German Blocked Account and Health Insurance: A Guide for Bangladeshi Students (2026)
Published November 6, 2026
Opening a German blocked account and arranging health and travel insurance are two of the most confusing steps for new students from Bangladesh. This guide answers the questions students ask most often: how much money you need, what a student file is, which bank to use, which provider to choose and when to do everything.
Note: fees, exchange rates and bank rules change often. The figures below were checked in November 2026, but always confirm the latest details with your bank, your blocked account provider and the German Embassy in Dhaka before you transfer money.
How Much Money Do You Need for a German Blocked Account in 2026?
For a student visa, the required German blocked account amount in 2026 is €11,904 per year, which is €992 per month. The amount is set by the German Federal Foreign Office and follows the BAföG rate, so it rises every few years. Older posts that mention €11,208 or €10,332 are out of date. Check the current figure on the German Embassy Dhaka website before you transfer.
What Is the Total Cost of a German Blocked Account?
The €11,904 is your own money and is paid back to you in monthly instalments after you arrive in Germany. On top of it, you pay provider fees in Germany and bank charges in Bangladesh.
Provider fees in Germany
| Provider | Set-up fee | Monthly fee | Buffer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fintiba | €159 | €9.90 | €100 (refunded) | Open |
| Expatrio | €119 | €9 | €100 (refunded) | Open |
| Coracle | €99 | None | Approx. €80 | New applications paused since August 2025 |
Fintiba’s fees apply to accounts opened from 3 November 2025, and Expatrio’s new pricing applies from 7 July 2026. The buffer is not a fee: it covers small deductions and is returned to you in Germany.
Costs in Bangladesh
To send money abroad for your studies, you need a student file at a Bangladeshi bank. Students commonly report these costs, but they vary by bank:
- Student file opening fee: roughly BDT 3,500–6,500, plus VAT on the fee
- Opening a bank account (if you do not have one), often with a small non-refundable amount
- The bank’s euro exchange rate, which can make a bigger difference than any fee
What Is a Student File?
A student file is the official documentation a Bangladeshi bank prepares so that you can legally send money abroad for education. Your German blocked account is funded from this file. A student file is usually valid for about one year, and the bank will tell you which documents and sponsor papers it needs.
Documents usually needed
- University offer or admission letter
- Passport
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Sponsor and income documents, if the bank asks for them
Which Bank Should You Use for Your Student File?
Several banks in Bangladesh handle student files, including Eastern Bank (EBL), Sonali Bank, City Bank, BRAC Bank and Standard Chartered. Requirements for sponsors and proof of income differ from bank to bank.
The most important factor is usually the euro exchange rate. Rates change daily and differ between banks, so ask several banks for their rate on the day you plan to transfer and choose the one that offers the best total cost.
When Should You Open Your German Blocked Account?
Start as soon as you have your offer letter, and finish well before your visa appointment. Fintiba recommends opening the account about three to four weeks before the appointment. Keep the three steps separate:
- Open the German blocked account online with your chosen provider.
- Open the student file at your bank in Bangladesh.
- Transfer the money from the student file to the blocked account.
If you already have a bank account and go early in the day, the bank part can often be finished in one or two working days. Opening a new account first usually adds at least a day, and the international transfer itself can take a few more days.
Fintiba, Expatrio or Coracle?
Coracle was popular because it charged no monthly fee, but it paused new blocked account applications in August 2025 and has not announced a reopening date. For most students in 2026, the choice is therefore between Fintiba and Expatrio. Both are accepted by German embassies; they differ mainly in fees, apps and bundled insurance.
For a detailed comparison, read our guide Fintiba vs Expatrio: Which Blocked Account Is Better?.
Whichever provider you choose, make sure your source of funds is clearly documented. Providers must check where money comes from, and transfers with unclear documentation can be delayed or returned.
Health and Travel Insurance for Your Student Visa
For the visa you need travel health insurance that covers you until your university enrollment, and then German health insurance for your studies.
- Under 30: full-time students can usually join public health insurance, such as TK, Barmer or AOK. In 2026 the student rate is roughly €139–151 per month, depending on the insurer.
- 30 or older: you usually cannot get the public student rate and need private health insurance. Compare providers carefully; this overview of private health insurance in Germany is a good starting point.
- Travel insurance: several blocked account providers include free incoming travel insurance when you register for health insurance through them, so check package deals before buying it separately.
Once you arrive, our guide to healthcare in Germany for international students explains how to use your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get my money back if my visa is rejected?
Yes. Providers return the blocked amount if your visa is refused, minus their set-up fee and any transfer fees already charged. Read your provider’s refund terms before you pay.
What happens to the money if the student dies before travelling?
The money in a German blocked account belongs to the account holder. Legal heirs, such as parents, can usually claim it by contacting the provider and submitting the required legal documents.
I received a new offer letter. What should I do?
Inform your blocked account provider and your health and travel insurance provider by email and attach the new admission letter. Also ask your bank whether your student file needs to be updated; follow the bank’s instructions so that your transfer documents stay valid.
Can I study in Germany without a blocked account?
In some cases, yes. A sponsor living in Germany can sign a formal declaration instead. Read our guide on the Verpflichtungserklärung.
Key Takeaways
- The German blocked account amount for 2026 is €11,904 (€992 per month).
- Budget for provider fees, bank charges and the exchange rate on top of the blocked amount.
- Open the blocked account, then the student file, then transfer; start right after you receive your offer letter.
- Students under 30 usually choose public health insurance; older students need private insurance.
- Always confirm the latest rules with your bank, your provider and the German Embassy in Dhaka.
[…] to Germany soon? Read our guides on the German blocked account and health insurance and on a Master’s in Computer Science in […]