How much does it cost to open a Blocked Account with ICICI Bank?

You only pay a fee of EUR 150 at the time of opening a blocked account. This amount has to be transferred while funding your German Blocked Account. Apart from that, there are NO hidden charges or additional monthly/annually account management fees.

What are the requirements to apply for a Blocked Account?

As per the German VISA regulations, if you are applying or planning to apply for a German visa as student / job-seeker /Nurses , every applicant who is not an EU citizen is required to provide proof of funds for their stay in Germany. ICICI Bank Germany provides you with instant blocked account number, which you can fund and get your Blocked Account Certificate for your VISA application.

Benefits of ICICI Bank Germany Blocked Account!

• Digital account opening process, no branch visits required
• Get a complementary fully functional current account for daily banking needs
• Receive your VISA Debit card before you land in Germany
• Paperless online Debit card PIN
• Withdraw cash from any VISA ATM throughout Europe
  English Documentation
  Service helpline numbers in Germany & India

Is there an alternative to the Blocked Account?

Blocked Account Exceptions

Studying in Germany without a blocked account is possible if you fulfil one of the requirements listed below:

Scholarship from an educational establishment(full list of scholarships is available here).

Confirmation of government funding or approved student loan in Germany

Scholarship must come from a reputed government or Educational institution (e.g.,DAAD, Max Planck)

The sum must cover your living expenses

Invitation from a friend or relative living in Germany (Verpflichtungserklärung)

This person will be responsible to support you financially during your studies

The reason for the invitation must be clearly stated: “Studium” (studies)

This document must be obtained in person at an Alien’s Registration Office in Germany

In case you do not match any of the requirements above, the blocked account becomes a mandatory prerequisite for the visa in order to study in Germany.

Quick Facts about Blocked Account in Germany? 

• The German blocked account acts as a financial proof and it is a prerequisite for a student or job seeker visa. German immigration services do not allow students/Job seekers/nurses without financial stability to study or search for job in Germany.  The blocked account Germany amount to be transferred depends on the duration of your course/stay in Germany.
• The minimum blocked account amount is decided by the German Federal Foreign Office. From 1 January 2023, the minimum monthly amount required for blocked account has changed to 934 Euros.
• The entire blocked account fund cannot be transferred to your current account at once. A portion of the fund i.e., minimum of 934 Euros would be transferred every month, so that the applicant can manage their expenses for their entire stay. 
• Germany Blocked Account is required mainly in the first year. However, if a student fails to provide enough evidence of financial resources to maintain himself for the second year, hw will need a blocked account even in the second year. 
• A blocked account is known as ‘Sperrkonto’ in German.

Useful tips for an easy Blocked Account opening?

Keep clear copy of first page & last page of passport in PDF or JPEG format . Please enter name and address as per passport if current address is different then enter address as per any other address proof.

More than an account Access to Value Added services like

• Complimentary German Current Account for daily banking transactions – which you can use even after your student journey is over.
• Free Debit Card delivered in India Withdraw cash from any VISA ATM throughout Europe
• Preferential rate on Education Loan - Aspiring students can apply for ICICI Bank’s education loan solution for pursuing professional higher education in Germany.
  Seamless disbursement credit in your B ICICI Bank Germany Blocked Account or in Bank account of your choice.
• Special discount with Student Forex Card - With ICICI Bank Forex card, you can start spending on your basic requirements as soon as you land in Germany. May be it’s a taxi from the airport or a payment for a coffee at the airport, your Forex card takes care of it. Complimentary ISIC Membership worth INR 999/-. 40% discount on excess baggage & 20% discount on courier service by DHL.
• Assured Cashback* with Health Insurance - Health Insurance is mandatory requirement of VISA for Germany. ICICI Bank Germany through its partner snow offers Health Insurance with leading statutory Health insurers like Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and Barmer and private health insurers Expat. A cashback scheme specially designed for ICICI Bank Germany Blocked account holders

What is Germany blocked account?

Blocked Account is a special type of account where you deposit funds that would be used during your stay in Germany. A Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement to obtain a German Visa for students/jobseekers and nurses. ICICI Bank Germany offers a Blocked Account, which can be seamlessly opened online.

Can you study in Germany without a blocked account?

Studying in Germany without a blocked account is possible if you fulfil one of the requirements listed below: Scholarship from an educational establishment (full list of scholarships is available here). Confirmation of government funding or approved student loan in Germany Scholarship must come from a reputed government or Educational institution (e.g., DAAD, Max Planck) The sum must cover your living expenses Invitation from a friend or relative living in Germany (Verpflichtungserklärung) This person will be responsible to support you financially during your studies The reason for the invitation must be clearly stated: “Studium” (studies) This document must be obtained in person at an Alien’s Registration Office in Germany In case you do not match any of the requirements above, the blocked account becomes a mandatory prerequisite for the visa in order to study in Germany.

Why you need a blocked account to study in Germany?

As per the German VISA regulations, if you are applying or planning to apply for a German visa as student / job-seeker /Nurses , every applicant who is not an EU citizen is required to provide proof of funds for their stay in Germany. ICICI Bank Germany provides you with instant blocked account number, which you can fund and get your Blocked Account Certificate for your VISA application.

How can you open a blocked account?

You need to start the application process by registering yourself on ICICI Bank Germany website. Once you complete the online application form, a blocked account number will be provided to you instantly. If you are funding your Blocked Account from a country outside European Union, you will have to Wire transfer from a bank account held solely or jointly in your name or from your parent's account. In case you hold a Bank Account in EU from where you wish to fund your Blocked Account, you may transfer using SEPA. Once your account is funded you will issued a Balance confirmation certificate and your debit card will be dispatched while in India. Once you reach Germany, you need to submit the activation form and complete the KYC, once you complete the KYC please ensure you click on submit button and submit the activation form as without it, the activation will not proceed further. Click here to start with the registration for ICICI Bank Blocked Account.

What are the list of documents required to open a Germany blocked account?

To apply, you will need to provide the following documents: a. Copy of passport pages (i) the page in your passport containing your photo, passport number, date of birth and other personal details, and (ii) the page in your passport with other information, e.g. your parent / guardian names and addresses. If the passport does not have a page that bears the name of your parents / guardian then please provide any other Government issued identification document that bears all your personal information alongside the details of your parent(s) / guardian. The passport must also show your current address, if the passport does not show your address then please provide any other Government issued identification document that bears your personal information alongside your present address