal from the account is capped at 992 EUR.

Here is a table that depicts the trends in adjustments to the minimum blocked account amount needed in Germany:

Updation in fees Structure for 2025-2026

How to Create a Blocked Account for Germany

Opening a German-blocked account is a compulsory prerequisite to studying in the country. If you hope to study in Germany, it is in your best interest to be proactive in opening a German-blocked account along with your other study-abroad procedures.

Note: Not all banks in India and Germany support the creation of a blocked account. Therefore, you should be extremely careful when choosing your service provider.

Step-by-Step: Opening Blocked Account in Germany

1. Determine the amount to be transferred.

Check with the German Embassy to ensure the amount you transfer appropriately covers your requirements. In some cases, the amount can vary from Germany’s recommended minimum blocked account amount.

 2. Open the Blocked Account with your preferred provider.

You can use an intermediary like ICICI to open an online account. You can also submit a paper application, likely by mail, through the German Embassy.

3. Wait 

Wait for the application to be processed.

4. Transfer the money.

Once the wait is over, you will receive an IBAN with blocked account money transfer instructions. You can transfer the amount via a bank or an international money transfer service. The transfer will take between 3 to 5 days to go through.

5. Bank Confirmation Letter

You will receive a Confirmation Document for a blocked bank account in Germany once your transfer is complete. This document should be submitted to the German Embassy.

6. Visa Confirmation

Once you submit the Confirmation Document and other documents, you must wait for your Visa to be processed.

Documents Needed to Apply for Blocked Account in Germany

1. Application Form
2. Valid passport
3. A bank statement that confirms you have the funds required to open a blocked account in Germany
4. University admission letter
5. A prepaid fee.

How to use a  Blocked Account

Process after arrival in Germany

Once you arrive in Germany, you have to undergo the following procedure:

      1. Step 1: Apply for a German residence permit

You have 3 months after entering Germany to apply for a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.

      2. Step 2: Activating the blocked bank account in Germany

Once you have secured your residence permit, you can activate your German-blocked bank account. The process will be listed below.

     3. Step 3: Set up a German current account to receive money

Open a current account in Germany that can receive the monthly blocked amount. You can create the current account with the same bank as your blocked bank account, or you can opt for another bank for your current account.

Activating your blocked bank account in Germany

To activate your blocked account in Germany, you will need to open a current account in Germany, as mentioned above. You must register your address and obtain a Registration Certificate before activating your blocked account.

The documents you need to submit to activate your blocked bank account in Germany are as follows:

1. Proof of residential address registration in Germany (could be a lease agreement or registration certificate from the Anmeldung
2. Proof of current account
3. Passport with the entry stamp
4. Your German residence permit (not all banks may ask for it)

This is everything you need to know about opening a blocked bank account in Germany. You can now confidently start your application to study abroad in Germany.

Still confused? Don’t worry! Here at ZEIQ Consultants, we have an amazing track record of sending students to study abroad in Germany. We help candidates with everything from German language training to visa application procedures, transportation, pre- and post-arrival assistance, and more.

Can I Combine the Blocked Account With a Health Insurance Policy?

Yes, your blocked account can be combined with a Health Insurance Policy. There are providers of blocked accounts who provide a health insurance policy as a side benefit.

• Expatrio: Travel insurance along with student health insurance with TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) or private insurance (DR-Walter).
• Fintiba: Travel insurance and student health insurance with DAK-Gesundheit or private insurance (MAWISTA).
• Coracle: Travel insurance and your choice of public student health insurance (Techniker Krankenkasse, Barmer Krankenkasse or IKK Gesund Plus Krankenkasse) or private insurance.
• Drop Money: Public health insurance with Barmer Krankenkasse or Techniker Krankenkasse.

Who Needs to Open a Blocked Bank Account?

Those who are residents from a non-European Union country or a Schengen member state. Also, those who are applying for the following visas must open a German blocked account

• Student visa
• Job-seeker visa
• Training or apprenticeship visa
• Aupair visa
• Visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications
• Visa for language acquisition
• Germany Opportunity Card – Chancenkarte

Do I Need a Blocked Account for the Second Year of Studies?

It is mandatory to have a blocked account in the first year of your studies. But should it get extended as it usually can be the case with programs that last more than a year, you may need a blocked account.

In this event, you will have to show your financial records to show that you can meet all your financial requirements once you extend your residence permit.

Any proof of finance will do, as it usually depends on the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office). The immigration officers will be satisfied with proof of your block account being extended, but if that is not been done, your back accounts with sufficient balance will do.

Either way, you will have to show that you are financially secure to meet all your expenses while living in Germany.

Studying In Germany Without a Blocked Account

It is possible to study in Germany without a blocked account, but for that, you will have to fulfil some of the requirements listed below:

• You should be a resident of the EU nations or that of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland.
• A scholarship for an established educational institution in Germany.
• Confirmation of government funding or approval of student loans in Germany.
• Proof of sponsorship from a friend or relative living in Germany. Your sponsor has to make a formal request at the Ausländerbehörde to sponsor you.

Is the €992 per Month Enough to Live In Germany?

Usually €992 per month is enough in Germany as it can cover basic day-to-day expenses for a student, such as food, accommodation, and transport.

However, it will also depend on the kind of lifestyle that you follow and where in Germany you live in. Some cities are less expensive to live in as compared to others.

Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in major cities in Germany

How Do I Extend a Blocked Bank Account?

Your blocked account can be extended by contacting your provider. In case your account is with Postbank or Sparkasse, you can submit an online form. If it was opened through intermediaries like Coracle, or Expatrio, then you can extend it online.

A fee must be paid, which is usually less than the initial start-up fee. Ensure that you receive confirmation of your account being reactivated.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to take the first step, contact our consultants or visit our website or branches to learn more. Register today with ZEIQ Consultants and start your journey towards German-based education.
Give us a call at +91 9633 621 212 or email us at info@zeiq.co.in to schedule a consultation with one of our expert advisors.