How is the Total Blocked Amount calculated?

The Total Blocked Amount consists of different parts. In the following, we will break it down for you:

• Duration of stay in months: The time frame you need your blocked account. This will be multiplied with the monthly blocked amount, and the result will be your total blocked amount. Authorities usually ask this duration to cover your visa duration. We always recommend you to contact the authority handling your visa application to learn the exact details of the Blocked Account they request from you!
• Monthly Blocked Amount: the amount you need to block for each month of stay in Germany. As of Sep 2024, the standard monthly blocked amount for university students is €992 per month, Please note: the authorities might ask you for a different amount based on the details of your visa application.
• Additional Basic Sum: usually, this is not applicable. If you need to deposit an Additional Basic Sum, the authority handling your visa request will let you know. 
• Account buffer: €100 used to cover unforeseeable banking charges and exchange rate fluctuations (this is to make sure, the required Blocked Amount arrives in your blocked account. Because unless the full amount arrives we would not be able to issue the 06 Blocked Amount Confirmation for your visa appointment).
• Initial Set-up fee: €69
• Monthly service fee: €5 per month. This fee applies when your blocked account is opened, but we charge only when you receive your 06 Confirmation letter. We will use your buffer for the months on top of your blocking period.

The Monthly Blocked Amount

The Monthly Blocked Amount is the minimum amount of money you need to cover your living expenses while living in Germany as stipulated by the German Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz ("BAföG"). As of Sep 2024, the standard monthly blocked amount required by the German Federal Foreign Office is €992 per month, which varies based on the details of your visa/residence permit application.

Your local embassy, consulate, or foreign office will communicate the exact amount you will need for your blocked account on an individual basis!

The Additional Basic Sum

The Additional Basic Sum is an additional amount to be paid into your blocked account upon request by your local consulate or embassy. If the consulate or embassy has made no such request, please do not enter an Additional Basic Sum while applying for a Blocked Account. If you are required to enter an Additional Basic Sum which is usually adding your university tuition fees to your blocked account, it will serve as security during your stay in Germany. Please note that this amount remains blocked and cannot be paid out during your stay in Germany but will be refunded in full at the end of your stay or with your university tuition fee request letter. 

To learn more about adding amount on top of your blocked account, please read this article! 

When does charging the monthly Blocked Account fee (€5) start?

You will be charged €5 per month from the moment your 06 Blocked Amount Confirmation letter is created. This fee will continue as long as your Blocked Account is open.

The € 69 set-up fee is charged once your account is activated and you start receiving your monthly payouts. Tip: Get the Expatrio Value Package to receive the full cashback for your set-up fee!

If your visa is rejected, don’t worry—we will refund all your funds according to our fair use policy.