If you are a resident in Spain and want to invite a non-EU national to visit you, you may need to apply for an Invitation Letter. This official document, issued by the Immigration Office of the National Police (Extranjería), helps your guest obtain a tourist visa more easily. It serves as proof that you will be hosting them during their stay and can only be requested by someone legally residing in Spain. The maximum stay for the invited person is 90 days.
To obtain the Invitation Letter, you will need to book an appointment at the Foreigners’ Office and present proof of accommodation, such as a valid rental contract or property ownership document. The administrative fee for processing the request is €75.05, plus an additional €6.54 per invited person. If you are inviting more than one person on the same letter, they must enter Spain together on the same day. Otherwise, separate letters will be required. To save time and money, we always recommend issuing just one letter whenever possible.
Once your application is approved, the Invitation Letter is usually issued on the same day, although this may vary depending on the police station. In some cases, you may be required to return for a second appointment, typically about a week later, to collect the document. Once you have it, you must send the original letter to your guest, as a copy will not be accepted. They will then present it at the Spanish Consulate in their home country if a visa is required or directly at border control if they can enter Spain without a visa.
The Invitation Letter is valid for nine months from the date of issue. Within this period, your guest can travel to Spain, even if their trip dates change from those originally stated in the application, as long as they do not exceed the 90-day limit. However, it is very important to remember that if the invited person overstays their legal period, you, as the host, could face fines, which vary depending on the severity of the violation.
While the Invitation Letter is a strong supporting document for obtaining a visa, the final decision always rests with the Spanish Consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Do you need help with the process? At NIE Barcelona, we’re happy to assist!
