Hi @neetusharma yeah, you’ve got it right. Poland is a bit strict with proof of funds, and they usually don’t take normal Indian bank statements. A lot of students have done exactly what you’re suggesting: put the money in an FD, take a secured credit card on it, and then get the bank to issue a certificate showing your credit limit. As long as it’s on official letterhead with a signature/stamp, VFS accepts it.
Opening a Polish account is another option, but it’s not always easy to set up from India before you actually land there. Traveler’s cheques are pretty rare these days, so most people don’t go that route.
From recent experiences I’ve heard, the FD + secured card method has worked fine, so you should be safe with that. Just double-check with the VFS office you’re applying through, since sometimes they have small differences in what they accept.
You can also check this guide on Poland student visa requirements, which breaks down the process and documents in detail for Indian students.
Hello, You’re right that the VFS Poland checklist for Indian applicants doesn’t accept ordinary Indian bank statements, and they specifically list only traveler’s checks, Polish bank accounts, a scholarship letter, or a credit card limit certificate as valid proof. Many Indian students do exactly what you described: place the liquidated funds into a fixed deposit, use that FD to get a secured credit card, and then ask the bank to issue an official certificate of the card’s credit limit. That document is what you submit to VFS/the consulate.
Yes, this method has been successfully used by other applicants in recent intakes because it directly matches one of the listed proof options. Just make sure the FD is clearly linked, the credit card is active, and the certificate is on official bank letterhead with a signature/stamp. Some students also combine this with opening a PKO or Pekao account in Poland (via local contacts or university help), but the secured credit card route is the most common from India.
So in practice, your outlined plan is the safest and most accepted option just confirm with your bank that they issue the “credit limit certificate” in English with all necessary details.
hey @neetusharma Yes, your approach of using a Fixed Deposit (FD) to obtain a secured credit card, followed by submitting a credit card limit certificate from the bank, is a valid and commonly used method to demonstrate proof of funds for a Polish student visa application from India.
Valid Proof of Funds Options
According to the official VFS Poland checklist, acceptable documents to confirm sufficient financial resources include:
Traveler’s cheques
Certificate of the amount of the credit card limit issued by the bank (any bank located in India or Poland or another country is allowed)
A certificate of availability of money in a Polish bank
A document confirming granting of a national or foreign scholarship
Note: Standard Indian bank statements are not accepted as proof of funds (VFS Global).
Fixed Deposit + Secured Credit Card Method
Many students have successfully used the following method:
Place the required funds (e.g., ₹10 lakh) into a Fixed Deposit (FD) at an Indian bank.
Obtain a secured credit card against the FD.
Request a credit card limit certificate from the bank, which should be:
On official bank letterhead
Stamped and signed by the bank
Issued within one month prior to the visa application
This method aligns with the acceptable proof of funds options and has been successfully utilized by other applicants (GD CONNECT).
Additional Tips
Ensure the credit card is active and the limit certificate reflects the full amount required for your stay.
Combine this with other supporting documents, such as:
Admission letter from the Polish educational institution
Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease agreement or dormitory confirmation)
Travel itinerary or return flight booking
Double-check with your local VFS center for any specific requirements or variations in documentation.
By following this approach, you can confidently submit your proof of funds for the Polish student visa application.