Everything You Need to Know About Blocked Account.
Proof of financial funds is one of the criteria to get a German student visa account. Proof of financial funds can be in different forms, from a scholarship, sponsorship in form of a financial statement or even a blocked account. Herein, emphasis will be laid on blocked accounts, so keep reading if you’re interested in leveraging blocked accounts for a German Student Visa.
A blocked account is proof of financial standing by international students seeking to study in Germany. Funds can not be withdrawn from a blocked account until the account holder arrives in Germany. As easily mentioned, there are several other proofs of financial funds that third-country nationals can leverage, but the bank blocked account is popular. Here's how a blocked account works.
A certain amount of money determined by the German government is deposited by the third-country national into a German blocked account. The ability of the account holder to deposit the required amount of money shows that they can support themselves throughout their stay in the country. Upon arrival in Germany, the account holder can withdraw a fixed amount of money at specific times for living and other expenses until their stay is over. In a nutshell, a blocked account in Germany is like a savings bank account for international students in Germany.
As of January 2021, the German government regulated the blocked account deposited amount to be €10,332. However, the minimum amount required to be deposited into a blocked account is also the maximum amount permitted to be withdrawn or transferred. The fixed amount required to be deposited into a blocked account may change subsequently. When this does, the German embassy in your home country will duly inform you during your visa application process.
Opening a German blocked account is as simple as ABC. No special knowledge or experience is needed. Think I'm exaggerating? Start by choosing a German blocked account provider. I know, I know. You're already wondering how to choose a good German blocked account provider. Not to worry. We've got you covered on it. So stop right here and see the next subheading to know how to choose a German blocked account provider. Make sure to come back here to complete how to open a German blocked account.
Next is to visit the German blocked account provider website and apply online. Make sure to fill in your details correctly and submit the required documents. And boom! Deposit your funds into your blocked account.
Just like every bank, you need to submit some documents to open a blocked account. A blocked account requirement varies with your nationality and your choice of a blocked account provider. While some blocked account providers require a simple National identity card, some require a few more documents. Also, opening a blocked account takes a few minutes with some blocked account provider and takes some days with another. It all depends on your choice of a blocked account provider. See the documents required for opening a German blocked account.
- A duly signed application form: Some blocked account companies in Germany, like Deutsche, require that you download the PDF application form and fill out your details before uploading. This may not apply to other blocked account companies.
- Bank statement: You are required to submit your bank statement from your local bank account.
- A valid passport: You are required to submit a valid passport no longer than 10 years to open a Deutsche bank blocked account.
- Admission letter: Attach your admission letter to the application to show your studentship of a German university.
- Prepaid fee: A token is required to open a blocked account in Germany. Note that the prepaid fee is not the same as the amount required to be deposited.
There are many German blocked account providers out there, and choosing the best one for yourself may be a challenge. However, we have made it easy. Here are some factors you should consider before choosing a German blocked account provider.
- Acceptance: Your choice of a German blocked account provider should be accepted in your local foreign. The bank should also support your official language, whether English, Chinese, or German. It is a sheer waste of time to consider a blocked account provider that does not accept a universal language or known currency.
- Ease of use: You should also consider the ease of use when opening a blocked account. Some blocked account opening takes time, while others are done instantly. Also, consider the opening process if it offers a seamless process on the mobile or web application.
- Safety: Some blocked account providers use 2-factor authentication. Others do not. However, it is important to consider the safety of funds deposited.
- Support: Before opening a blocked account with a blocked account provider, you should check to confirm the support they offer. You may find out that some providers do not communicate in another language, apart from the German language, which may become a hindrance for you as a third-country national with only basic knowledge of the German language.
- Others: Consider the setup fees, transfer fees, maintenance fees, and branch distribution in the country. Otherwise, you may end up stranded trying to locate one of their branches in your locality. Also, check if a blocked account provider is listed by the German foreign federal office.
Using the factors to select the best German blocked account provider mentioned above, there are 4 most commonly used and well-known blocked account providers in Germany.
- Deutsche Bank: If you are looking for the best-blocked account provider in Germany, Deutsche Bank is your go-to bank. Why? Deutsche Bank is an incumbent bank that is recognized and accepted by local foreign offices. The bank is listed by the German federal foreign office. The blocked account provider services are available to all people, including Minor, with parental consent. There's an exception to Iranians living in Iran and residents of North Korea. Deutsche Bank offices are all across Germany, and they offer a multi-language service, English and the German language. The Deutsche Bank blocked account opening usually takes a week, and only Euros transfer is accepted. Additionally, the provider requires a €150 set up fee for opening a blocked account.
- Coracie: Coracie was introduced in 2018. Although the blocked account provider is listed by the German federal foreign office, the blocked account provider is not a fully licensed German Bank. The provider is accepted by local foreign offices and has no limitations. The provider accepts minors with parental consent. Coracie blocked account opening takes place online via their website, and it's usually completed within 1 working day. Coracie does not have a branch in Germany, accepts only Euros transfers, and is available only in English.
- Fintiba: Fintiba was introduced in 2017 in partnership with Sutor bank. Fintiba is a fully licensed German Bank, accepted by local foreign offices and listed by the German federal foreign office. Fintiba does not extend its Services to Iranians, North Koreans, and people living in the US. The blocked account opening is via a secured web and mobile application. Also, there's a 2-factor authentication to guarantee the safety of funds. A blocked account opening with Fintiba usually takes 10 Minutes, and it supports a wide range of currencies. It also supports the German language, Chinese, and English.
- Expatrio: Expatrio was introduced in 2018 and partially supported by local foreign offices. Expatrio is not a fully licensed German bank, but it is in partnership with Mango Pay. The provider excludes minors from its services and residents of North Korea, Cuban, Syria, and Sudan. Expatrio blocked account opening usually takes 1 working day, and it's via their website. The provider accepts the USD and Euros for transfer. Expatrio supports Chinese and English and comes with a €49 account setup fee.
One thing is sure now- you've known everything there is to open a blocked account in Germany. And the best part is that this came from an expert on a platter of gold. Studying is fun, but more fun with enough money to sustain yourself throughout your stay overseas. Remember that a hungry man is an angry man. So make sure to spend your money wisely while you learn and have fun.