Since January 2023, the amount that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a German student visa was €11,208 (€934/month). However, according to Studying-in-Germany.org that, from September 2024, this amount is expected to increase to €11,904 for 12 months, or €992 per month.

This requirement is based on the BAföG rate, Germany’s financial aid program for students. This deposit is the minimum you must have in your blocked account to demonstrate you have the financial means (Finanzierungsnachweis) for a student visa.

This monthly amount also limits how much you can withdraw or transfer each month unless you’ve deposited more than the required minimum.

As of the 2022/2023 academic year, Germany has a significant international student population, with a total of 458,210 students from abroad (out of which 90,632 are resident international students), which numbers are expected to increase significantly in the 2024/25 academic year.

Summary

• A German blocked bank account is an account (for international students and job seekers) where you can deposit a fixed amount of money. This money is then locked and released in monthly installments to the account holder, proving you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
• Since January 2023, the amount that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a German student visa was €11,208 (€934/month). From September 2024, this amount is expected to increase to €11,904 for 12 months, or €992 per month.
• Be aware that not all accounts are equally accepted by all authorities. Make sure that the provider you choose covers all of your needs (elaborated below).
• The opening processes differ slightly. Depending on the time you have until your visa appointment is due, we advise you to choose the faster option.
• Many providers combine blocked accounts with health insurance for easy visa preparation.
• Deutsche Bank no longer offers blocked account services.
• Based on over 2000 student reviews and its excellent reputation in the market, Expatrio is the favorite choice for international students; where you can also open a bank account directly connected to your blocked account as part of the Expatrio Value Package – to receive your monthly payouts in record time.

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