This kind of bank account is used to “freeze” or “block” the amount required to support someone while staying in Germany for a specific amount of time (typically, one year). As soon as the funds are in the account, the relevant organization issues a blocking confirmation, which must be presented to the authorities as proof that you have the money available for your stay. You can arrange your monthly payments from this account to a regular bank account once your visa or residence permit has been granted
The required amount of money to cover their living expenses for one year must be deposited into a special type of bank account known as a “Blocked Account” in Germany. Among the most widespread banks to provide this service are Deutsche Bank and Fintiba.
Students should provide proof of an amount of € 934.00 per month, and hence € 11,208.00 per year, starting from the winter semester of 2022.
| Fintiba | Deutsche Bank |
| 89 € account set up charges. | 150 € account set up charges. |
| 4.90 euros per month. | 5.90 euros per month. |
| Fintiba open block account within few hours. | The DB account opening procedure takes several weeks. |
| Fintiba responds to customer inquiries well and quickly. | They took a while to reply to emails and the helpline. |
| To use the money deposited from the blocked Fintiba account, you need another bank account. | Since DB is a bank, you can use the money without opening another account. |
It is important to note that, Deutsche Bank announced in July 2022 that it would no longer grant blocked accounts to individuals with certain types of visas, including students!
Below are other alternatives to Deutsche Bank besides Fintiba:
Fintiba Blocked Account
Expatrio
Declaration of Commitment is another option. For the purpose of obtaining a German visa, a “Verpflichtungserklärung” (VE) is a form of document that serves as proof of secured maintenance funds. A relative, friend, or company who resides legally in Germany or is otherwise recognized as a legal entity there agrees to guarantee that all living expenses, health care costs, and travel expenses associated with your visit to Germany will be paid for by the federal government.