If you are planning a trip to Spain and will be staying with a friend or relative, there is an important requirement you should be aware of. You may need to obtain an invitation letter, known in Spain as a carta de invitación. This article explains what this document is, when it is required, who must request it, how to obtain it and how much it costs.
The invitation letter is an official document that proves you have confirmed accommodation in a private home during your stay in Spain. Many travellers believe it is something they can write themselves, but this is not correct. The letter must be issued by the Spanish National Police, and it is always the host who applies for it, not the visitor.
When entering Spain as a tourist, you must provide evidence that you have somewhere to stay for the entire duration of your visit. A hotel or apartment booking is normally enough, but if you are staying with friends or relatives, the only valid proof is this official invitation letter. It is particularly important for non EU citizens. If you arrive without suitable proof of accommodation, border authorities may refuse entry and require you to return to your home country.
If you are from a country that requires a visa to travel to Spain, the invitation letter must be submitted when applying for the tourist visa at the Spanish Consulate. If your nationality allows visa free entry, you may still be asked to show the letter when passing through border control upon arrival. For this reason, the host must send you the original document in advance, as photocopies are not accepted.
It is important to remember that the invitation letter does not guarantee entry to Spain on its own. It only proves that you meet one of the entry requirements. You must also show that you have sufficient financial means, hold return flight tickets and possess valid medical insurance.
Only the person who owns the property or is named on the rental contract in Spain can apply for the invitation letter. This may be a Spanish national, an EU citizen legally residing in Spain or a non EU citizen who holds a residence permit. The applicant must visit their local police station after booking an appointment.
Required documentation for the invitation letter
On the day of the appointment, the host must provide:
• A document confirming ownership of the property, such as title deeds, or a rental contract
• A current local registration certificate confirming residence at the property
• The host’s identification document, either a DNI or TIE depending on their status
• A copy of the guest’s passport, personal details page
• The official application form duly completed
• Payment of the relevant fee at the police station
• Information regarding the duration of the guest’s stay
• A document proving the relationship or reason for the invitation, only if requested by the police.
There is a cost associated with the invitation letter, which may vary slightly each year. An initial fee is paid on the day of the appointment, and a small additional amount is paid when collecting the official document. Although fees vary slightly between police stations, the total usually exceeds eighty euros.
Some people enter Spain using an invitation letter with the intention of later applying for the residence card as a family member of an EU citizen. Although this process is possible when all requirements are met, it may create issues for the host. When applying for the letter, the host declares that the guest will return to their country once their authorised stay ends. If the guest remains in Spain illegally, the host may receive a financial penalty. For this reason, when the intention is to apply for residence as the relative of an EU citizen, it is generally safer to book accommodation in a hotel or similar establishment instead.
Spanish law does not set an exact timeframe for processing the invitation letter. The police must issue it as quickly as possible, but waiting times depend on the workload at each police station. In general, the document is usually ready within three weeks. To avoid delays or complications, it is advisable to start the process well in advance, ideally at least two months before the planned trip.
Conclusion
The invitation letter is an essential requirement for those wishing to visit Spain and stay in a private home. Although the process is relatively straightforward, it is important to apply early and ensure that all requirements are met in order to avoid problems when entering the country. If you or your guest need guidance to complete this procedure efficiently and correctly, seeking support from professionals specialised in immigration matters can provide peace of mind. Travelling with confidence begins by having the right documentation in place.
