Do I need to keep the blocked amount in my bank account for two years or just one year for the visa process?

You only need to keep and show the blocked amount for one year at your initial German student visa stage, not two years upfront. Your visa itself is granted for that first year, and the requirement resets when you renew, so plan your second year funding separately rather than locking up two years at once.

Blocked Account Requirement By Stage

How To Prepare For Year Two

• Set up another blocked account covering your second year of living expenses before your first permit expires.
• Alternatively, show a scholarship or another accepted source of alternative financial means for that year.
• Start this renewal process a few months ahead so a documentation gap does not interrupt your residence status.

My Advice

Mark your residence permit renewal date on your calendar the moment you land in Germany, and start gathering your second year financial proof at least two months before that date so the Auslanderbehorde appointment does not catch you unprepared.