Complete Guide to Securing an Expatrio Blocked Account in Germany
If you are planning to study in Germany, one of the most critical requirements for securing your student visa is proving that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself. In Germany, this is officially done by opening a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto).
As of the latest regulations, international students must demonstrate a minimum of €11,904 for their first year of study (€992 per month). In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through setting up a blocked account with Expatrio, one of the most popular, officially approved providers, and compare it with other market leaders like Fintiba and Coracle.
What is a German Blocked Account?
A blocked account is a special type of bank account for international students. It is called "blocked" because the money you deposit is locked until you arrive in Germany. Once you arrive, the account is unblocked, and you receive a monthly payout of €992 to cover your rent, food, health insurance, and personal expenses. You cannot withdraw more than this monthly limit unless you deposited additional funds.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide with Expatrio
Expatrio is a fully digital platform approved by the German Federal Foreign Office. You can set up your account in under 10 minutes by following these steps:
1. Register Online
Go to the official Expatrio portal. You will need to fill out a questionnaire detailing your age, target university, and study program. You can choose the Value Package which includes the blocked account, mandatory health insurance (public or private), and free incoming travel insurance.
2. Submit Your Documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport. Expatrio uses automated verification, so your account is typically opened within 24 hours of submission.
3. Transfer the Funds
Once approved, you will receive your 05 Document (Opening Confirmation) containing your unique IBAN. Transfer the required €11,904 plus a one-time buffer and Expatrio setup fee. It is highly recommended to use international transfer services like Cohort Go, Wise, or Flywire to minimize transaction fees.
4. Receive Your Blocking Confirmation
As soon as the funds land in Germany (usually 1-3 business days), Expatrio will issue your 06 Document (Blocking Confirmation). This is the official document you must print and present at your visa interview.
Blocked Account Provider Comparison
| Provider | Setup Fee | Monthly Fee | Processing Time | Health Insurance Bundle | Approved by Foreign Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expatrio | €49 | €5 | 1 - 2 Days | Yes (Value Package) | Yes |
| Fintiba | €89 | €4.90 | 1 - 3 Days | Yes (Fintiba Plus) | Yes |
| Coracle | €99 | None | 1 Day | Yes (Prime Bundle) | Yes |
Activating Your Blocked Account in Germany
Once you land in Germany, you must follow these steps to start receiving your monthly €992 payouts:
- Register Your Address: Visit the local Bürgeramt (registration office) and complete your address registration (Anmeldung) to receive your registration certificate.
- Open a German Current Bank Account: Open a free current account (Girokonto) with a local bank or a mobile bank like N26 or Revolut.
- Unblock on Expatrio Portal: Log into your Expatrio dashboard, upload your Anmeldung and German current account details, and request activation. Your payouts will begin arriving in your current account on a monthly basis.
[!TIP] Always keep a buffer of at least €500 in cash or on a credit card when you first land in Germany. It can take up to two weeks for your first Sperrkonto payout to reach your current bank account.