A German Blocked Account is a unique type of bank account for international students (from a non-EU or non-EEA country) in Germany that allows them to deposit the required amount of money to cover their living expenses for a year and acts as proof of financial resources when applying for a student visa in Germany. It is essential for you to be able to demonstrate that you are financially capable of sustaining yourself, at least during your first year of study in Germany. This bank account can be opened from anywhere in the world through online mediums.
How much Amount is Needed in Block Account?
A visa applicant must deposit at least 10,332€ into their German blocked account to demonstrate that they have the financial standing to fund their education for the first year. This money will be held in a bank account until the student arrives in Germany. The student will be entitled to withdraw a maximum of 861€ per month once he or she has arrived in Germany. They will be allowed to withdraw more money than 861€ per month only if they have transferred a surplus of the baseline amount of 10,332€ to their blocked account.
Is It Possible to Study Without Opening a Blocked Account in Germany?
It is feasible to study in Germany without a blocked account, provided you can show that you have sufficient finances by producing one of the following documents:
- A record of your parents’ earnings and financial situation.
- A scholarship certificate from a well-known scholarship organization.
- Letter of Commitment (Verbindungserklärung): A permanent resident of Germany (a relative or friend) can promise that they will support all of your expenses during your time as a student using this certificate.
- A bank guarantee or a financial assurance.
Banks Providing Blocked Accounts in Germany
It’s difficult to choose the best blocked account company in Germany because there are so many. Here are a few of Germany’s most popular blocked account providers:
- Fintiba
- Deutsche Bank
- Expatrio
- Coracle
Although the process to open the clock account from above mentioned banks is more or less the same, we are explaining the process of the first two of the banks indicated above as follows.
Fintiba German Blocked Account
Fintiba is one of the few banks that allows you to create this bank account completely online. The procedure is straightforward and quick. To open the blocked account, all you need is a valid passport. As a result, it is also the most popular among international students.
You must follow these steps to open your Fintiba account:
- On the Fintiba website, register online.
- Fill in your personal information on the application form.
- Transfer the appropriate amount, plus the processing cost.
- You’ll get confirmation that your blocked account has been opened.
- You will receive confirmation and access to your unique online platform once you have completed the steps outlined above.
Fintiba also has a mobile app that gives you access to your account as well as a summary of your financial statement. The confirmation can then be printed and attached to your visa application form. Fintiba typically takes 3-5 business days to open a blocked account.
Deutsche Bank German Blocked Account
The procedure for opening a blocked bank account at Deutsche Bank is not difficult; however, it is not possible to do so online. If you open an account through a German consulate or embassy in your country, the process could take up to two weeks.
The following is the application process and list the documents that must be submitted for the account.
- First, apply for a blocked bank account as soon as you obtain your university or college acceptance letter, as you will need to show the embassy a confirmation letter when you go for your visa interview.
- You’ll need a computer or a laptop to start the application for a Deutsche Bank banned account. Download the application form and fill it out entirely with accurate and truthful information that matches the information in the other documents you must submit with it. Leave the areas where the date, place, and signature are required to be filled out open since they must be completed on the day you certify your documents at the embassy/consulate.
- The entire form should be printed twice. One of the forms must be sent to the German embassy or consulate in your native country, while the other must be kept for future reference.
Gather the relevant documents (mentioned below) and schedule an interview with the German embassy or consulate in your country of residency, which will serve as an attesting authority in this situation via phone or email.
The following documents must be submitted to the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence for attestation:
- Fill out the application form for a Deutsche Blocked Bank Account completely through this link.
- Documentation that shows where your money came from (e.g. bank statements)
- Your valid passport
- Two black and white copies of it your admission letter from the German university where you will carry out your studies
- A prepaid envelope (from a private provider such as FedEx, DHL, or the US to forward the application to Germany) addressed to Deutsche Bank, Privat- und Geschäftskunden AG, Alter Wall 53, 20457 Hamburg, Germany.
You must sign the application form in the presence of a Consular Officer. The following fees will be charged;
- Students: 20€ for signature authentication
- Course on Languages Participants: 20€ for signature authentication
- 10€ for certification of a copy of a passport page
At the German embassy, they will certify your application form, which then you shall send to this address (Deutsche Bank, Privat- und Geschäftskunden AG, Alter Wall 53, 20457 Hamburg, Germany) through the German embassy consulate. You can also apply at a Deutsche Bank branch in your own country instead of going to the embassy if it is an available option in the city of your residence.
What to Expect After Sending the Application Package?
- You will receive an email from your German bank within a few days confirming the opening of your bank account.
- Transfer the needed amount of money once you have received this confirmation (you can transfer more than that if you wish to, but not less).
- A payment of €5.90 will be deducted from your account on a monthly basis in terms of account maintenance fee, depending on your country of residency.
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