Planning to study in Germany? As of 2025, you need to show that you have €11,904 for the first year (€992 per month) to get the student visa.
One of the best ways to meet this requirement is through a blocked account.
If you’re from India, here’s everything you need to know about the blocked account service offered by the Indian bank Kotak Mahindra Bank.
What is the Kotak Mahindra Bank Blocked Account?
Kotak Mahindra Bank is an Indian banking and financial services company with headquarters in Mumbai and branches all over the country. Among its services, the bank also offers a for students planning to study in Germany.
In the past, this blocked account used to be a popular choice for international students from India who planned to study in Germany. However, some students who opened a blocked account with this bank have faced visa rejections, which may result from the bank not being registered in Germany.
Currently, The Federal Foreign Office for blocked account providers.Â
We must advise you to proceed with caution or consider other options such as Expatrio or other commonly used blocked account providers from Germany.
How to Open a Blocked Account With Kotak Mahindra
The blocked account works this way: while you’re in India, you deposit the money needed for Germany. After that, you show the account as proof of finances when you show up for your appointment at the visa application center.
The account blocks your money, so that when you go to Germany, you can only withdraw money in monthly installments of €992.
You can open a blocked account with Kotak Mahindra by or visiting one of their branches.
To register online, you need to provide the following information:
- The amount you want to block – select €11,904 if you’re applying for degree studies
- PAN number
- Your first name, last name, and middle name
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Address
- Passport number & passport expiry date
- City & state
- PIN code
You will also have to provide your parent’s or your legal guardian’s details:
- First, last, and middle name
- Mobile number
- Email address
Later you will need to have these documents:
- The combined A2 and LRS Application Cum Declaration
- PAN card
- Offer letter from a university in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about this blocked account:
Can I Use the Blocked Account By Kotak Mahindra as Proof of Funds for the German Student Visa?
While Kotak Mahindra Bank offers the right service, the German embassy or consulate may not accept this as valid proof of finances because the bank does not have a branch in Germany.
For this reason, we suggest considering other blocked account providers that are based in Germany, such as Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle, Studely, etc.
What Is the Cost of the Kotak Mahindra Blocked Account?
Kotak Mahindra Bank does not charge fees to open and maintain the account.
How Do I Access Money From My Blocked Account?
Once you’re in Germany, you need to open a current account to connect with the blocked account and get the monthly payments.
Kotak Mahindra Bank suggests these banks:
- Deutsche Bank
- Sparkasse
- Commerzbank
- HypoVereinsbank (UniCredit Bank AG)
- N26
- Volksbank
- ING-DiBa
- Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen (Helaba)
How Long Does It Take to Open the Blocked Account?
According to the bank, it takes between two to four days to process your documents and information and open the account.
What Happens to the Blocked Account if My Visa Is Rejected?
If your visa is rejected by the German embassy, you can close the Kotak Mahindra blocked account and get your funds back by sending them the visa rejection letter.
Related information for Indian Students:
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- How to Open a Blocked Account at Deutsche Bank and Expatrio from India
- How to Transfer Money to Blocked Account in Germany
- How to Open an N26 Bank Account from India
- How To Open a German Bank Account from India
- Germany Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
- Fintiba German Blocked Bank Account: Steps, Benefits, and Cost
- Expatrio German Blocked Bank Account: Steps, Benefits, and Cost
- Studely German Blocked Bank Account: Steps, Benefits, and Cost