When applying for a student visa type D or a residence permit, students need to prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses and healthcare.
This proof is preferably provided by one of the following methods:
- An attest of a grant, scholarship or loan issued by an international or national organisation (such as a university), or a legal person, Belgian or foreign, with sufficient resources.
- An 'agreement for acceptance of financial responsibility' (Annex 32 in Dutch). This agreement is a declaration by a sponsor.
- If the sponsor lives in Belgium, the paperwork can be obtained at the municipality. Once submitted, the municipality sends it on to the Ministry of Interior to determine if the sponsor is financially capable of supporting the student ;
- If the sponsor lives abroad, the Belgian Consulate or Embassy can provide the forms needed. Once submitted at the embassy, the decision is again in the hands of the Belgian Ministry of Interior.
- Proof of solvency: This can be in the form of a bank guarantee through an approved financial institution (preferred) or a blocked account through the university.
- Bank guarantee: A deposit of a bank guarantee equivalent to twelve (12) times the minimum monthly amount a student is required to have (835 euros/month for 2025-2026), into an account opened in the student's name by a financial services company specialising in the opening of blocked bank accounts for student visa purposes. The Belgian Government works with Studely and Ready Study Go International.
- Blocked account at the university: This procedure involves the payment of a sum of money into the university's bank account. The student obtains a proof of solvency certificate from the university, which can be used for the visa application. The funds are transferred in instalments into the student's local bank account upon their arrival in Belgium.
- Exchange students who have already received a letter of acceptance and would like to use this option can request a proof of solvency certificate through the International Relations Office: IncomingStudents@uantwerpen.be
- IOB students who have received their letter of acceptance and would like to use this option can request a proof of solvency through the IOB Admission office: greet.annaert@uantwerp.be
- Degree students who have already received a letter of acceptance but for substantial reasons cannot use an Annex 32 or a bank guarantee, can exceptionally request a proof of solvency certificate from the Registrar’s Office using the international helpdesk. Only contact the Registrar's Office if you cannot use an Annex 32 or a bank guarantee.
- Exchange students who have already received a letter of acceptance and would like to use this option can request a proof of solvency certificate through the International Relations Office: IncomingStudents@uantwerpen.be
Amounts required for the blocked account procedure through the university: (applicable as of 5 February 2025)
Applicant | Blocked amount | Handling fee | Total payment required |
Student alone | 12,600 EUR (covers 12 months) | 200 EUR | 12,800 EUR |
Student and family (spouse and/or children) | 28,200 EUR (covers 12 months)* | 200 EUR | 28,400 EUR |
* Proof of Solvency application for student and family needs to be made at the same time.
Please note that the amounts mentioned are not in all cases sufficient to cover all your living expenses in Belgium.
Do not transfer money to the university’s account before you have contacted the relevant office.
The blocked account cannot be used to pay invoices directly. It cannot be used to pay for your tuition fee at the time of enrolment.
In case you are not able to come to Belgium, the money on the blocked account will only be transferred back to the account where it was originally transferred from.