How does blocked account work?
Important questions and answers about blocked accounts.
Are you from a non-EU country and want to study in Germany? Then you probably need a blocked account. Find out here what a blocked account is and how you can open one.
Foreign students who are not from EU countries must prove that they can pay their own tuition and living expenses. Proof of funding is usually required when applying for a visa and is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit in Germany.
A blocked account is often required to provide such evidence. This is a special account that the owner cannot freely dispose of. The student must deposit the statutory minimum amount into the blocked account: Currently, this amount is 861 euros for each month the student stays in Germany. This amount remains blocked until the account holder arrives in Germany. Another feature of a blocked account is that the owner cannot withdraw or transfer as much cash as he wants. In a month, he can use from the account no more than the allowed 861 euros. Unless he has deposited more than the established minimum amount.
How to open a blocked account?
Step 1: Collection of documents
You can open a blocked account without leaving your home. To do this, you must fill out the required form to open an account in the relevant savings bank or private bank. You can find it online or by email. Typically, the form is also available in English. You will also need a copy of a valid passport and a copy of your study permit.
Step 2: Get your documents certified
Have you collected all your documents? Then it’s time to visit the German consulate or embassy in your country. There you will need to certify all the necessary documents. The consulate or embassy will then mail your documents to your savings bank or bank.
Step 3: Transfer money
After your documents are delivered to Germany, the savings bank or bank will open your account. This takes about a week. There may also be a one-time account opening fee. Once your account is opened, you will receive your account details (IBAN and BIC) by email. Then you pay the required amount by international bank transfer. For one academic year, for example, this will amount to 10,332 euros. That’s a pretty big amount. Therefore, you do not have to pay the entire amount at once – several partial amounts are possible. Under certain circumstances, your family or friends can also help and transfer money to the account.
Step 4: Getting money in Germany
Have you arrived safely in Germany? Then welcome! Now all you have to do is go to your branch. Don’t forget your passport and visa. After you present both documents, your account will be activated. You will receive your girocard (debit card) and – if you wish – data for accessing Internet banking. From now on, you can withdraw cash and make transfers from the blocked account. But be careful: only the required 861 euros are available to you every month. The rest of the amount remains blocked. Do you need more money per month? You will then be able to deposit more than the required blocked amount into your account.
What should I do if my savings bank does not offer a blocked account?
Have you contacted a savings bank in your university town and found out that they don’t offer a blocked account? We are very sorry to hear this. As a rule, it is also not possible to open a blocked account at another Sparkasse bank further away. Therefore, you cannot live and study in Berlin but keep your account in Aachen. This is due to the fact that each savings bank has a specific area of activity. In addition, to activate the account, you must personally come to the branch at least once. Even if you have questions about your account or want to make an appointment with our account consultants, it’s good to have your Sparkasse nearby.
Is there an alternative to a blocked account?
A blocked account does not have to be proof of funding. Under certain circumstances, it is also possible to receive a scholarship, proof of income from parents or a guarantee. Please contact the German consulate or embassy.
By the way: If you want to open a checking account in addition to or instead of a blocked account, we will also be happy to help you.
We wish you much joy and success in your studies in Germany!