What is a blocked account for students in Belgium?

Studely
December 4, 2025

If you are an international student who wants to continue your studies in Belgium, you have surely heard of Account blocked. This financial device is often required when applying for student visa or to get A residence permit in belgium. Here's everything you need to know: what it's for, how it works, and how it differs from other ways to justify your resources.

What is a blocked account?


One blocked student account Is a bank account to which you must deposit, in advance, an amount covering Your living expenses for one academic year. The money is “locked”, that is, it cannot be accessed all at once. It is then paid every month, often in 12 equal transfers, to ensure your financial autonomy during your stay.

Amount required in 2025


THEBelgian Foreigners Office Ask, in 2025, €835 per month, which is approximately 10,020€ for the full year.

Why does the Belgian administration require a blocked account?


La belgium requires this financial proof to ensure that international students can meet their needs once there.

The aim is to:

  • Ensure that the student can live with dignity (housing, food, transport, health...)
  • Avoid the risks of undeclared work or precariousness
  • Provide a solid legal basis for obtaining a visa and residence permit

Blocked account vs other supporting documents: what to choose?


Means of justificationAccepted by the Belgian authoritiesEase of setupRisk of refusalAccount blockedYes (highly recommended) HighLoweightSupported by a guarantyYes (under strict conditions) HighLoweightScholarshipYesYesYesMediumMediumLow to MediumSimple bank statementsRarely easyHigh
A blocked account is still the safest and most reliable solution.

How do I open a blocked account in Belgium?


You have two main options:
1. Through a Belgian university
Establishments like ULB Or theUCLouvain offer their international students to pay the required amount directly into an account managed by the university. It then redistributes the funds each month.

  • Advantage: official and recognized
  • Disadvantages: possible deadlines, little flexibility, non-refundable fees if the visa is refused and can only be used at one university
  • 2. Through a specialized private service provider
    Specialized companies like Studely offer services adapted to international students. The opening is 100% online, the certificate is issued in less than 48 hours, and everything is centralized on a mobile application.

    The blocked account solution offered by Studely was designed to be both compliant with Belgian requirements and easy to use. The opening is done 100% online, the certificate is issued in less than 48 hours, and everything is centralized on the Studely mobile application.
    This type of solution is particularly suitable for students who are looking for a fast, secure service, and without complex procedures with several institutions.

    The link between a blocked account and a visa or residence permit


    The Account blocked is an essential piece at the time of:

  • Applying for a student visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate.
  • The application for a student residence permit once arrived in Belgium.
  • The renewal of the residence permit for one year after studies, in order to look for a job or launch a project.
  • It is not enough to have money in an account : you must present a official certificate proving that the funds are blocked and released monthly.

    Steps to open a locked account

  • Create a file with a service recognized by the Belgian authorities
  • Sign the money freeze contract

  • Make the payment within the required time
  • Obtain a valid certificate to present to the embassy
  • Access the monthly release of funds once you arrive on site
  • With Studely, all this is done on a single interface, via an intuitive mobile application, available on the App Store and Google Play.

    I open my account

    The blocked account for students in Belgium is an essential tool to guarantee your autonomy and to ensure that you get your visa. It is simpler than being taken care of by a guarantor, and more reliable than a simple bank statement.

    Choose a solution like Studely, it means opting for:
    support recognized by the Belgian State,

  • a quick process,
  • 100% digital management,
  • and above all, peace of mind to focus on your academic future.
  • 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.