How much each country requires is covered in our proof of funds guide. This article is about the document itself, because files fail on the paperwork even when the amount is correct.
What a statement must contain
| Element | Why |
|---|---|
| Account holder's full name | Must match the passport exactly |
| Account number and type | Savings or current, stated |
| Branch name and address | For verification |
| Period covered | Usually six months |
| Every transaction, with running balance | Detailed, not a summary |
| Bank seal and authorised signature | Without a seal it is often not accepted |
| In English | Bengali statements need certified translation |
⚠️ A PDF you print from internet banking is usually not sufficient. Get an official statement from the branch with the seal and signature — and get two sets, since one may be retained.
Fund seasoning
Seasoning means the money has been in the account long enough not to look borrowed. The officer wants to see genuine family savings, not funds assembled for a visa.
| Balance pattern | How it reads |
|---|---|
| Grew steadily over six months | ✅ Best |
| Large deposit 4–5 months ago, stable since | ✅ Acceptable, with evidence of source |
| Whole amount deposited last month | ⚠️ Suspicious |
| Statement pulled the day after the deposit | ❌ Worst |
What to do now: move the funds into the account at least six months before applying. If the money comes from selling land or property, or from business income, keep the documentation — deeds, sale agreements, business records. A large deposit you can explain is not a problem; an unexplained one is.
Transactions that raise questions
- Several identical round-figure cash deposits — suggests money collected from multiple sources
- A balance inconsistent with declared income — 50,000 taka a month and a 30 lakh balance with no explanation
- Deposits withdrawn immediately after — suggests borrowed funds shown temporarily
- Large transfers from an unrelated name with no explanation of the relationship
Whose account should it be?
All three forms are used:
- 1The student's own — cleanest, but few students hold the amount
- 2The sponsor's — most common. Then you need proof of relationship, a sponsorship letter and evidence of the sponsor's income (details)
- 3Joint — accepted in some countries, with the split made clear
Country differences
- Italy — the bank solvency certificate is central; no blocked account
- Finland — funds are expected in the student's own account, which many learn late
- Malta — a per-month figure with three months of transaction history
- Bulgaria / Greece — bank evidence, submitted in New Delhi
- Denmark / Sweden — monthly figures in their own currency, updated annually
Check the current year's requirement on each country's own immigration page — the numbers change annually.
Final check before submitting
- 1Does the name match the passport exactly?
- 2Is the statement recent (usually issued within a month)?
- 3Does it carry the seal and signature?
- 4Does it cover the full period with no gaps?
- 5Do you have documentation for any large deposit?
- 6Is the amount somewhat above the requirement?
The last point is small but real: showing 10–15% more than required is cheap insurance against exchange-rate movement leaving you technically short.
Official sources — check for yourself
Rules and figures change. We review these articles periodically and show the date above, but always confirm the current requirement with the official source before you act on it.
Common questions
How many months of bank statements do I need?+
Usually three to six, with the bank's seal and authorised signature, in English. A PDF printed from internet banking is generally not enough — get an official branch statement, and take two sets since one may be retained.
Is a last-minute deposit a problem?+
It is the single biggest red flag. Move funds into the account at least six months before applying. If a large deposit comes from a property sale or business income, keep the deeds, sale agreement or business records — an explained deposit is fine, an unexplained one is not.
How much should I show?+
Around 10–15% above the stated requirement. Showing exactly the minimum risks falling short on exchange-rate movement, and a shortfall means refusal.
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