How do I open a blocked account for Belgium from Africa?

Studely
December 4, 2025

Are you a student in Africa and have you been admitted to a Belgian university for the year 2025? To get your student visa, you will have to prove your ability to finance your stay. One of the most reliable ways is To open a blocked account, required by The Immigration Office. But how can this process be carried out from Africa, remotely? This article explains all the steps for Open a blocked account for Belgium without moving, in a simple and compliant way.

Why open a blocked account to study in Belgium?


A blocked account is an account into which you pay in advance all the amount required to live in Belgium for a year. This sum is then paid monthly on your account once there.

Amount required in 2025:

  • 835 euros per month
  • Either 10,020 euros for a full academic year

This device is recognized by:
The Belgian embassy or consulate in your country

  • By The Foreigners Office
  • Belgian partner universities
  • The solutions available from Africa


    Opening a blocked account in Africa may seem complicated, but there are several options:

    1. Go through the Belgian university (if offered)


    Some universities Like theULB Or theUCLouvain offer an internal blocked account. You pay the amount directly into the university account, which issues you with a budget certificate. However:

  • The procedures are sometimes long
  • The process is not always suitable for management from abroad
  • The fees are not refunded if your visa is refused
  • 2. Use a recognized service provider operating in Africa


    Specialized providers allow African students to open a blocked account remotely, online or via a local agent. It is the solution preferred by many students for its simplicity, speed and reliability.

    How do I open a blocked account with a service provider from Africa?


    General steps to follow:

  • Create an account on the provider's platform (e.g.: Studely)
  • Fill in the requested information: country, university, length of studies
  • Sign the fund freeze contract electronically
  • Transfer the required amount (bank transfer or cash deposit via authorized agents in several African countries)
  • Receive your blocked account certificate
    This certificate is then used for your visa application at the Belgian embassy.
  • Blocked account or guaranteed support - find out more

    How do I send money from Africa?


    Several solutions are available depending on your country of residence:

  • International bank transfer (from a local bank to Europe)
  • Cash deposit through authorized partner offices (in major cities in West and Central Africa)
  • Mobile payment or money transfer via integrated services depending on the provider
  • The Studely payment account : a practical and local solution Studely also offers a payment account allowing students to receive, keep, and manage their funds securely from their country of residence. This account allows:
    To deposit funds locally, in cash or by bank transfer

  • To receive monthly transfers from the blocked account once in Belgium
  • To monitor transactions from a simple and accessible mobile interface
    This comprehensive solution makes it easy to manage financial procedures, even before departure.
  • What happens after you arrive in Belgium?


    Once you have obtained your visa and settled in Belgium:

  • The funds in your blocked account are released every month
  • You get them on a Belgian bank account or on a online payment account If proposed
  • You can track all transfers from your personal space on The Studely app
  • What to do in case of visa refusal?


    In case of refusal of a visa, you must provide official proof to your provider. Most provide for a partial or total refund funds, according to their general terms and conditions. Check these terms and conditions before signing your contract.

    Practical recommendations

  • Allow a margin of 3 to 4 weeks before your visa appointment to apply for a blocked account
  • Prepare the necessary documents: passport, admission letter, local identity document
  • Verify that the chosen service provider is recognized by the Belgian authorities
  • Open a Account blocked for Belgium from Africa is entirely possible, even without traveling. Thanks to recognized service providers, such as Studely, you can manage the entire process remotely, get a certificate in 48 hours, and focus on getting your visa. This is a key step for successfully settling in Belgium in the best conditions.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025
    The company STUDELY, whose head office is located at 12 rue des Bateliers — 92110 Clichy, registered with the NANTERRE RCS under number 820 541 449, exploiting the trade name and the STUDELY brand as a payment service provider for OuiTrust. OuiTrust is the commercial name of Harmoniie SAS, whose head office is located at 1 Rue de la Bourse, 75002 Paris, France. Harmoniie SAS is an electronic money institution approved by the French supervisory authority, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), under the approval number 17478.To find out more about the entity that provides your services, please contact customer service.