The blocked account (Sperrkonto) confuses most Bangladeshi students applying to Germany. It's not a fee, it's not a deposit you lose, and it's not optional. This guide explains exactly what it is, how much you need, which provider to use, and how to set it up from Bangladesh.
1. What Is a Blocked Account?
A blocked account is a special German bank account where you deposit money to prove you can support yourself financially during your studies. The German embassy requires it for your student visa application.
Key points:
- The money is 100% yours — it's not a fee or a charge
- After you arrive in Germany, the bank releases it to you monthly
- You cannot withdraw the full amount at once — that's why it's "blocked"
- Without it, the embassy will not issue your student visa
2. How Much in 2026?
| Item | EUR | BDT (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Required blocked amount | €11,904 | ৳14.3 lakh |
| Calculation: €992/month × 12 | ||
| Provider processing fee | €89–€150 | ৳10,700–18,000 |
| Total to transfer | ~€12,050 | ~৳14.5 lakh |
⚠️ This amount is reviewed annually by the German government. It was raised from €10,332 to €11,208 in 2023, then to €11,904 in 2024. Always check the current figure on the German Embassy Dhaka website before transferring.
3. Approved Providers — Which to Choose
| Provider | Processing Fee | Setup Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fintiba | €89 | 1–3 days | Fastest, most popular with BD students |
| Expatrio | €89 | 1–3 days | Bundled insurance + blocked account |
| Coracle | €0 (free) | 2–5 days | Budget-conscious students |
| Deutsche Bank | €150+ | 2–4 weeks | Traditional bank, slowest |
💡 Our recommendation: Fintiba or Expatrio — fast, fully digital, and most Bangladeshi students use them without issues. Coracle is newer but free. Avoid Deutsche Bank unless you have a specific reason.
4. How to Open — Step by Step from Bangladesh
- Register online at fintiba.com or expatrio.com — takes 10 minutes
- Upload documents: passport, university admission letter
- Identity verification: video call (Fintiba) or document upload (Expatrio)
- Receive bank details — you'll get a German IBAN account number
- Transfer €11,904 + fee from your Bangladeshi bank via international wire transfer (SWIFT)
- Wait for confirmation: 3–7 business days for money to arrive and be confirmed
- Download your blocked account certificate — this goes in your visa application
Bank transfer from Bangladesh — tips
- Use a major bank (HSBC, Standard Chartered, City Bank, Eastern Bank) for international wire
- Transfer in EUR, not BDT or USD — avoids double conversion fees
- Budget ৳3,000–5,000 for SWIFT transfer charges
- Keep the SWIFT receipt — embassy may ask for proof of transfer
5. After You Arrive in Germany
- Activate your account — register your German address with the provider
- Receive initial release: ~€992 immediately available
- Monthly releases: €992/month automatically credited to your German bank account
- The money covers rent, food, transport and daily expenses
By month 12, the entire €11,904 has been released to you. For Year 2, you top up the blocked account again with another €11,904.
6. Common Mistakes from Bangladesh
- Transferring the old amount (€10,332). The figure changed — make sure you send the current €11,904.
- Using an unapproved provider. Only Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle and Deutsche Bank are accepted.
- Starting too late. Bank transfers from Bangladesh take 5–10 business days. Start at least 3 weeks before your embassy appointment.
- Forgetting the processing fee. If you send exactly €11,904 but the fee is €89, your account shows €11,815 — which is below the requirement.
- Sending in USD instead of EUR. Conversion happens twice (BDT→USD→EUR) and you may end up short.
Need help setting up your blocked account?
Our Chattogram counsellors walk BD students through the entire process — registration, transfer, certificate download. Free.
Get Free Setup Help →7. FAQ
Is the blocked account money mine?
Yes — 100% yours. It's released to you monthly after arrival. Think of it as a forced savings account that proves to the embassy you can afford to live in Germany.
Can my parents open the blocked account?
No — the account must be in the student's own name. But the money can come from a parent's bank account via international transfer.
Do I need a blocked account for Year 2?
Yes — you must top up another €11,904 before your residence permit renewal. Some students use part-time job earnings to fund Year 2.
What if my visa is refused — do I get the money back?
Yes — you can request a refund from the provider. Processing takes a few weeks. Fintiba and Expatrio both allow refunds for refused visa cases.
Can I use the blocked account money for tuition?
The monthly releases go to your regular German bank account — you can spend them however you want, including paying semester fees. But the blocked account is meant for living costs, not tuition.