If you want to study in Germany as an international student, one of the most important things you need is a blocked account.
The German embassy asks for this account when you apply for your student visa. In this blog, I will guide you on how to open a blocked account in Germany.
What Is a Blocked Account?
A blocked account (called Sperrkonto in German) is a special bank account that international students need to open if they want to study in Germany. This account shows that you have enough money to live in Germany.
The money is “blocked,” which means:
- You can’t take out all the money at once
- You will get a fixed amount every month (for example, €992 per month)
This account is required when applying for a German student visa.
How to Open a Blocked Account Online (Step-by-Step)
You can open a blocked account online from your home country.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose a Provider
Pick a trusted company or bank like Fintiba, Expatrio, Deutsche Bank, or Coracle.
Step 2: Create an Account
Go to their website and sign up. You’ll enter your name, passport number, and email.
Step 3: Fill in the Application
Give your study and personal information. You may need to upload:
- Passport copy
- University admission letter
Step 4: Get the Account Details
After approval, they will send you the bank account details where you can send the money.
Step 5: Send the Money
Transfer the required amount (e.g. €11,904 for one year) to the account.
Step 6: Get Confirmation
Once they receive your money, you’ll get a blocked account confirmation letter. You’ll need this for your visa application.
How to Send Money to a Blocked Account?
There are 3 ways to send money to a blocked account from Pakistan.
1. Via Your Local Bank (Best & Cheapest Way)
This is the recommended and most economical way to send money.
Which Banks to Use?
You can go to any major bank like:
- UBL (especially F10 Islamabad branch)
- Meezan Bank
- Punjab Bank
- Allied Bank
- National Bank
Documents You Need at the Bank:
- Passport and CNIC
- University Admission Letter (or Enrolment Certificate)
- Cheque book
- Coracle Transfer Details Document
Sample Link - (Optional) Coracle Account Opening Confirmation Sample Link
- (Optional) University Expense Sheet Download Here
- (Optional) LemonWay and Coracle Partnership Letter Download Here
What to Do at the Bank:
- Go to the remittance department of your bank at 9:00 AM.
- Ask for help with FTT (Foreign Telegraphic Transfer) for educational purposes.(This means no tax, no filer required, and personal account allowed.)
- Give the bank officer a blank cheque. They will:
- Ask for the amount in Euros.
- Check today’s exchange rate.
- Convert it to Pakistani Rupees.
- Write the amount on the cheque.
- Fill out the remittance form with the officer’s help.
- Make sure you write clearly that this transfer is for “education and student living expenses.”
After the transfer, ask for a SWIFT Copy (proof of transfer). Keep this safe.
2. Via Money Exchange (Faster, but More Expensive)
This is another option if you can’t go to the bank. You can use:
- Western Union
- NBP Exchange
- Other local exchange companies
They may charge higher fees and offer a lower exchange rate, so only use this option if you’re in a hurry.
3. Via Online Transfer Services (Wise, Revolut)
You can also use online services like:
- Wise (TransferWise)
- Revolut
These are fast and simple but may have limits. For example:
- Some blocked account providers allow only 3 transactions per account.
- You must make sure the name and reference number are correct.
Do not use Payoneer. It is not recommended for blocked account transfers.
When to Open a Blocked Account?
To apply for a visa, you need the blocked account confirmation letter. So, you should open a blocked account after getting an admission letter.
Will You Get Money Back If Your Visa Gets Rejected?
Yes, you will get your money back if your visa is rejected. Each blocked account provider has a refund policy.
How to get your money back:
- Send a copy of your visa rejection letter
- Fill out the refund request form.
- You will get the refund in the same account from which the money was transferred.
Note: You may lose some small fees (bank charges or service fees), but you will get most of your money back.
Sending money to your blocked account is a very important step when preparing to study in Germany. It shows that you have enough money to live there, and it is necessary to get your student visa. Once your money is received, you will get your Blocked Amount Confirmation, and then you’re ready to apply for your visa.