First, which document do you actually need
There are two, and a lot of files stall precisely here.
A bank statement shows what happened in your account — dated entries, deposits and withdrawals.
A solvency certificate is a formal declaration by the bank that on a given date a named person held a given amount and is, in the bank's judgement, solvent.
| Bank statement | Solvency certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Every transaction, by date | The balance on one date, plus a declaration |
| Period covered | Usually 3-6 months | A single specified day |
| Who issues it | The branch, sealed and signed on letterhead | The branch, as a formal bank declaration |
| Typical turnaround | Same day or next day | Usually 1-3 working days |
| Who asks for it | Almost every embassy | A few countries, Italy especially |
Several countries, Italy especially, want both. The difference and when each is needed is set out in the solvency certificate guide.
What to take to the branch
- The account holder in person — most banks will not hand a statement to anyone else
- A copy of your NID and a copy of your passport
- Your account number or cheque book
- A short written request — most branches have their own form; plain paper works otherwise
- The fee, usually nominal but varying by branch
Exactly what to say at the counter
Be explicit about these four, because the default may be something else:
1. State the period. "The last six months." Under three months looks thin, and an officer reads the history as well as the balance.
2. Ask for it in English. Many branches print in Bengali by default. A Bengali document then needs a separate translation, costing time and money you did not plan for.
3. Ask for the bank's letterhead, with the branch seal and signature. A PDF from the app or internet banking carries no seal, and an unsealed document is generally not accepted.
4. Ask for the solvency certificate in the same visit if your destination requires one. There is no reason to queue twice.
If the money is in a sponsor's account
In many families the funds sit with a father or an elder brother. In that case:
- The sponsor must request their own statement in person
- You will also need an affidavit or sponsorship declaration stating the relationship and the undertaking to cover your costs
- The sponsor's proof of income — salary certificate, trade licence, TIN or tax return — makes the file considerably stronger
The small mistakes that stall a file
- The name does not match the passport spelling. Correct it at the bank first; to an embassy those are two different people.
- No seal or signature. The most common cause, and the easiest to avoid.
- The account was dormant, so six months of history is nearly empty.
- The statement is too old. Take it close to submission.
- A joint account, where whose money it is cannot be told. Use a sole account where you can.
How much you need to show
That varies by destination — roughly EUR 6,000 to EUR 11,920 a year across our nine countries. The good news is that none of them requires a German-style blocked account; the money stays in your own account. The distinction is explained in blocked accounts and why our nine do not use them, and you can work out your own figure with the cost calculator.
Before you collect the document, read what the officer is actually looking for: bank statements for a European student visa. And if the money is not all there yet, read why an inflated statement gets caught before taking a shortcut.
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
Can I use a statement downloaded from my banking app?+
No. Embassies need a branch-issued copy on the bank's letterhead carrying the branch seal and an authorised signature. A PDF from an app or internet banking has neither, so it is generally not accepted.
How many months of statement do I need?+
Usually three to six. Under three months makes the transaction history look thin, and a visa officer reads the source and history of the money as well as the amount. Collect it close to your submission date, because an old statement may not be accepted.
Does it matter if the statement is in Bengali?+
Yes. Many branches print in Bengali by default, but the embassy needs English. Ask for English at the counter — arranging a separate translation and attestation afterwards costs extra time and money.
What if the money is in my father's account?+
Then the sponsor must collect their own statement in person, and you add an affidavit or sponsorship declaration stating the relationship and the undertaking to cover your costs. Including the sponsor's proof of income — salary certificate, trade licence, TIN or tax return — makes the file much more credible.
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