Closing a blocked account: How does it work?

Study visa: How to cancel the blocked account

Anyone who has opened a blocked account for their visa application will be faced with the question, at the latest after their stay in Germany has ended: How do I close my blocked account ? The decisive factor is whether they have actually entered Germany, received a visa, used it, or perhaps even withdrawn it. Depending on the case, a different authority is responsible for releasing the blocked amount – either the German diplomatic mission abroad or the immigration authority in Germany.

Consent to the closure of the blocked account

From a civil law perspective, consent to close a blocked account requires a unilateral declaration from the party in whose favor the blocking notice was entered —usually a German authority or foreign mission. The blocked account is based on a contractual agreement between the account holder and the bank, which stipulates that certain amounts of money may only be released with the consent of a designated authority—usually to secure a person's livelihood during the visa process . Only once the release certificate has been issued does the blocking effect cease, and the bank is legally authorized to dispose of the balance. Without this consent, the bank may generally not release the balance. The release is therefore of considerable importance not only under administrative law but also under civil law.

Who must agree to close a blocked account?

For example, if the visa was never used or the application was withdrawn, the responsible foreign mission can issue a so-called consular certificate to lift the blocking notice. Even if a visa application was rejected or you left the country after entering the country before a residence permit was issued by the immigration authorities, in many cases, proof such as the rejection notice or the note in your passport is sufficient. The consular certificate can then be presented directly to the bank in Germany to release the blocked funds .

Consent to the closure of a blocked account in Germany

However, if you have already received a residence permit in Germany—for example, after successfully applying for a visa and registering with the immigration authorities—the consulate is no longer responsible. In this case, you must contact the immigration authorities at your last place of residence in Germany to obtain the necessary certificate.

The application for the release of a blocked account can only be submitted in person – either by the person concerned or by a person authorized in writing. You will need, among other things, a completed application form (in German or English), proof of the blocked account to be closed, and the original passport . If the passport is lost, a police report can also be submitted along with a copy of the old visa.

Conclusion on the closure of the blocked account

Anyone wishing to close their blocked account should therefore carefully check which authority is responsible, what documents are required, and how to correctly submit the application. This is the only way to ensure that the blocked amount is released promptly—and that the blocked account chapter can be finally closed.

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