If you are planning to study in Belgium, one of the first steps in obtaining your student visa or residence permit is to prove that you have sufficient financial resources. There are two main solutions available to you: a blocked account and coverage by a guarantor. Both are recognized by the Belgian administration, but their modalities, advantages and limitations vary. This guide helps you compare the two options to choose the one that best fits your situation.
1. The blocked account: how does it work?
With the Account blocked, in one go, you pay an amount equivalent to one year of expenses in Belgium. This amount is then released progressively each month on your personal account, once you are there.
Amount required in 2025
835€ per month for 12 months, for a total of 10,020€
What you need to know
- After the transfer, you get a official certificate to be attached to your visa application.
- This document is generally recognized by all Belgian universities and authorities.
The advantages
- Clear, fast and trackable procedure
- Accepted by all embassies and by The Foreigners Office
- Ensure a regular monthly payment during your stay
- Strengthen the credibility of your visa application
Namely: specialized providers such as Studely allow you to open a blocked account in a few days, with a compliant budget certificate and simplified procedures, even remotely.
The disadvantages
- You must be able to advance the full amount
- The money is temporarily blocked until you arrive
2. The guarantor: an alternative solution
You can also use a guarantor, i.e. a person (often a resident of Belgium or Europe) who officially undertakes to cover your living expenses for the duration of your studies.
Conditions to be met
- The guarantor must live in the European Union
- He must have a net monthly income of at least 3,000€
- He can't usually already guarantee another student
Documents to be provided
- Official care form (Appendix 32)
- Supporting documents: pay slips, employment contract, tax notice...
The advantages
- No financial advance required on your part
- Possible solution if you do not have savings at the start
The disadvantages
- Finding an eligible and available guarantor can be difficult
- Some students pay up to €1,500 for “paying” guarantors, which is not without risk
- The procedures are often longer and studied on a case-by-case basis.
- An incomplete application or insufficient income may result in a refusal.
- Presence of scams and false guarantors on some forums or support groups
3. Quick comparison
Criteria/Blocked account/Guarant/Acceptance by the authorities/Very high/Medium to high/Medium to high/Fast approaches/24 to 72 hours/1 to 3 weeks/Income during the stay/Tables and monthly/Depends on the guarantorant/Accessibility from abroad/Accessibility from abroad/Easy to setup/More complex/Refund if visa denial/No applicable
4. What solution is right for you?
Before making your choice, ask yourself these questions:- Do you have the means to pay 10,020€ all of a sudden?
- Do you have a trusted family member who is eligible to be your guarantor?
- Does your university require a method for justifying resources?
More and more Belgian institutions prefer the blocked account for its clarity and reliability. This is the case in particular of ULB, of UCLouvain Or of ULiège, who recommend or require an official budget certificate, a document that is often easier to obtain via specialized services such as Studely.
If you want to avoid complex procedures, uncertainties related to the guarantor or extended deadlines, a blocked account remains the simplest, fastest and most secure solution today.
Thanks to Studely, you can open Your account is blocked remotely, get your certificate in a few days, and leave with peace of mind.
If you cannot advance this amount, coverage by a guarantor is still an option, but it requires more time, vigilance and guarantees.
In any case, take the time to assess your personal situation, the time frames available to you and the requirements of your university to choose the solution that will avoid administrative obstacles.
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