Germany Blocked Account 2025: Required Amount, Best Providers, FAQs
Embarking on a journey to study in Germany is a life-changing decision for a prospective international student. It’s a move that promises world-class education and a gateway to a future filled with opportunity. However, for a student from a developing country, the path to a German visa is often paved with a critical financial requirement: the blocked account.
At Lendorse, our mission is to empower talented students by providing them with the financial access they need to pursue their dreams. While we offer a unique solution to the funding challenge, we believe it’s essential to provide a comprehensive, transparent guide to help you navigate the process. This guide is your definitive resource on the German blocked account for 2025, detailing the required amount, the best blocked account provider options, and a complete breakdown of the visa and funding process.
Understanding the 'Why': The Purpose Behind the Blocked Account
You might be asking, “Why do I need a blocked account just to study in Germany?” The German government mandates this special type of bank account as a measure of financial security. It’s an official way for German authorities to ensure that every visa applicant has sufficient funds to cover their cost of living for at least the first year. This requirement protects students from financial hardship and prevents them from entering the country without the means to support themselves. It is a fundamental part of the German student visa application and proof of your ability to stay in Germany for the long term.
The Required Blocked Amount for 2025: A Detailed Breakdown
For a visa application in 2025, the required blocked amount is set at €11,904. This sum is a non-negotiable part of your financial proof. While it may seem like a large sum, it is broken down into a monthly amount of €992, which is the maximum you can withdraw per month.
To give you a clearer picture of how this blocked amount is designed to be used, here is a detailed breakdown of average monthly expenses for students in Germany. While the costs can vary depending on the city you live in Germany, this table provides a realistic view of how your blocked account funds can be utilized.
Expense Category
Estimated Monthly Cost (€)
Rent / Accommodation
€350 - €600
Food & Groceries
€180 - €250
Health Insurance
€100 - €120
Public Transportation (Student Pass)
€30 - €70
Study Materials & Books
€50 - €80
Leisure, Culture & Sports
€50 - €100
Mobile Phone & Internet
€30 - €50
TOTAL
€790 - €1,270
As you can see, the amount for a blocked account is a carefully calculated figure that ensures you have enough to live in Germany and thrive without financial stress. The blocked account amount for your German visa is your key to a stable and secure life as a student.
Choosing Your Provider: An In-Depth Look at the Best Options
Once you’ve confirmed you have the funds, you need to choose an account provider to open your blocked account online. These providers specialize in serving international student needs and offer fast, user-friendly processes that are universally accepted by German authorities. While some people still consider a blocked account with Deutsche Bank, most opt for a more specialized digital provider.
Let’s take a closer look at the three most popular blocked account provider options for 2025:
1. Expatrio
The Expatrio Experience:Expatrio is a standout choice for its focus on providing a complete value package. Their platform is designed to handle more than just your blocked account; it’s a one-stop-shop for your move.
Pros:
Value-Added Services: The free expatrio bank account (a current account) and bundled health insurance are major selling points. This streamlines your process, as you won't need to look for a separate health insurance provider.
Competitive Pricing: With a low setup fee and a small monthly fee, Expatrio is one of the most cost-effective options.
Refund Guarantee: They offer a full refund of your funds (minus a small fee) if your visa application is rejected, providing peace of mind.
User-Friendly Platform: The entire process to open your blocked account is digital and can be completed quickly from anywhere in the world.
Cons:
Some users have reported that customer support can be slow during peak seasons.
2. Fintiba
The Fintiba Experience:Fintiba is considered a premium blocked account provider, known for its robust technology and streamlined user experience. Their mobile app is highly praised for making account management easy.
Pros:
Speed and Efficiency: Fintiba is renowned for its quick processing times, often issuing your blocking confirmation within hours of your money transfer arriving.
Advanced App: The Fintiba app allows you to upload documents and manage your payouts easily after you arrive in Germany.
Flexibility for Minors: Fintiba is one of the few providers that allows minors to open a blocked bank account, making it a great choice for younger students.
Cons:
Fintiba's fees are slightly higher than some competitors.
3. Coracle
The Coracle Experience: Coracle positions itself as the most economical and straightforward blocked account option, with a transparent pricing model.
Pros:
No Monthly Fees: Coracle is unique in that it charges a single setup fee and no ongoing monthly fees, which can be a significant saving for longer study periods.
Simplicity: The application process is simple and transparent, making it a good choice for those who want a no-frills service.
Cons:
As of mid-2025, Coracle is upgrading its banking system, so new accounts may be temporarily unavailable.
The Step-by-Step Blocked Account Process: From Application to Activation
Opening a blocked account for a German visa is a multi-step process. Here’s a complete guide to help you from start to finish:
Step 1: Choose Your Provider & Apply
Research the account providers listed above and choose the one that best suits your needs. The process is almost entirely digital. You will be required to fill out a form and upload a copy of your passport and your university admission letter. This is the first step to open your blocked account.
Step 2: Fund Your Blocked Account
After your online application is accepted, you will receive an email with payment details. You must transfer the blocked amount of €11,904 to your blocked account with the provider. Be mindful of international money transfer fees and processing times. Once the funds arrive in your blocked account, your provider will issue a blocking confirmation document.
Step 3: Secure Your German Visa
This blocking confirmation is a crucial document for your visa application. You must submit it to the German embassy or consulate in your home country during your visa interview. This is proof that you have the required amount for a blocked account and that your funds are secure.
Step 4: Arrival and Activation
After you move to Germany and register your address, you must activate your blocked account. This involves providing your provider with your new German residential address and the details of a regular German current bank account (Girokonto). Once activated, the monthly amount of €992 will be automatically transferred to your Girokonto, allowing you to access the funds for your living expenses.
Beyond the Blocked Account: The Lendorse Advantage
While a blocked account is one of the most common ways to prove financial resources, it’s not the only one. For those who cannot gather the full blocked account amount on their own, there are other options, but they often come with their own set of challenges.
Scholarship: This is a great option, but scholarships are highly competitive and often do not cover the full cost of living.
Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung): A German resident can sign a legal document pledging to cover all your financial needs. However, this is a major commitment and requires the sponsor to have a very high income, making it difficult to find someone willing to do this.
This is precisely the gap Lendorse was created to fill. We saw that millions of bright, talented individuals from developing countries were shut out of the European financial system simply because they lacked the savings or collateral to open a blocked bank account. Lendorse is a unique alternative that provides you with the capital to fund your education and cover your living expenses, including the money required to open a blocked account in Germany.
The story of William, a talented student from Ghana who wanted to study public health in Europe, is a perfect example. He had the ambition, the academic merit, but not the savings. Lendorse’s financial assistance meant he was able to open a blocked account and focus on his studies without the stress of working or worrying about rent. Today, he is a qualified doctor and epidemiologist, contributing to the global medical community.
Your Future in Germany Starts Here
Securing your blocked account for visa purposes is the first step toward a new life. This guide has provided you with all the essential information on the blocked account amount, the best account providers, and the full process.
If you are a talented student from an underserved country and the financial requirement feels out of reach, remember that Lendorse is here to help. We are more than just a financial platform; we are a partner in your journey. We provide the capital you need to secure your German student visa application, pay for your education, and become a future leader. With Lendorse, you can transform your potential into progress and build a better future for yourself and your community.
FAQs on the Germany Blocked Account
Navigating the process can be complex, so we’ve addressed some of the most common questions from international student visa applicants.
Who needs a blocked account?
If you're an international student from a country outside the EU/EEA and need a German student visa, you'll likely need a blocked account to prove you have sufficient funds to live in Germany. In 2025, the exact amount you must deposit in your blocked account is €11,904 total, which allows you to withdraw €992 monthly, based on the minimum living cost requirements set by German authorities.
Can I withdraw money anytime?
No. Once you open your blocked account, the funds are "blocked." You can only access the monthly amount of €992 after you arrive in Germany and activate your account.
How do I activate my blocked account?
To activate your blocked account, you’ll need to provide your provider with your German bank account details (a regular current account, or Girokonto) and proof of your residence in Germany. Once activated, the monthly withdrawals will begin.
What if my visa is rejected?
Most reliable providers, like Expatrio, offer a full refund of your deposited money (minus a small fee) if you provide them with proof that your German visa was rejected.
Can a minor open a blocked account?
While some providers like Coracle do allow it, most have restrictions on minors opening a blocked account. Always check with the specific provider.