If you wish to invite a family member or friend to Spain or plan to travel to the country for a short stay, the invitation letter is one of the key documents you may need. This document formalizes your responsibility as a host and allows a Spanish citizen or legal resident to invite a foreign person to stay at their home for a specific period. Below, we explain everything you need to know about the invitation letter: what it is, who needs it, the steps to apply for it, and the requirements to obtain it.
What is the Invitation Letter to Spain?
The invitation letter is an official document through which a legal resident of Spain commits to receiving and hosting a foreign person in their home for a specified time. This letter is essential when the person traveling to Spain does not have accommodation in a hotel but stays at the home of a friend or family member.
It is important to understand that the invitation letter does not replace a visa. If the visitor needs a visa to enter Spain (because they come from a country that does not have a free movement agreement with the EU), they must manage it at the Spanish consulate in their country of origin. The invitation letter will only be required for those who do not stay in a hotel or similar establishment and need to demonstrate their accommodation in Spain.
Who Needs an Invitation Letter to Enter Spain?
The invitation letter is only necessary for non-EU foreigners (people who do not hold nationality from a European Union or European Economic Area country). Citizens of these countries have the right to move freely within Spain without the need to present an invitation letter.
Non-EU citizens planning to travel to Spain as tourists and who do not have accommodation in a hotel must submit this document as part of their entry application to the country.
Who Can Apply for the Invitation Letter?
Any Spanish citizen, legally residing non-EU resident in Spain, or EU citizen can apply for an invitation letter. Although the inviting person is the one submitting the application, the document is issued by the Police Station corresponding to the host’s place of residence, not by the inviter. This means the applicant must be a person legally established in Spain, with the necessary documents (such as their Spanish ID or residence card).
How Long Does it Take to Process?
The processing time for the invitation letter usually ranges from 10 days to 2 months, depending on various factors. Since this process can take longer than expected, it is recommended to start the process at least 1 or 2 months in advance. While it can sometimes be obtained more quickly, the procedure is not immediate, and in general, the document is not issued instantly.
Once you have the invitation letter, you must send it to the country of origin of the invited person. Keep in mind that the invited person will need the original document, as photocopies or photos of the document are not accepted. This additional step also takes time, so it is important to plan the process in advance.
How Do I Get the Invitation Letter If I Don’t Have a Family Member or Friend in Spain?
The invitation letter is not a mandatory requirement for entering Spain, but rather a document that proves that accommodation during the stay is covered. If you do not have a family member or friend to provide this accommodation, you will need to present other documents that prove your stay, such as hotel reservations. This ensures that you meet the accommodation requirement during your visit to Spain.
Where Do I Apply for the Invitation Letter?
The invitation letter must be requested at the Police Station corresponding to the location where the inviting person resides.
How Long is the Invitation Letter Valid?
The invitation letter is valid for a maximum of 90 days, according to the period indicated in the application. It is important to plan the stay dates in Spain carefully to avoid any issues.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The processing time for the invitation letter varies depending on the city and the time of year the application is made. Additionally, the workload of the police station at that time can also affect the processing time. In general, the process usually takes no more than 20 business days.
Requirements to Apply for the Invitation Letter
To apply for the invitation letter, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a legal resident in Spain or have Spanish nationality.
- Prove that you have accommodation where the invited person can stay during their visit.
- Present your Spanish ID or residence card (for foreign residents).
- Prove your financial capacity to cover the expenses of the invited person during their stay in Spain.
- Present documents that validate your relationship with the invited person, such as proof of kinship or a letter explaining your personal relationship.
What is the Cost of the Invitation Letter?
To obtain the invitation letter, two administrative fees must be paid. These fees correspond to the process of creating the document and must be paid by the inviter (the applicant).
The fee amount varies each year. In 2024, the amount is €75.05 for the process (plus €6.48 for each additional invited person). The payment is made at a bank using Model 790 012, which will be provided by the National Police officers.
Once the invitation letter is granted, another fee must be paid for the issuance of the document, which may vary depending on the police station, as each one sets the price for this service.
Main Reasons for Invitation Letter Denial to Spain
Main Reasons for Denial of the Invitation Letter to Spain
There are several reasons why an invitation letter request may be denied:
- Lack of justification for the financial means to cover the invited person’s expenses.
- Incorrect or insufficient registration of the applicant’s residence.
- Asylum or refugee applicants: those in the asylum process cannot invite someone under this scheme.
- Attempting to invite a person to stay irregularly in Spain.
Risks Associated with the Invitation Letter to Spain
It is important to be aware of the risks that may arise during this process:
- Denial of Entry: If the invitation letter is not properly presented or if the invited person does not meet the required conditions, entry to Spain may be denied.
- Misuse of the Document: If the invitation letter is used for purposes other than those specified in the request, it may have legal consequences for both the host and the guest.
It is important to note that although the invitation letter is a legitimate document, its misuse can have serious consequences. If it is used to facilitate entry for someone with the intention of staying irregularly, the host may face heavy fines ranging from €500 to €10,000. Additionally, the invited person could be subject to an expulsion process.
If you have doubts about how to proceed or need assistance with the application process, at Lexmovea, we are here to help. Our team of immigration experts can guide you through the process, ensuring your invitation letter is requested in accordance with current regulations, avoiding risks and possible penalties.
Appointment for Applying for the Invitation Letter
Before applying for the invitation letter, it is important to check if the Police Station requires an appointment. In some locations, you can go directly, but in others, it is mandatory to request an appointment before visiting. If no appointment is required, the process may be faster, and the letter may be issued within 10 to 15 days.
If an appointment is required, we recommend making the request as soon as possible, as the process may take longer depending on the demand and location of the police station.
Documentation Required to Apply for the Invitation Letter
Below are the main requirements you need to meet for a successful application:
- Registration or Family Registration: This document certifies your residence at the indicated address.
- Lease Contract or Property Deed: You must prove that you have suitable accommodation for the guest during their stay.
- Spanish ID or Residence Card: If you are a foreign resident, you must present your residence card.
- Copy of the Guest’s Passport: The invited person must have a valid passport.
- Stay Dates: You must specify the exact dates when the person will visit Spain, including flight details (entry and exit).
- Application Form: You must detail the relationship between you and the invited person.
- Payment of the Corresponding Fee: You must pay an administrative fee.
Does the Invitation Letter Guarantee Entry to Spain?
No. The invitation letter is just one of the requirements to enter Spain, but it does not guarantee entry to the country. The immigration authority at the border control will evaluate all the documents presented, and if additional requirements are not met, entry may be denied.
Is it Necessary to Prove Financial Means in Addition to the Invitation Letter?
Yes, it is necessary to prove that the invited person has sufficient financial means for their maintenance during the entire stay in Spain. The minimum required amount is €113.4 per day per person, and this must be justified with documents that show the availability of these funds during the stay.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining the Invitation Letter?
The applicant for the invitation letter, or the inviter, must provide documentation showing that they have a residence available for the guest. This can be through a property title, a lease agreement, or any other document that proves the inviter has suitable accommodation for the guest.
Additionally, the inviter must provide their valid ID or passport. If the inviter is a legal resident in Spain, they must also present their foreigner identity card.
For the invited person, specific documents are not required, though basic personal information will be needed.
What Other Documents Should Be Presented?
In addition to the invitation letter, a series of documents must be presented to prove that the stay will comply with legal requirements. These include:
- A valid passport or travel document of the invited person.
- Documentation proving the reasons and conditions for the trip, as well as the itinerary of the stay.
- Hotel reservation confirmation or organized trip, if applicable.
- Travel insurance with international coverage.
- Round-trip ticket.
If the invited person is from a country that requires a visa to enter Spain, they must present these same documents along with the invitation letter when applying for the visa at the Spanish Consulate in their home country.