GERMAN STUDENT VISA BLOCKED ACCOUNT EXPLAINED!
Despite welcoming migrants, especially students, the country of Germany is renowned for its excellence in education, particularly in infrastructure, practicality, and critical thinking. One of the prerequisite for studying in Germany is a blocked account. You may be wondering what a blocked account is and why you need a blocked account for a German student visa application.
Germany migrants, who are not citizens of the European Union or a Schengen member state, must emphasize the necessity of having a blocked account. All migrants applying for a German study visa must present evidence of a blocked account.
What is a blocked account
The German government requires international students to have a blocked account, which is simply a bank account. A blocked account proves sufficient financial capacity which makes a German visa applicant eligible for a visa. The amount of money needed in a blocked account as of January 2024, is about €11,208.
Why is a blocked account necessary
A blocked account is necessary because it proves to the German government that a migrant is able to cater for themselves for at least one year. Additionally, migrants may not require a blocked account in their second year but would need to show evidence of funds for a residence permit renewal.
Why you need a blocked account
Typically, when migrants have a relative, friend, or acquaintance who is already a German resident and is willing to cover all expenses, then such migrants may not bother about acquiring a blocked account. The document used in place of a blocked account is a “Letter of commitment.”
In other words, a “Letter of commitment,” is a document that bears the assurance of a qualified German resident to provide financial support for the migrant.
Relocating through the scholarship route wouldn’t require a blocked account. The document required in place of the blocked account document is the “Scholarship certificate” which is equivalent to €934.
If a migrant doesn’t possess any of these documents, it is compulsory to provide evidence of a blocked account as it is an important requirement to be eligible for a German student visa.
Importance of a blocked account:
A blocked account helps to cover living expenses for a minimum period of one year. The blocked account grants students access to withdraw €934 per month. This amount is usually able to cover for living expenses. So, if you’re planning to study in Germany and have no sponsor, you need to save voraciously for your blocked account.
How to obtain a blocked account.
You must open a blocked account through an online application with a registered German bank. Hence, the need to commence a blocked account application after receiving an admission letter from a German university. Keep in mind that you cannot access the funds in a blocked account until you arrive in Germany.
Documents required for a German blocked account
- Admission letter from University.
- Recent passport size photographs.
- Valid passport.
- Application form.
- National ID proof.
- Application form.
- Receipt of prepaid fee.
Where to open a blocked account:
You can open a blocked account within 24 hours, depending on the bank. Some banks that you can use to obtain a blocked account include Expatrio, which offers two packages.A normal blocked account package and a Value package. Fintiba, charges around €89 and €4.90 for monthly maintenance. Coracle charges €99 for initial application.
If authorities deny your visa, they will refund the full amount deposited in your blocked account.