Every year, thousands of international students dream of studying in Germany. For non-EU students, one of the first visa requirements is a blocked account (Sperrkonto). This account proves that you have enough money to cover living expenses while studying.
But what happens if your German student visa application is rejected after you have already deposited thousands of euros into your blocked account? This is where the refund process becomes critical.
A blocked account refund is not automatic. Students must follow specific steps, provide documentation, and pay certain fees to get their money back. Understanding the process in detail saves time, prevents financial losses, and ensures peace of mind.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the refund process for blocked accounts in Germany if your visa is rejected. It covers refund rules, required documents, processing times, provider policies, hidden charges, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is a Blocked Account in Germany?
A blocked account is a financial requirement for non-EU students applying for a German visa. The rules are set by the German Federal Foreign Office. Students must deposit a fixed minimum amount (in 2025: €11,208 for one year) before they can apply for a visa.
The money is locked and released in monthly installments (about €934) once the student arrives in Germany. Until then, the account remains blocked.
If your visa application is rejected, you cannot access this money unless you request a formal refund.
When Can You Request a Refund?
A refund is possible only under specific conditions. The most common reasons include:
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Visa rejection by a German embassy or consulate.
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Withdrawal of visa application by the student.
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Admission cancellation from the German university.
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Switching to another financial proof method (for example, scholarship or sponsor guarantee).
Refunds are not possible if:
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You have already entered Germany and started using the account.
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You do not provide proper rejection documentation.
Refund Process for Blocked Account in Germany if Visa Is Rejected
Step 1: Collect Your Visa Rejection Letter
The most important document is the official visa rejection letter issued by the German embassy or consulate. This letter proves that you were denied entry and are therefore eligible for a refund.
Step 2: Contact Your Blocked Account Provider
You must submit a refund request directly to the blocked account provider (such as Fintiba, Expatrio, or Coracle). Each provider has a separate refund form available on their website or app.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Typical documents needed for refund include:
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Copy of your passport.
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Copy of the visa rejection letter (official embassy/consulate document).
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Refund application form provided by your blocked account service.
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Bank details of the account where the money should be sent.
Step 4: Verification by the Provider
The provider will verify:
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The authenticity of the visa rejection letter.
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Your personal details.
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The amount you initially deposited.
Step 5: Deduction of Fees
Providers will deduct setup fees, service charges, and bank transfer costs. These are non-refundable.
Step 6: Transfer of Funds
The remaining balance is transferred back to your home-country bank account. Processing times vary depending on the provider and the international bank transfer system.
Refund Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Refund processing times depend on both the provider and the bank network. On average:
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Provider verification: 1–3 weeks.
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International transfer: 1–4 weeks.
In total, the refund process may take 3–8 weeks.
Some providers like Fintiba and Expatrio advertise faster refunds (3–4 weeks), while smaller providers may take longer.
Refund Fees and Charges
Refunds are not free. The following costs are usually deducted:
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Account setup fee: Non-refundable (€49 – €150 depending on provider).
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Monthly service charges: Deducted for the duration your account was active.
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Bank transfer fees: Around €20–€40 depending on country.
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Currency conversion charges: If your account is not in euros, exchange rate deductions may apply.
Example Calculation:
| Item | Amount (€) |
|---|---|
| Total deposited | 11,208 |
| Setup fee (non-refundable) | -89 |
| Monthly fees (3 months) | -15 |
| Bank transfer & exchange fees | -35 |
| Refundable balance | 11,069 |
Refund Policies of Major Providers
Fintiba Refund Policy
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Setup fee is not refunded.
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Refund initiated only after official visa rejection proof.
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Processing time: 3–6 weeks.
Expatrio Refund Policy
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Requires official embassy rejection letter.
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Deducts setup fee and service charges.
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Refund may take up to 8 weeks for certain countries.
Coracle Refund Policy
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No monthly fee, only setup fee deducted.
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Refund only to the original sender account.
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Processing time: 4–6 weeks.
Legal Rules for Refunds in Germany
Refunds are regulated under German banking and immigration laws. Key points include:
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Mandatory rejection proof: Providers must have legal confirmation before releasing funds.
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Anti-money laundering (AML) checks: Banks must verify that the money is returned to the rightful owner.
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Refund destination: Funds are usually sent back to the original sender account to prevent fraud.
Mistakes Students Make During Refund Requests
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Submitting incomplete documents.
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Using an unofficial rejection letter copy.
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Expecting 100% refund without fee deductions.
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Providing incorrect bank account details.
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Applying too late, causing unnecessary delays.
Comparison Table: Refund Process Overview
| Feature | Fintiba | Expatrio | Coracle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable Setup Fee | €89 | €49 | €99 |
| Monthly Service Fee | €4.90 | €5 | €0 |
| Refund Processing Time | 3–6 weeks | 4–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Refund Destination | Sender account only | Sender account only | Sender account only |
| Embassy Letter Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a full refund of my blocked account if my visa is rejected?
No. Setup fees, monthly service charges, and transfer costs are always deducted.
2. How long does it take to get a blocked account refund in Germany?
Usually between 3–8 weeks, depending on provider and international transfer speed.
3. Do I need the original visa rejection letter for a refund?
Yes. Providers will not process refunds without an official document from the embassy.
4. Can I transfer the refund to a different account?
In most cases, the refund goes only to the original sender account to comply with anti-money laundering rules.
5. Is the refund process the same for all providers?
The basic steps are the same, but fees and timelines differ by provider.
6. What happens if my refund request is denied?
You must contact the provider with additional proof or appeal through German banking authorities.
7. Can I reapply for a visa after a refund?
Yes, but you will need to open a new blocked account and deposit the required funds again.
8. Are refund requests possible if I withdraw my visa application voluntarily?
Yes, but you must still provide official embassy confirmation of withdrawal.
9. Can I keep the blocked account open even if my visa is rejected?
Some providers allow it, but funds remain inaccessible without a valid visa.
10. Do scholarships exempt me from the refund process?
If you get a scholarship after rejection, you still need to close and refund your blocked account to avoid duplicate financial records.
Conclusion: Be Prepared for the Refund Process
A blocked account is essential for your German student visa, but visa rejections do happen. Knowing the refund process for blocked account in Germany if visa is rejected ensures that your money is safe and recoverable.
The process requires official documentation, patience with timelines, and acceptance of unavoidable fees. By preparing early, keeping copies of all documents, and choosing a reliable provider, you can avoid stress and financial losses.
If your visa is denied, remember: the blocked account refund is not the end of your dream. Many students reapply successfully the next semester. Treat the refund process as a temporary setback, recover your funds, and plan your next application with confidence.