Planning to work in Germany? One of the significant financial requirements you’ll encounter is a term called a Blocked Account. It’s not like a regular savings account. It is considered the key to your Germany Opportunity Card and securing your stay in Germany.
In this article, we will explain the steps to open a Germany Opportunity Card for the Chancenkarte Visa. Before proceeding, let us provide an overview of a Blocked Account.
Blocked Account Germany – An Overview
A Blocked Account Germany, or Sperrkonto, is a special account which the German Federal Foreign Office mandates for non-EU job applicants, students, and language course attendants. It is meant to provide you with enough financial means to sustain yourself while you are staying there without using public funds.
As of 2025, employment seekers must pay about €13,092 for an Opportunity Card for one year, which is made available in monthly instalments of €1,091.
Why are Job Seekers from India required to open a Blocked Account in Germany?
Having a blocked account is one of the significant legal requirements for securing a Germany Opportunity Card. Your chancenkarte visa application won’t be approved without it. One of the key prerequisites for any long-term visa is that the applicant have enough money to cover their own expenditures, which this account assures the German government of.
Steps-by-step Process to Open a Blocked Account in Germany From India
Opening a blocked account in Germany from India can be very difficult. However, candidates must follow the instructions to register a banned account in Germany from India to prevent their application from being rejected.
Select a Government Recognised Provider
Not every bank offers a blocked account. Candidates are advised to use only financial institutions regulated by the BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) or those recognised by the local German consulate. Below, we have listed some Government-Recognised Providers.
| Provider | Notable Features |
| Fintiba | Fully digital, mobile-friendly |
| Expatrio | Includes value-added visa packages |
| Deutsche Bank | Traditionally, it requires in-person steps |
| ICICI Bank | Indian-friendly interface |
| Coracle | Quick setup, minimal documentation |
Only these companies promise that your Germany Opportunity Card visa application will go smoothly, even if you open a barred account in Germany.
Sign Up Online and Create an Account
After you have chosen a provider, go to their website and sign up for an account. You’ll have to provide:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Country of birth
- Passport details
- Purpose of stay (e.g., student visa, work seeker visa)
- Duration of stay in Germany
You’ll be provided with a personal dashboard after signing up, where you can start the application.
Submit the Documents Required
You’ll usually require the following documents:
- Valid passport
- University admission letter (for students)
- Evidence of visa type or purpose of stay
- Current passport photo
- Any other documentation requested by the provider
Digital providers usually verify documents within 1–3 business days. Scan and upload documents in high quality.
Get Your Blocked Account Details
After verification, you will have:
- Your blocked account number (IBAN)
- Bank address and SWIFT/BIC code
- Payment instructions
You can now deposit the required sum (e.g., €13,092 for 12 months) into the account. Banks might charge a small processing fee.
Tip: Deposit some extra cash to cover the account opening fee and monthly maintenance fees (around €5–€10/month).
Transfer the Necessary Funds
You can now transfer the required blocked sum from your home country using services like:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise)
- Western Union
Make sure your bank offers international transfer services. Depending on the procedure and where you live, it could take three to seven working days.
Tip: Always keep your transaction receipt or confirmation – you’ll need it for your visa application.
Get Confirmation of Blocked Account (Sperrkonto Bestätigung)
Once the provider has received your money, they will email/send you an official Confirmation of Blocked Account (Sperrkonto Bestätigung).
This form is a necessity for your visa application to Germany, so download it now and present it among your visa papers.
Apply for Your Visa
You can now apply for your Germany Opportunity Card since you have opened and funded your blocked account. Make sure to attach:
- Confirmation of Blocked Account
- Other visa documents (admission letter, insurance, passport, etc.)
Embassies and consulates usually accept printed or electronic copies of the confirmation letter, but verify their own specifications.
Activate Your Blocked Account in Germany
After entering Germany with your authorised visa, you must:
- Register your address (Anmeldung) with the local registration office.
- Open a basic current bank account (Girokonto) with a German bank in your area.
- Give your bank account provider a copy of your local bank account proof (IBAN).
They’ll then start releasing your monthly allowance (typically €934/month) to your everyday account. It usually takes a couple of days to a week, so it’s best to have some cash or a travel card handy to cover initial costs.
If you need detailed guidance on how to open a Blocked Account in Germany from India, reach out to Keymart Visa via +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
