Expatrio Blog

Working in Germany - Copy-Paste-Test-2

Admin — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:37:39 GMT

Germany is a magnet for workers, whether they are seeking their fortune in Frankfurt's financial sector, researching the automotive innovations in Munich for BMW, or making it big in Berlin's marketing sector. However, if you are considering making the move, there are some things to know before applying for a job. There's nothing to worry about, but as with many aspects of life, working in Germany has its own special nuances. And there are bureaucratic issues to work around before starting employment, for example securing visa sponsorship or getting all the necessary documents to pay taxes.

In this article, we'll be dealing with general employment and the German job market, not working as a student (there are other places to look for information in that case). So let's dive in and explain everything you need to know.

Working in Germany - Copy & Paste Test

Admin — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:13:47 GMT

Aachen

Admin — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:26:01 GMT

The birthplace of an empire, and a bewitching historical city

In the 8th century, Aachen became the most powerful city in Europe, as Charlemagne's imperial capital. Although it didn't remain a center of power, the Imperial Cathedral was a place to crown emperors well into the 17th century. Now it's a fascinating, medium-sized city near the French and Belgian borders, and a wonderful place to study.

10 things to know before moving to Germany | expatrio.com

Admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:30:35 GMT

In many ways, Germany is an easy country to settle in, with welcoming people and efficient businesses and government institutions. But there's no doubt that some aspects of German life can be slightly confusing and strange to newcomers. That's why we've put together this list of 10 things every arrival should know when they start their life in Germany.

How to Get a Loan in Germany [Requirements and Tips] | Expatrio

Admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 22:00:00 GMT

How to Get a Loan in Germany [Requirements and Tips]

When it comes to getting a loan, there are a few things you need to consider. Germany is a country with a thriving economy, so finding the right loan for your needs shouldn't be too difficult. However, there are some things you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible.

This article will examine how to get a loan in Germany and the available types. We will also look at the requirements you need to meet to qualify and some tips on how you can improve your chances of being approved.

So, if you are looking for a loan in Germany, read on to find out everything you need to know.

What is a Credit Score, and Why is it important?

To apply, you must have a good credit score. Your credit score (SCHUFA) is a number that represents your creditworthiness. It is based on your credit history and shows lenders how likely you are to repay it on time and decide whether or not to lend you money and at what interest rate.

A good credit score is essential because it will give you access to better terms and rates. If you have a poor credit score, you may still be able to get a loan, but the terms will not be as favorable. A few things can affect your credit scores, such as late payments, defaults, and bankruptcies. You will have a higher credit score if you have a good credit history.

What Credit Score do I need to get a loan in Germany?

Your credit score is one of the most important deciding factors that lenders will consider when you apply for a loan. In Germany, the credit scoring system is different from other countries. The main credit rating agencies in Germany use information from your credit report to calculate your credit score.

Your credit score can range from 100 to 600; the lower your score, the better. A credit score between 100-199 is considered good, while a credit score of over 300 is considered poor.

Tip: You can order a free SCHUFA record by visiting this website.

Requirements

You need to meet a few requirements to qualify in Germany. These include:

You must be 18 years of age or older.
You must have a regular income or should be able to prove a steady and sufficient proof of income( 3 – 6 months of pay slips for employees, up to two years of balance sheets for freelancers) be presenting a decent SCHUFA score
You must have a bank account in Germany.
You must be residing in Germany.

Obtaining a Loan in Germany

The first thing you need to do is find a bank that offers loans in Germany. You can do this by searching online or asking friends and family around. Once you have found a few banks that offers, it's time to compare the interest rates and other features.

The next step is to complete an application form. This form will ask for basic information such as your name, address, and contact details. It will also ask about your income and employment status. The bank will use this information to determine whether or not you are eligible.

In addition, the bank may also want to see proof of your identity and your income. This could include copies of your passport and wage slips from your employer. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide copies of your business registration documents and tax returns.

Different Types of Loans Available in Germany

There are several different types of loans available in Germany, each with its features and benefits. Here is a list of the most common types.

- Car loans (Autokredit): These types are popular in Germany and can be used to finance the purchase of a new or used car. The interest rates on car loans are usually relatively low.

-Instant loan (Sofortkredit): As the name suggests, an instant loan can be approved and disbursed very quickly, usually in a couple of days. These are generally for small amounts of money and have high-interest rates.

-Mortgage loans (Immobilienkredit or Baufinanzierung): Home loans are available for buying and renovating property in Germany. Interest rates are usually lower than other types of loans, and they often come with long repayment terms.

-Consumer credit (Privat Kredit): These are loans that are specifically designed for consumers. They usually come with lower interest rates than other types and can be used for various purposes, such as buying a car or home improvement work.

-Business loans: A Business loan is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their businesses. These are available for both small and large companies. Interest rates on business loans vary depending on the size and the type of business; the loans tend to be higher than other types, but they offer the advantage of being able to borrow large sums of money.

What tips can I use to improve my chances of getting a loan?

You can do a few things to increase your chances of being approved for a loan in Germany. These include:

- Make sure you have a good credit score: As we mentioned above, your credit score is one of the most important factors that banks will consider when assessing your application. If you have a good credit score, you are more likely to be approved. You can order a free copy of your credit report from the SCHUFA website.

- Apply for a loan with a co-signer: If you have someone willing to co-sign your loan, you may be more likely to be approved. A co-signer is someone who agrees to repay if you are unable to do so.

-Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. This includes having a regular income and no outstanding debt.

-Have a good credit history. This means paying your bills on time and not having any defaults or late payment history on your credit file.

-Provide all the necessary documentation. This includes proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residence.

-Shop around for the best interest rate and repayment terms. Don't just go with the first lender you come across.

German terms you need to know

When applying for a loan, there are a few critical German terms that you need to be aware of when applying for a loan in Germany. These include:

- Kreditbetrag: This is the credit amount or the amount of money you are borrowing.

-Kredit Anfrage: A credit inquiry is when a lender asks for your credit history from the SCHUFA.

-Zinssatz: The interest rate is the percentage of the loan amount you will be charged in interest.

-Laufzeit: The loan term is the length of time over which you will repay the loan. This is usually expressed in months or years.

-Gebühren: Fees are charges associated with taking out a loan. These can include application fees, closing costs, and early repayment fees.

-Sicherheit: Collateral is something you offer to the lender as security for the loan. This could be your home, your car, or another asset.

-Umschuldung: Refinancing is when you take out a new loan to repay an existing loan. This can be done to get a lower interest rate, longer repayment terms, or both.

- Kreditvertrag: The credit agreement is the contract between you and the lender that outlines the terms of the loan.

-Bonität: Creditworthiness measures your ability to repay the loan. This includes your credit history, income, and employment history.

- Raten/ Tilgung: The repayment is the money you will need to pay back each month.

- Sollzinsen: The nominal interest rate is the interest rate stated on your agreement.

- Effektiver Jahreszins: The effective annual interest rate is the actual interest rate you will be paying when all fees are considered. This is the rate you should use to compare different loans.

There you go! We've outlined the key terms and requirements you need to be aware of, as well as tips on improving your chances of being approved. So, whether you're looking for a personal loan or a business loan, make sure you keep these things in mind.

Looking to apply for a new Credit Card?

Click on the article below to know some of the best interest rates and offers.

Learn more

Important Update on Blocked Account in Germany [2022] | expatrio.com

Admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Important Update on Blocked Account in Germany [2022]

As an international student in Germany, one of the most important things to consider is your finances. In particular, you need to ensure that you have enough money to support yourself financially when living in the country.

One common way to do this is by opening a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto). A Blocked Account is a particular type of account in which a certain amount of money is "blocked" or set aside for you to use for living expenses. Blocked accounts are crucial for student visa applications, as they serve as proof of sufficient financial resources.

The German government sets and regularly reviews the monthly living costs amount. One of the most recent changes occurred in January 2021, and the monthly blocked amount was raised to €861. However, the German government (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) has announced another revision to the blocked amount. It will be increased to €934 starting from January 1, 2023.

This change affects international students applying for German student visas for 2023, starting in January 2023. You should contact the German embassy responsible for issuing your visa to confirm how the increased amount may affect your visa application.

Expatrio gets you covered! Whether you have already opened your Blocked Account or plan to do so, we assist you with adjusting your blocked amount if needed. Read on to find out more information.

Expatrio Guide | Increased Blocked Account Amount

1. If you have already applied for a visa or residence permit.

If you need to increase the amount of money blocked for your visa or residence permit, the German authority handling your immigration application will contact you directly. We also ask you to double-check with them yourself.

2a. If you have already transferred a partial or the total blocked amount to Expatrio but have not yet had your visa or residence permit appointment.

You can simply submit a change request on your Expatrio portal:

Just log into your user portal.
Click on "Blocked account."
Scroll down and click on "change details."

From there, you can update both the monthly amount and the number of months, then submit the change request.

We will process your change request within one business day, and you can set up a new Payment on your Expatrio portal afterward to transfer the required amount.

If your blocked account is already live, you can use your Blocked Account Statement (Kontoauszug) as proof of your current Blocked account balance.

2b. If you have not yet transferred any funds to Expatrio

You can simply update your blocked account on your Expatrio portal:

Just log into your user portal.
Click on "Blocked account."
Scroll down and click on "change details."

From there, you can update both the monthly amount and the number of months, then submit the change request. Your blocked account setup will reflect the new values immediately.

2c. If your blocked account is already live

If your blocked account is already live (i.e., the monthly payouts have already started) and you need to update the monthly amount for the remaining months, please contact customer support, and we will help you set this up.

Tip: You can make the process faster if you tell us which months you need to update, what should be the new monthly amount, which country you want to transfer from, and in what currency.

For all 2a, 2b, and 2c cases, please contact the German authority handling your visa application to confirm if you are required to add money to your Blocked Account.

3. How do I secure a document stating the new blocked amount? Or Is it possible to obtain a document that states the new amount of money I transferred?

If your blocked account is not activated yet (i.e., your monthly payouts did not start yet), you will get a new 06 Blocked Amount Confirmation with the new monthly amount after the setup of your blocked account has been updated and the additional funds arrive.

4. Is there an additional fee I need to pay to increase the amount?

No, we do not charge fees for change requests.

Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!

Changes in BAföG rates 2022/23

The monthly BAföG payment for students will rise from €427 to €452.
Students who no longer live with their parents receive €360 instead of €325 for rent.
Students who no longer have family health insurance through their parents now receive BAföG subsidies for health and nursing care coverage.
The government's proposal to raise the childcare allowance for students with children from €150 to €160 is under consideration.
BAföG's age limit of 30 will be raised to 45 for students to begin studying later.

For more information regarding other potential changes, please check this article here.

Need a Blocked Account for your visa application?

Secure your Health Insurance bundle and Blocked account with Expatrio's Value Package.

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The 10 Best Movie Theaters and Film Festivals | Expatrio

Admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

The 10 Best Movie Theaters and Film Festivals in Germany

Germany is a country with a rich cinematic history. From the expressionist films of the 1920s to the New German Cinema of the 1970s, German filmmakers have always been at the forefront of international cinema. In addition to this illustrious history, Germany boasts some of the world's best movie theaters and film festivals.

Whether you are a fan of art-house films or Hollywood blockbusters, there are plenty of theaters and festivals that will satisfy your needs. If you're looking for a great movie-going experience, look no further than Germany!

German movie theaters and film festivals

Germany has a long and proud history of filmmaking, dating back to the early days of cinema. Some of the earliest films were made in Germany, including The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and Nosferatu (1922). These films were highly influential and helped establish Germany as a significant player in the film industry.

Movie theaters are an essential part of German culture and play a vital role in the country's film industry. In addition to showcasing new releases, many theaters offer classic and independent film screenings.

The Ten Best Movie Theaters and Film Festivals in Germany

Here are some of the best movie theaters and film festivals that the country has to offer.

CineStar – The Movie Theatre chain with locations throughout Germany offers the latest Hollywood blockbusters and German-language films.

UCI Kinowelt – Another large Movie Theatre chain, UCI has locations in most major German cities.

Babylon Mitte – A well-known art house cinema in Berlin, Babylon Mitte is the perfect place to catch a foreign film or an independent movie.

Das Kino – This Movie Theatre is located in Hamburg and is known for its excellent selection of international films.

Filmhaus: This theater is located in Cologne and offers a wide variety of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent features.

Cinemaxx: This Movie Theatre chain has locations in several German cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Some of the best English Movie theaters include:

Now that we have covered some of the best movie theaters in Germany, let us look at the theaters offering movies in English in Germany.

Berlin:

Cinestar Berlin
Cinemaxx Berlin
UCI
Yorck Rollberg

Munich:

Cinestar Munich
Cinemaxx Munich
Neues Maxim
Astro Film Lounge

Frankfurt:

CineStar Frankfurt
Astro Film Lounge

Hamburg:

Cinemaxx Hamburg
Savoy

Abbreviations you need to know

Some of the more common abbreviations include Omv for "Ohne Musik" (without music), Smv for "Sound mit Vorspann" (sound with opening credits), and S/W for "Schwarz-Weiss" (black and white).

Many German movie theaters offer screenings of movies with the original soundtrack (OV) and without subtitles (OMU). If you are interested in watching a film in its original language, check for these abbreviations before purchasing your tickets.

Film Festivals in Germany

In addition to being home to some of the best movie theaters, there are plenty of film festivals to choose from in Germany, ranging from small regional events to large international festivals.

Some of the most popular festivals include the Berlin International Film Festival, the Munich Film Festival, and the Dusseldorf Filmfest. These festivals attract some of the biggest names in cinema and offer an excellent opportunity to see new and upcoming films.

Berlinale:

The Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. The festival takes place every February and features a wide variety of films, including independent and mainstream titles from all over the globe.

Munich Film Festival:

The Munich Film Festival is another excellent summer film festival that takes place in the city of Munich. The festival showcases a mix of German and international films and is a perfect opportunity to see some of the latest releases.

Bavarian Film Awards:

Another major film festival, the Bavarian Film Awards, is held in January annually in Munich. The event is attended by filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals, as well as movie fans from all over the country.

Duesseldorf Film Fest:

The Düsseldorf Filmfest is one of the country's biggest and most prominent short film festivals. The festival takes place every November and features a wide selection of short films in Germany. This film fest is an annual event that began in 2003 and has since become renowned worldwide.

Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt:

The Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt is a film festival focusing on independent and arthouse films. The festival takes place every May in Frankfurt and offers an excellent opportunity to see some of the latest releases. From regional and international short films to VR storytelling, the Lichter Filmfest has something for everyone.

Hamburg International Queer Film Festival:

The Hamburg Queer International Film Festival is the oldest in October. The event features screenings, lectures, panel discussions with filmmakers, and an awards ceremony.

Cologne Film Festival:

The Cologne Film Festival is a leading film industry event every October. The conference is attended by leading German and international film industry figures, providing networking and discussion opportunities.

There are plenty of other great film festivals held throughout Germany. Moviegoers should check the websites of their favorite movie theaters and film festivals to see upcoming events. There is something for everyone with so many great options to choose from. You won't be disappointed.

Do you want to know the best places to travel to in Germany?

Check out our Toursim in Germany page for more information!

Tourism in Germany

The Best Credit Cards for students and working professionals | Expatrio.com

Admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Highly Recommended Credit Cards in Germany

Germany is an excellent place to live and work, with a high standard of living and many job possibilities. If you are a student or working professionally in Germany, you may be looking for the top credit cards to help you manage your finances.

This blog post will discuss the top credit cards in Germany for students and working professionals and the requirements to apply for each card. We will also talk about cards with low-interest rates so you can save money on your monthly payments.

When finding a credit card in Germany, you should keep a few things in mind.

First, what is your credit score? You can qualify for a lower interest rate and more favorable terms if you have a good credit score.
Second, what is your income? If you have a high income, you may be able to qualify for a card with a higher credit limit.
Finally, what are your spending habits? If you are a responsible spender and pay off your balance in full each month, you will be able to save money on interest charges.

There are many different credit cards available in Germany, so it is important to compare your options before applying.

Advantages

There are many advantages to having a credit card, including:

-It can help you improve your credit score, which is essential if you want to borrow money in the future.

-It can help you manage your finances by allowing you to spread your payments over time.

-It can be a valuable tool in an emergency, as you can use it to pay for unexpected expenses.

-It can help you save money by allowing you to take advantage of discounts and rewards programs.

Points to Remember

There are a few things you need to be careful about when using a credit card, such as:

-It is essential to make your payments on time, as late payments can damage your credit score.

-If you carry a balance on your card, you will be charged interest.

-Most cards have annual fees, so you must factor this into your budget.

-If you do not manage your finances responsibly, you may have a high-interest rate and a large debt.

-If you are not careful, you may also end up paying annual fees, late payment fees, and other charges.

-You may also be tempted to spend more money than you can afford if you have a high credit limit.

Now that we have discussed the things to remember when using a card, let's look at the types of credit cards available.

Types of Credit Cards available in Germany

Different types of credit cards are available in Germany, designed for different needs.

-Cash back cards: These credit cards offer cash back on purchases, typically between 0.25% and 0.50%.

-Rewards cards: These credit cards offer rewards points for your purchases, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash back.

-Balance transfer cards: These credit cards offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers, which can help you save money on interest charges.

-Business cards: These credit cards are designed for business expenses and typically offer rewards points or cash back on your purchases.

-Student cards: These credit cards are designed for students and often offer special discounts and rewards programs.

-Credit cards with bank account: Credit cards with a bank account offer many advantages, such as credit protection, online banking, and more.

-Prepaid cards: Prepaid credit cards are a good option if you do not have a credit history, as they allow you to load money onto the card and use it like a debit card.

Now that we have looked at the different types of credit cards available in Germany, let's look at the requirements to apply for each type of card.

Requirements to apply for a Credit Card in Germany

To apply for a credit card in Germany, you will need the following:

-A valid passport or ID

-Proof of income (such as a pay stub or tax return)

-Proof of address (such as a utility bill)

-A credit score of 650 or higher

If you have a credit score of 650 or higher, you should have no problem qualifying for a credit card. However, if your credit score is below 650, you may still be able to qualify for a card, but you may have to pay a higher interest rate.

Now that we have looked at the requirements to apply for a credit card in Germany, let's look at some of the highly-recommended credit card options in Germany.

Highly Recommended Credit Cards in Germany for Students

-The DKB Visa Card offers free cash withdrawal worldwide, an emergency package, and zero foreign transaction fees. You can also earn interest of about 0.20% on deposits. You can get an allowance of up to €25,000.

-The Comdirect Visa Card is another excellent choice, with no annual fee and a 0% debit interest. You can split your payments into three installments and shop worldwide or online with zero foreign transaction fees. If you own a checking account with Comdirect, you can add the visa card for just €1.90 per month.

-The Deutsche Bank Visa Card is a fantastic choice for customers with excellent credit who want to take advantage of various credit card options available. An individual credit limit is set for all the different card types, and an annual fee starts from €39. The bank also offers its customers a security guarantee and free SMS service.

-The student credit card from Barclaycard allows you to take advantage of the free credit card and up to eight weeks' worth of free payment. Like the other credit cards, it also offers zero annual fees and a reasonable credit limit. If used properly, a line of credit of more than €1000 will be provided.

-The Gebuhnfrei Mastercard is another excellent choice, as it has zero annual fees and up to seven weeks of interest-free payments. It also offers 24-hour customer service and a replacement card free of charge.

-TF Mastercard Gold: This credit card offers zero annual fees, zero invoice delivery, zero worldwide payment fees, and zero opening fees. With this credit card, you can get up to 51 days of interest-free purchases.

Tips on how to improve your Credit Score

There are a few things you can do to improve your credit score in Germany, including:

-Making on-time payments: One of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score is to make on-time payments. Late payments can hurt your credit score.

-Avoid maxing out your credit card: Another thing you can do to improve your credit score is to avoid maxing out your credit card. When you max out your credit card, it can harm your credit score.

-Keep your credit balances low: Another way to improve your credit score is to keep your credit balances low. If you have a lot of debt, it can harm your credit score.

-Pay off your debt: One of the things you can do to improve your credit score is to pay off your debt. If you have a lot of debt, it can harm your credit score.

-Don't close unused credit cards: Another thing you can do to improve your credit score is to keep your credit card accounts open, even if you don't use them. If you close unused credit cards, it can harm your credit score.

-Have a mix of different types of credit: One final tip for improving your credit score is to have a mix of different types of credit. A mix of different types of credit can help improve your credit score.

These are just some of the top credit cards in Germany for students and working professionals. So, if you're looking for the top credit cards in Germany, the ones we've listed above should be a great choice. They offer many features and benefits, including low-interest rates, no annual fees, and more. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before applying, so you can find the right card.

The best credit card for you will depend on your circumstances and credit score. Compare your options and choose the credit card that best suits your needs.

Thanks for reading!

Do you want to know what the top health apps in Germany are?

Please take a look at our best health apps guide!

Health and Fitness apps

Summer Music Festivals- 2022 | expatrio.com

Admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Summer Music Festivals- 2022

Summertime in Germany means one thing – music festivals! There's something for everyone, from small, intimate gatherings to massive open-air events. Here's a guide to some of the best summer music festivals in Germany in 2022.

Upcoming Music Festivals

Echelon Open Air Festival 2022

If you're looking for an unforgettable festival experience, look no further than the Echelon Open Air Festival. This massive event takes place in the beautiful city of Bad Aibling and features some of the biggest names, such as Amelie Lens and Vini Vici, in the music industry. The festival will be taking place on 19-21 August 2022.

Wacken Open Air 2022

This heavy metal festival is a must-visit for any metalhead. On 4-6 August 2022 in Wacken, this open-air festival will see some of the biggest names. Some of the performers include Alligatoah, Slipknot, Dope, etc.

Highfield festival

Highfield Festival is worth checking out if you're looking for something slightly left-field. On 19-21 August 2022 in Leipzig, the festival will feature a range of genres, from punk and metal to hip hop and electronic. Bring me the Horizon, Bad Religion, and The Bouncing Souls are some performers you can expect to see.

Lollapalooza Berlin 2022

One of the biggest music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza Berlin, will take place on 24-25 September 2022. The biggest names in music, such as Tiesto, Machine Gun Kelly, Anne-Marie, and many more, will be performing, so this is an event not to be missed.

MS DOCKVILLE 2022

If you're looking for a festival with a more relaxed vibe, then MS DOCKVILLE is the perfect event for you. On 19th-21 August 2022 in Hamburg, the festival will feature a range of genres, including indie, pop, and electronic.

Reload-Festival 2022

Set in the beautiful city of Sulingen, Reload Festival is one of Germany's most famous rock festivals. On 18-20 August 2022, the festival will see some of the biggest names in rock, such as Lacuna Coil, Comeback kid, Dark Tranquillity, and others, taking the stage.

Elbriot Festival 2022

Elbriot Festival is the perfect event for you if you're a hip-hop fan. On 20 August 2022 in Hamburg, the festival will feature some of the biggest names in hip hop.

Summer Breeze 2022

One of the biggest metal festivals in Europe, Summer Breeze, will take place from 17-20 August 2022 in Dinkelsbühl. With a line-up that includes some of the biggest names, such as Within Temptation, Arch Enemy and many more, this summer breeze open-air event is not something you want to miss.

There you have it – a guide to some of the best summer music festivals in Germany in 2022. Whether you're a fan of electronic music or metal, there's sure to be an event perfect for you.

So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now and enjoy a summer of incredible music in Germany!

Deutsche Bank No Longer Offers Blocked Account Services

Admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Deutsche Bank No Longer Offers Blocked Account Services - How Students Can Benefit from Expatrio

If you're a student planning to study in Germany, you'll know the necessary formalities for Blocked Accounts.

A Blocked Account is a must-have, and it is an inevitable part of student life for any international student who wants to study in Germany. A Blocked Account, often known as a "Sperrkonto," is a unique type of bank account in which a student may deposit money but won't be able to access it until they arrive in Germany. To withdraw your money, you must first come to Germany, provide proof of residence, and open a German bank account to accept monthly deposits.

Why is Blocked Account required?

The main reason for a Blocked Account is that it is a requirement of the German student visa regulations. The German government uses the Blocked Account to ensure that international students have adequate money to survive their studies.

There are a plethora of platforms that provide Blocked Account Services, one of which is the Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank was one of the most popular banks for opening Blocked Accounts among international students. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including internet banking and credit card transactions, and has many ATMs throughout Germany. It is also one of Europe's largest banks.

They have, however, announced that they no longer provide Blocked account services starting July 1, 2022. This means that students now need to find an alternative to enjoy the benefits of a Blocked Account.

So, what are your other options?

Expatrio is an excellent choice.

Expatrio is a digital Blocked Account provider that has offered the same features and benefits as the other Blocked account service providers since 2018. With Expatrio, you can quickly and securely open a Blocked Account from the comfort of your home and handle all your financial needs in one place. All you need is a computer or smartphone with an internet connection.

We provide several services that make it simple and quick for students to open a blocked bank account with us. Aside from than, we provide outstanding value package alternatives that fulfill visa requirements for international students wanting to study in Germany, including Health Insurance and other services.

What's more, there are no hidden fees or charges with Expatrio.

Why Choose Expatrio?

There are several benefits to using Expatrio.

Let's start by looking at the fees.

Account Opening fee - €49 (reimbursed if you opt for Value Package)
Monthly fee - €5
Account Opening time - 0-1 business day (many instant openings)

We offer Value Package, an all-inclusive solution that includes a Blocked Account, Health Insurance, and other services. The package is designed to make it easy for students to obtain student visas and live stress-free lives in Germany.

Other Benefits:

We provide multilingual assistance and usually respond within 24 hours on weekdays.
Our platform is simple and easy to use.
Online document exchange is possible through the web application (soon through our mobile app)
Customers may contact us via phone, email, or our contact form.
We're partnered with Germany's renowned health insurance "TK" for public Health Insurance services.
Free Travel Insurance of up to 92 days in the package for TK customers.
You will get a free ISIC card for one year (automatic cancellation) that may be used to obtain discounts and special offers on various goods and services.
Through our partnership, students may use Housing Anywhere to search for Housing in Germany.

Want to know more about our products?

Free Services offered by Expatrio

Aside from the benefits, we provide several free services to students, including:

Study finder: We provide a search engine for German university courses and programs. Students can use the Study Finder on Expatrio to locate their ideal course.
Study application: We provide a study application service to assist students with the whole application procedure. Students may apply to universities free of cost and manage all their applications in one location.
Study Eligibility Checker: Students can take a little test to discover whether they are eligible to apply to a German University directly.
Study consultation: Our study consultants can assist you in finding the best solution possible if you need help studying in Germany are unsure which university course to take, missed your application deadline, or have been rejected by a university and other circumstances.
Educational Articles: Our weekly blogs offer everything a student might need, including studying, living, working, and tourism in Germany.
Free Monese Classic bank account for 12 months.
Webinars: The students benefit from weekly free webinars on our products and services, as well as studying and working in Germany, which allows them to address their concerns and ask queries.
Learn German: You may learn German at a low cost with Expatrio. We've also teamed up with Chatterbug to give Expatrio's clients discounts when they enroll in a German language course.
Referral Program: You may now join our Referral program and make money.
Community DeGiS: We've connected with DeGiS, the famous international students' community, to help you connect and have fun adventures with other international students in Germany.

If you're looking for an alternative to the Deutsche Bank blocked account, look no further than Expatrio! We offer a simple, convenient and affordable solution for students wanting to study in Germany. With Expatrio, you can be sure you are getting the best possible value for your money.

What international students say about Expatrio?

Not convinced yet? See what some of our happy customers have to say.

"My blocked account was opened the next day. The money was transferred within 2 days. That means Expatrio provides the fastest way to an open blocked account so far. All in all, I would highly recommend Expatrio."

Lina Frolova

"The services are provided with great efficiency and in a timely manner. It is paper free and student friendly. It took me about ten minutes to apply for health insurance".

Sabina Islamzade

"Highly recommended & best service for opening blocked account I've ever used. Expatrio's staff provided quick support for all my questions. If you take from 2 weeks to 1 month to open a blocked account with a bank, you only need 3-5 days to have a blocked account with Expatrio. So amazing!"

Trang Xuân Nguyễn Thị

"My blocked account was opened the next day. The money was transferred within 2 days. That means Expatrio provides the fastest way to an open blocked account so far. All in all, I would highly recommend Expatrio."

Lina Frolova

"The services are provided with great efficiency and in a timely manner. It is paper free and student friendly. It took me about ten minutes to apply for health insurance".

Sabina Islamzade

Expatrio Blog

Working in Germany - Copy-Paste-Test-2

Working in Germany - Copy & Paste Test

Aachen

The birthplace of an empire, and a bewitching historical city

10 things to know before moving to Germany | expatrio.com

How to Get a Loan in Germany [Requirements and Tips] | Expatrio

How to Get a Loan in Germany [Requirements and Tips]

Looking to apply for a new Credit Card?

Important Update on Blocked Account in Germany [2022] | expatrio.com

Important Update on Blocked Account in Germany [2022]

Expatrio Guide | Increased Blocked Account Amount

Changes in BAföG rates 2022/23

Need a Blocked Account for your visa application?

The 10 Best Movie Theaters and Film Festivals | Expatrio

The 10 Best Movie Theaters and Film Festivals in Germany

German movie theaters and film festivals

The Ten Best Movie Theaters and Film Festivals in Germany

Some of the best English Movie theaters include:

Berlin:

Munich:

Frankfurt:

Hamburg:

Abbreviations you need to know

Film Festivals in Germany

Berlinale:

Munich Film Festival:

Bavarian Film Awards:

Duesseldorf Film Fest:

Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt:

Hamburg International Queer Film Festival:

Cologne Film Festival:

Do you want to know the best places to travel to in Germany?

The Best Credit Cards for students and working professionals | Expatrio.com

Highly Recommended Credit Cards in Germany

Advantages

Points to Remember

Types of Credit Cards available in Germany

Requirements to apply for a Credit Card in Germany

Highly Recommended Credit Cards in Germany for Students

Tips on how to improve your Credit Score

Do you want to know what the top health apps in Germany are?

Summer Music Festivals- 2022 | expatrio.com

Summer Music Festivals- 2022

Upcoming Music Festivals

Deutsche Bank No Longer Offers Blocked Account Services

Deutsche Bank No Longer Offers Blocked Account Services - How Students Can Benefit from Expatrio

Why is Blocked Account required?

So, what are your other options?

Why Choose Expatrio?

Want to know more about our products?

Free Services offered by Expatrio

What international students say about Expatrio?

Trustpilot Reviews