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 blocked account through the university or a bank guarantee through an approved financial institution.
- Bank guarantee: A deposit of a bank guarantee equivalent to twelve (12) times the minimum monthly amount a student is required to have, into an account opened in the student's name by a financial services company specialising in the opening of blocked bank accounts intended to justify financial resources as part of a study visa application (for example, Studely).
- 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 account opened by the student upon their arrival in Belgium.
- Degree students of the University of Antwerp who have already received a letter of acceptance and would like to use this option can request a proof of solvency certificate from the Registrar’s Office using the international helpdesk. You will then receive instructions on the exact procedure to follow.
- Exchange students of the University of Antwerp who have already received a letter of acceptance and would like to use this option can request a proof of solvency certificate from 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 from the IOB Admission office: greet.annaert@uantwerp.be
Amount required for the blocked account procedure through the university, in the case of degree students: (applicable as of 15 February 2024)
Applicant | Blocked amount | Handling fee | Total payment required |
Student alone | 12,000 EUR (covers 12 months) | 100 EUR | 12,100 EUR |
Student and family (spouse and/or children) | 27,000 EUR (covers 12 months)* | 100 EUR | 27,100 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 sufficient to cover all your living expenses in Belgium.
Do not transfer money to the university’s account before you have contacted the Registrar’s Office.
The blocked account cannot be used to pay invoices directly. It is also not intended 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.