Expatrio Services Complete Review: All-Inclusive Relocation Platform for Germany

Created time

Apr 17, 2023 07:15 AM

Owner

Nirag

Focus Keyword

Expatrio Services

Reviewer

Pavitthira

Other Keywords

Blocked Account, Travel Insurance, Health Insurance, International Students, Value Package

Assigned date

Jun 27, 2024

Review Status

Completed

Type

Review and Edit

Blog Status

Published

New Slug

Do not index

Pavitthira - Remarks

Moving to Germany requires fulfilling specific visa requirements and completing German government formalities, which can be complex for international students, professionals, expatriates, and their dependents. Expatrio simplifies this process with its all-inclusive relocation platform. Approved by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Expatrio offers fully customizable digital services, including a Blocked Account, Current Bank Account, and both Public and Private Health Insurance options. Partnering with trusted providers like Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Dr-Walter, and Monese, Expatrio guides you through bureaucratic procedures and ensures all visa requirements are fulfilled before your journey. This personalized approach saves time and money, facilitating a seamless transition to Germany.

What is Expatrio?

Expatrio is a specialized platform catering to the needs of expatriates relocating to Germany. Established with the mission to simplify the administrative challenges of moving abroad, Expatrio offers a range of essential services bundled together to ease the transition process. These services primarily focus on visa and insurance solutions, banking services, and other support structures necessary for a seamless relocation experience.

Overview of Expatrio Services

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto): A Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement for many international students and visa applicants to demonstrate financial resources. Expatrio facilitates the opening of Blocked Accounts in collaboration with partner banks, ensuring compliance with German visa regulations.

Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany. Expatrio partners with reputable health insurance providers to offer comprehensive health insurance plans tailored to the needs of expatriates.

Current Account (Girokonto): Access to a German current account is essential for managing day-to-day finances. Expatrio assists in opening a current account quickly and efficiently, often without the need for a local address or credit history.

Liability Insurance: Liability insurance protects against third-party claims for damages. Expatrio offers liability insurance options to ensure coverage during your stay in Germany.

Household Insurance: Household insurance covers personal belongings against theft, damage, or loss. Expatrio helps arrange household insurance to protect your assets while living in Germany.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC): The ISIC provides access to student discounts and benefits worldwide. Expatrio includes the ISIC in its service offerings to enhance the student experience in Germany.

Student Eligibility Checker: Expatrio's Student Eligibility Checker helps prospective students determine their eligibility for studying in Germany, guiding them through the academic and financial requirements.

Study Finder: Expatrio's Study Finder tool assists students in finding suitable study programs and universities in Germany, simplifying the process of choosing an educational institution.

Value Package: The Expatrio Value Package offers a comprehensive solution tailored for individuals relocating to Germany. It includes key essentials like a Blocked Account, a free German bank account, and health insurance, crucial for visa applications. Alongside these essentials, users also enjoy complimentary perks such as an International Student ID, eBooks, and guides.

Blocked Account

The German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is an essential bank account type mandated for international students, job seekers, and individuals relocating to Germany for preparatory courses, language studies, employment opportunities, and other purposes. As per German law, internationals moving from outside the EU region have to fulfill this visa pre-requisite to prove sufficient financial funding to support their stay in Germany. The required amount to be blocked amounts to €11,208 for the entire year and the monthly withdrawal limit is €934.

Upcoming changes

The recent update on the official German Missions in India - Federal Foreign Office website states that:

Expected from 01 September 2024, there will be a change in the necessary amounts to show sufficient financial means:

Applications on and after 01 September 2024 will most likely have to show proof of at least 11,904 euros for the first year, with a maximum withdrawal amount of 992 euros per month

Blocked Account - What does the service offer?

Expatrio allows you to open your German Blocked Account from your home country in a quick, inexpensive, and secure way. Being completely digital, you can open your Blocked Account in a matter of a few minutes. Approved by the German Federal Foreign Office, Expatrio’s Blocked Account is accepted by all Foreigner’s Authorities for the residence permit.

Expatrio has aligned with other partners to provide the best services all under one roof. For seamless financial handling, Expatrio has partnered with the below service providers. Money transfer and fund handling are taken care of by partners such as Cohort Go (Education Payment Service Prrovider) and Aion Bank (Banking Partner).

What is the cost of opening a Blocked Account?

You will be required to pay a one-time fee of €49 for account set-up and a monthly fee of €5 for Expatrio’s Blocked Account service. The Blocked Amount is a separate fee defined by the German authorities, which entirely depends on the purpose and the length of your stay in Germany.

Why choose Expatrio's Blocked Account?

Expatrio’s Blocked Account is your best option for the following reasons:

Quick service – Customer Service will handle your request within one working day (24 hours)

Low fees – Easy on your pockets

Safety and Security – It is secured by the European regulations and accredited by the German Federal Foreign Office

Law Compliant – The Expatrio’s Blocked Account fully complies with the applicable immigration laws and fulfills all the requirements of the German authorities in visa applications and residence permits.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement for everyone living in Germany. For international students, job seekers, dependants, and other expatriates coming from the non-EU region, having health insurance coverage is a prerequisite for a German visa. With Expatrio, you will get complete health insurance coverage essential for your visa application and your stay in Germany, along with additional insurance bonuses for free.

Expatrio's Health Insurance Plus - What it offers?

Expatrio’s Health Insurance Plus provides obligatory coverage for both the visa application and stay in Germany by connecting you with the best service providers for public and private insurance. Expatrio’s Health Insurance Plus provides holistic insurance coverage throughout your stay in Germany and includes the following products:

Incoming Insurance

Health Insurance

Free Current Bank Account

Free International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

Let’s delve deeper into the details of Expatrio’s Public and Private Health Insurance Provider.

1. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) - Expatrio's Public Health Insurance Provider

TK is regarded as the best German public health insurance provider and the best health insurance fund for students. Public Health Insurance is also known as Governmental Health Insurance or Statutory Health Insurance in Germany. TK provides the required coverage along with additional benefits of vaccinations, bonus programs, and online doctor’s appointment services.

2. Dr-Walter - Expatrio's Private Health Insurance Provider

Dr-Walter, with more than 60 years of experience, has been awarded multiple times as the Star Insurance Provider in Germany. Incoming insurance (also known as Private Travel Insurance, Travel Insurance, or Schengen Health Insurance) is a mandatory visa requirement for visa and arrival in Germany. With Dr-Walter, you will be covered by this insurance until you begin your studies at your university. Private Health Insurance covers the entire duration of study of language courses or preparatory studies.

Why choose Health Insurance Plus?

By selecting Health Insurance Plus, you will receive all the additional benefits by paying the same price you would have originally paid for just the Health Insurance.

Current Bank Account

A German Current Bank Account is a standard type of bank account from which you can receive and withdraw funds. A Current Bank Account is where your monthly payouts from your Blocked Account are deposited (different from your Blocked Account). A Current Account will have additional benefits like credit cards, international money transfers, international withdrawals, etc.

Expatrio's Current Bank Account - What it offers?

Experience hassle-free banking tailored for internationals in Germany with Expatrio's Current Bank Account, designed to meet all your financial needs seamlessly and securely. Here are the benefits of opening an account through Expatrio:

Complimentary German Bank Account: Manage all your financial transactions in one place without any fees and no required minimum balance.

Effortless Account Setup: Set up your German Bank Account alongside your Blocked Account in just a few minutes, completely online. No additional bank account or residence permit is necessary.

Secure up to €100,000: Your funds are safeguarded by the European Deposit Protection Scheme.

Designed for Internationals: Created to simplify life for internationals in Germany, with multilingual customer support available.

No-Cost Digital Mastercard: Get a digital debit card for immediate use with your smartphone. It is accepted worldwide and works with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Insurances

Germany has a long-standing tradition and belief system in insurance. Liability and household insurance are the other two required insurances to live in Germany, other than your health insurance. These insurances come in handy when you face any unexpected events.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) provides coverage for damages accidentally caused to a person, belonging, or an object. The German government seeks accountability for any damage caused by the people. This insurance covers the cost of such unforeseen damage, and hence everyone needs to have Liability insurance coverage when living in Germany.

Household Insurance

Household insurance provides coverage for any damage incurred to your property, housing, or the current residence that you are residing in, whether you own it or have rented it. Household insurance is also a mandatory requirement for everyone living in Germany and is provided as an additional benefit of Liability insurance. The prices and coverage depend on each service provider.

Other Services (ISIC, Student Eligibility Checker, Study Finder)

Expatrio’s Value Package, Blocked Account, and Health Insurance Plus, all services include ISIC as a complimentary benefit. International Student Identity Card (ISIC) affirms your student status and lets you enjoy student discounts and offers. The ISIC card comes with 150,000 benefits that you can make use of in over 130 countries.

Additionally, Expatrio has a Student Eligibility Checker on its portal through which you can determine if you meet the eligibility criteria to pursue your studies in Germany.

Expatrio’s Study Finder assists you in finding your dream program at your favorite university and connects you with their study consultants as well.

MS in Germany

At MS in Germany, we specialize in assisting students with their plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany. Our services include helping you choose the right university, supporting your post-admission process, and guiding you to acquire your visa. With our in-depth knowledge of the German education system, we ensure you make informed decisions and confidently manage the post-admission process. Partnering with Expatrio, we provide essential services like setting up Blocked Accounts to meet financial visa requirements and arranging health and travel insurance. Our expertise and streamlined approach ensure a smooth process from start to finish, making it convenient for you to fulfill these crucial requirements.

Conclusion

Expatrio emerges as a valuable partner for anyone planning to move to Germany, offering a robust suite of services designed to simplify and streamline the relocation process. Whether you're a student, professional, or retiree, Expatrio provides the necessary tools and support to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with German regulations. Embrace your new adventure in Germany with confidence, supported by Expatrio's expertise and commitment to service excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Expatrio?

Expatrio is a comprehensive platform designed to simplify the relocation process for international individuals moving to Germany. It offers a range of essential services including Blocked Accounts, health insurance, bank accounts, liability insurance, household insurance, and more.

2. How do I open a Blocked Account with Expatrio?

To open a Blocked Account with Expatrio, you need to register on their website, select the Blocked Account service, and upload the required documents for verification. Once verified, Expatrio will facilitate the opening of the account in collaboration with their partner banks.

3. Is health insurance mandatory for living in Germany?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany. Expatrio partners with reputable health insurance providers to offer comprehensive plans tailored to the needs of expatriates.

4. Can Expatrio help me open a German bank account?

Yes, Expatrio assists in opening a German current account quickly and efficiently. This is especially helpful for managing daily finances, rent payments, and receiving salaries.

5. How does Expatrio's Student Eligibility Checker work?

Expatrio's Student Eligibility Checker helps prospective students determine their eligibility for studying in Germany. It guides them through the academic and financial requirements, making the application process smoother.

6. What is the Study Finder tool offered by Expatrio?

The Study Finder tool assists students in finding suitable study programs and universities in Germany. It simplifies the process of choosing an educational institution by providing tailored recommendations based on the student's preferences and qualifications.

7. What types of insurance does Expatrio offer besides health insurance?

In addition to health insurance, Expatrio offers liability insurance and household insurance. Liability insurance protects against third-party claims for damages, while household insurance covers personal belongings against theft, damage, or loss.

8. Is there ongoing support available from Expatrio?

Yes, Expatrio offers ongoing support via customer service channels to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout your relocation journey.

Expatrio Services Complete Review: Simplifying Your Move to Germany