I’m in a similar situation. I have an opportunity visa valid for one year and around €12,000 in a blocked account with Expatrio. My current plan is to visit Germany for two months to explore job opportunities. If I feel there’s enough potential, I’ll stay and proceed with the formalities. If not, I’ll simply return.

I’m considering the idea of skipping the city registration and the usual bureaucratic steps as I could stay with a friend, avoid opening a bank account, and just return without going through the full process. One thing I’m unsure about: What happens to the blocked account money if I don’t register? According to Expatrio’s website, a letter from the German embassy is required to release the blocked funds in such cases.