1. What is a blocked account for a Germany Visa?

A blocked account is a special type of bank account required by non-EU citizens who want to apply for a visa and stay in Germany for more than 90 days. It serves as proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Germany.

2. Why do I need a blocked account for a Germany Visa?
The German government requires non-EU citizens to have enough funds to cover their living expenses while staying in the country. A blocked account is used as proof that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself without relying on public funds or working illegally.

3. How much money do I need in my blocked account?
The amount of money required in your blocked account depends on the length of your stay in Germany. As of 2021, the monthly requirement is €853 per month, meaning you’ll need at least €9,684 for a one-year visa.

4. How do I open a blocked account?
You can open a blocked account through various German banks, such as Deutsche Bank or Fintiba. You will need to provide documents such as your passport, student enrollment certificate (if applicable), and proof of income or sponsor letter if someone else is funding your account.

5. Can I withdraw money from my blocked account?
Yes, you can withdraw money from your blocked account according to the regulations set by the German embassy or consulate where you applied for your visa. These regulations may vary depending on your specific visa type.

6. Is there an expiration date for a blocked account?
Your blocked account will remain valid until you close it, even if you don’t use it while living in Germany. However, some banks may charge an annual fee for inactive accounts.

7. Can I use any bank for my blocked account?
It is recommended to use one of the approved banks listed by the German embassy or consulate where you are applying for a visa. These banks are familiar with the requirements and regulations for blocked accounts and can provide the necessary documentation for your visa application.

8. What happens to my money if my visa is denied?
If your visa is denied, you can still access your funds in the blocked account by providing the bank with proof of the visa rejection. However, some banks may charge a fee for early closure of the account.

9. Can I use my blocked account for living expenses while studying or working in Germany?
Yes, you can use your blocked account to cover your living expenses during your time in Germany. However, make sure you withdraw money according to the regulations set by the embassy or consulate where you applied for a visa.

10. Will opening a blocked account guarantee me a Germany Visa?
No, opening a blocked account does not guarantee you a Germany Visa. It is just one of several requirements that must be met for visa approval. The decision ultimately depends on the German embassy or consulate processing your application and their assessment of your eligibility for a visa.

2. Who needs to have a blocked account for a Germany Visa?

If you are applying for a Germany Visa to study or work in Germany, you will need to have a blocked account. This is because the German government requires proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your stay in Germany. The blocked account acts as a guarantee that you have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds while in Germany.

This requirement applies to all non-EU citizens who are planning to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days. This includes students, job seekers, and professionals seeking work opportunities in Germany.

It’s important to note that not all types of visas require a blocked account. If you are applying for a tourist visa or short-term business visa, you may not need one. However, it is always best to check with the German embassy or consulate in your country to confirm the specific requirements for your visa application.

3. How much money do I need to have in my blocked account for a Germany Visa?

The exact amount you need to have in your blocked account for a Germany Visa varies depending on your specific circumstances. Generally, the minimum requirement is €10,236 per year. However, if you are planning to study in Germany, you will need to show proof of more funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies. It is best to check with the German Embassy or consulate in your home country for the exact amount required for your visa application.

4. How can I unblock my blocked account?
To unblock your blocked account, you will need to provide a written statement from the German authorities confirming that you have successfully registered at a German university or educational institution. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance and a valid residence permit. Once all these documents are submitted to your bank, they will release the funds from your blocked account.

5. Can I use my blocked account for other expenses while studying in Germany?
No, a blocked account is specifically meant for covering living expenses while studying in Germany and cannot be used for other purposes such as leisure activities or travel expenses.

6. Will I be charged any fees for opening a blocked account?
Some banks may charge an initial fee for opening a blocked account, as well as monthly maintenance fees. It is important to carefully research and compare different banks’ offers before choosing one for your blocked account.

7. Can I transfer money from my blocked account to another country?
While it may be possible to transfer money from your blocked account to another country under certain circumstances (such as returning home permanently), it is generally not allowed without proper documentation and authorization from the German authorities.

8. What happens if I cannot fulfill the financial requirements for my Germany Visa?
If you are unable to fulfill the financial requirements for a Germany Visa (e.g., due to insufficient funds in your current bank accounts), you may still have options such as providing proof of sponsorship from a third-party or showing that you have a scholarship to cover your expenses. It is best to consult with the German Embassy or consulate in your home country for advice on your specific situation.

4. Can I use any bank for my blocked account?

No, you can only use specific banks that have been authorized by the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). These banks include Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, and Commerzbank. It is important to check with your local embassy or consulate to find out which banks are accepted for blocked accounts in your country.

5. How long does the money need to be in the blocked account before applying for a Germany Visa?

The money needs to be in the blocked account for at least 3 months before applying for a Germany Visa. This time frame allows for proof of sufficient funds and shows that you are able to sustain yourself financially during your stay in Germany. However, it is recommended to have the funds in the account for longer, as some consulates may request bank statements dating back 6-12 months.

6. Are there any banks that specialize in providing blocked accounts for Germany Visas?

Yes, there are several banks in Germany that specialize in providing blocked accounts for visa purposes. These include Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Coracle Online GmbH, Expatrio AG, and DR-WALTER GmbH. It is recommended to research and compare the fees and services offered by each bank before opening a blocked account.

7. Can I withdraw money from my blocked account while on my trip to Germany?

No, you cannot withdraw money from your blocked account while on your trip to Germany. The purpose of a blocked account is to show proof of financial means for the duration of your stay in Germany, and it cannot be accessed for other purposes. Only after your arrival in Germany and registration at the local immigration office (Ausländeramt) can you access the funds in your blocked account.

8. What happens if I don’t use all the money in my blocked account during my stay in Germany?

If you do not use all the money in your blocked account during your stay in Germany, the remaining amount will still be available to you after your stay. You can either keep it in the account for future use or withdraw it and transfer it back to your home country. However, keep in mind that there may be fees associated with withdrawals and transfers, so it is important to plan accordingly and only keep the necessary amount of money in the account.

9. How long does my blocked account need to be valid for my entire stay in Germany?

Your blocked account needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in Germany. The duration of validity will depend on the length of your stay and should cover all possible expenses during that time, including living costs and tuition fees (if applicable). It is recommended to have a balance that covers 12 months of living expenses.

10. Can someone else deposit money into my blocked account?

Yes, someone else can deposit money into your blocked account, but they would need to have the necessary authorization from you and provide documentation showing the source of the funds. It is important to check with your bank to understand their specific requirements and procedures for depositing money into a blocked account.

11. Will having a higher amount of money in my blocked account increase my chances of getting a German Visa?

Having a higher amount of money in your blocked account may not necessarily increase your chances of getting a German Visa. However, having enough funds in your account can demonstrate to the German authorities that you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in Germany. This can contribute positively towards your visa application. Additionally, having a substantial amount of money in your blocked account can also show that you are financially stable and may be less likely to engage in any illegal activities or overstay your visa. Ultimately, the decision of granting a visa depends on various factors such as the purpose of travel, ties to home country, and overall eligibility for the visa.

12. Is it possible to open a blocked account after submitting a visa application?

Yes, it is possible to open a blocked account after submitting a visa application. You can open the blocked account and provide proof of it to the visa authorities to fulfill the financial requirements for your visa application. However, it is recommended to have all necessary documents and proof ready at the time of submitting the visa application to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of your visa.

13. Can I open a joint or shared blocked account with another person applying for a German Visa?

Yes, it is possible to open a joint or shared blocked account with another person applying for a German Visa. However, the account must be opened in your name and the name of the other person, as well as meet all of the requirements for a blocked account for visa purposes. Additionally, both parties must have their own separate funds deposited into the account to cover their individual expenses during their stay in Germany.

14. How can I prove that the funds in my blocked account are legitimate and not just for visa purposes?

1. Provide proof of income: You can provide documents such as salary slips, employment contract, or tax return that show a stable and sufficient income to cover the funds in your blocked account.

2. Source of funds: If you have recently received a large sum of money from a business transaction, inheritance, or gift, provide relevant documents to prove the source of these funds.

3. Bank statements: Submit bank statements from your home country or other bank accounts that show regular deposits and withdrawals to support your financial stability.

4. Letter from sponsor: If you are being sponsored by someone else, they can provide a letter certifying their financial capacity and commitment to providing you with the necessary funds for your stay in Germany.

5. Travel itinerary: Submit a detailed travel itinerary including flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and planned activities to demonstrate that you have legitimate plans for your stay in Germany.

6. Proof of enrollment: If you are enrolling in a program at a German university or language school, provide an acceptance letter or confirmation from the institution to support the purpose of your visit.

7. Explanation letter: Write a brief explanation letter outlining the purpose of your trip, how you plan to use the blocked account funds during your stay in Germany, and any additional supporting documents you may have.

8. Business documents: If you are self-employed, provide business registration documents and tax returns to demonstrate the legitimacy of your income and financial stability.

9. Investment portfolio: If you have investments such as stocks, bonds, or property investments in your home country, provide relevant documentation as proof of your financial assets.

10. Balance history report: Request a balance history report from the bank where your blocked account is opened to show that the funds were deposited well before applying for the visa.

11. No-objection certificate: In some cases, embassies require applicants to obtain a no-objection certificate from their home country’s central bank to confirm the legality of the funds.

12. Affidavit from a legal authority: In some cases, embassies may request an affidavit from a legal authority in your home country confirming that the funds in your blocked account are legally obtained.

13. Personal income statement: Prepare a personal income statement showing your monthly expenses and how you plan to use the funds in your blocked account during your stay in Germany.

14. Previous travel history: If you have a history of traveling to countries such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, provide copies of previous visas to prove that you have complied with visa regulations in those countries.

15. Do I need to transfer all the required funds into my blocked account at once, or can I do it gradually over time?

It depends on the specific requirements of your blocked account. Some banks may allow you to transfer funds gradually over time, while others may require the full amount to be deposited at once. It is important to contact your bank and confirm their policies regarding depositing funds into a blocked account.

16. What happens if I am denied a German Visa but have already deposited funds into a blocked account?

If you are denied a German Visa, you can still access the funds in your blocked account. However, if you have deposited the funds specifically for the purpose of obtaining a visa and no longer plan to study or live in Germany, you may need to contact the bank where you opened the account to discuss your options. They may allow you to withdraw the funds or provide alternative solutions for closing the account. Alternatively, if the visa was denied due to incomplete documentation or other reasons that can be addressed, you may reapply for a visa with all necessary documents and have a higher chance of approval.

17 . Are there any countries that do not require applicants to have a Blocked Account when applying for a German Visa?

Yes, there are a few countries exempt from the requirement of a Blocked Account when applying for a German Visa. These include Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy (only for work or internship purposes), Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Panama, Paraguay and Qatar. However,it is still recommended to confirm with your nearest German embassy or consulate regarding visa requirements as they may change at any time.

18 . Is there an age limit for opening a Blocked Account for a German Visa?

Yes, there is an age limit for opening a Blocked Account for a German Visa. According to the legal requirements of the German Federal Foreign Office, individuals over the age of 18 are required to open a Blocked Account. Minors under the age of 18 cannot open a Blocked Account on their own and would require a parent or legal guardian to do so on their behalf.

19 . Do minors also need to have their own Blocked Account when applying for a German Visa?

Yes, minors also need to have their own Blocked Account when applying for a German Visa. A Blocked Account is required for all non-German citizens who are planning to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days and are not EU citizens, regardless of their age.

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to open a Blocked Account on their own. In this case, a parent or legal guardian must open the account on their behalf and act as the account holder. The minor’s name should be indicated on the account as well.

The amount of funds required in the Blocked Account for minors may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as whether they will be living with their parents or independently during their stay in Germany. It is best to check with the respective German embassy or consulate for specific requirements for minors.

It is important to note that the funds in the Blocked Account can only be accessed by the account holder once they arrive in Germany and start their studies or work. Parents or legal guardians cannot withdraw money from this account until the minor reaches legal age.

20 . Can existing bank accounts be converted into Blocked Accounts for the purpose of obtaining a German Visa?

Yes, existing bank accounts can be converted into Blocked Accounts if they meet the requirements set by the German Embassy or Consulate in your country for obtaining a visa. These requirements usually include a minimum balance and restrictions on withdrawing funds until arrival in Germany. It is best to check with your specific embassy or consulate for their requirements and procedures for converting an existing bank account into a Blocked Account.