| Updated On - Jul 5, 2024
Highlights
- What is Blocked Account?: It is a funded account that provides financial proof to the German embassy or consulate that you have enough funds to sponsor your studies in Germany for visa application.
- Amount Required: The minimum amount required for the German Blocked account 2024 is 11,208 EUR. You are allowed to withdraw only 934 EUR per month for your expenses.
- Time Taken to Open an Account: It can take 2 weeks to a month to activate a blocked account in Germany for Indian students.
- Banks for Indian Students: Kotak Mahindra and ICICI Bank are used by Indian students to transfer their funds to the German-registered bank account for their student visa application.
- Documents needed: You need the signed visa application form, an offer letter from a university, a valid passport, and a bank statement.
A German Blocked Account, also known as a Sperrkonto, is a bank account that is funded to show that the applicant is financially settled for coming to Germany as a student. It is considered a standard proof of your financial resources during your initial years of study and is accepted by all German embassies and consulates. Before coming to Germany, you need to deposit 11,208 EUR in a German-registered bank account. This money is then blocked and you are only allowed to withdraw 934 EUR per month for personal needs.
Why is Blocked Account Required?
Indian students need a German Blocked account as it is only through this process that you can prove your financial sufficiency for a German student visa application.
- The blocked account is proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and your studies in Germany.
- The funds in the blocked account are released to you in monthly instalments to ensure you have a predictable income to manage your living costs throughout the year.
Blocked Account assures German immigration authorities that you have the financial means to support yourself in the country without needing public assistance.
Check Out: Top German universities 2024-25
Blocked Account Germany Amount in 2024
The amount needed to deposit for the German blocked account is 11,208 EUR for 2024.
- You are only allowed to withdraw 934 EUR for your monthly expenses.
- 11,208 EUR is the required minimum amount, but you can deposit any amount more than that.
However, most providers do not ask for extra charges, except what is needed to cover the international money transfer and the maintenance fees.
Benefits of a German-Blocked Account
A German Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement while applying for studying in Germany as -
- Smoothen the Visa Application Process: To have a blocked account with your documents along with the amount needed for the student visa, makes it much easier to be granted a visa to study in Germany. It establishes financial capability and proves compliance with requirements of the credit.
- Helps you Plan Expenses: Knowing that a definite cash amount for your expenditure in Germany is available, reduces the level of worrying and enables the individual to concentrate on his or her studies.
The limit of withdrawing 934 Euros per month helps Indian students have controlled budgetary measures and develop money-handling skills.
How to Open a German-Blocked Account?
It is very easy to open a German-blocked account that does not allow direct spending. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Indian students use Kotak Mahindra Bank or ICICI Bank in India to transfer the funds to a German-registered bank or the nearest bank.
- You need the completed and signed application form, a passport, an offer letter, a bank statement stating the blocked amount for Germany, and a prepaid fee.
- Unblocking an account may take up to a month, specifically when the period of the query corresponds to the time of high admission rates.
- As soon as the representative has reviewed your application and has granted approval for payment into the blocked account, he/she will give further details on how to make such a deposit.
- Once your transfer is done, you will get the Confirmation Document for a Blocked Bank Account.
Read more: Germany Student study visa
Facts of a blocked account in Germany
Though you can start the process online and have your account blocked to study in Germany, you can also open a Blocked Account with any bank in Germany once you arrive.
- German banks will freeze the accounts of Indian students with Kotak Mahindra Bank or ICICI Bank until they get to Germany.
- The balance wired to blocked accounts in India won't remain frozen indefinitely; Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank will transfer the amount to a university branch or the nearest branch in Germany.
After your account is blocked in Germany, you can withdraw a fixed amount for monthly expenses.
The German Blocked Account system seems a complicated requirement but it is very important since it makes sure that you have all the funds required to cover your financial needs while studying in Germany. It will be important to understand the requirements here, select an appropriate bank, and start the process right on time to avoid cases associated with a lot of hassles when moving into an academic journey.
| Courses to study in Germany | |
|---|---|
| Btech in Germany | MS in Germany |
| MIM in Germany | MBBS in Germany |
| PhD in Germany | Diploma in Germany |
FAQs
Ques. What are the documents I am required to provide for opening a blocked account?
Ans. The mandatory documents often include the application form, passport, university admission letter, bank statement that should be of the required amount, and a prepaid fee. Other documents may be needed depending on the bank you are dealing with and the country you come from.
Ques. How long does it take to open a blocked account?
Ans. Requesting the activation of the account and the later transfer of funds (in case the account is opened from somewhere other than India) may take about 2 weeks. Especially during the admission peak times, the time frame under question could take up to a month.
Ques. Where can I open a blocked account?
Ans. It is now possible to open a blocked account in:
- Germany: You can open a blocked account at any of the Germany-based banks once you get to the country.
- India: Indian students also get the added advantage of having a blocked amount in Kotak Mahindra Bank or ICICI Bank in India.
It is recommended to open your blocked account in India as it helps you to ensure a smoother visa process.
Ques. Can I Study in Germany without a German Blocked Account?
Ans. While a blocked account is the most common way to demonstrate financial resources for a German student visa, there are a few alternative options:
- You have won a scholarship from an established educational institution in Germany.
- Confirmation you will receive government funding or have an approved student loan 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.
Ques. What if I do not use all the money in the blocked account after one year of investing in Germany?
Ans. Germany does not allow the charging of any interest on the balance that may still be in the blocked account after one year. Here's what you can do:
- You can maintain the remaining balance in the blocked account which might be useful for planning on requiring a larger amount of money for emergencies.
- After the first withdrawal, you are permitted to ask for the remaining amount after you have set yourself up in the country.
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