Updated: 4 October 2026
If a friend or relative plans to visit Spain and stay in your home, they may need an official invitation letter, known as a carta de invitación, to demonstrate where they will be accommodated.
This guide explains who can apply, the supporting documents, the police procedure and the published fees.
What is an invitation letter for Spain?
The official carta de invitación is issued by the Spanish National Police following an application by an eligible host.
It provides evidence of accommodation for a tourist or private visit. Under the standard police procedure, the host completes an application and the Police issues the official document.
A privately written invitation does not replace that police-issued document. The official letter can support a visa application or be presented during border checks, depending on the visitor’s circumstances.
Who may need an invitation letter?
The letter is relevant to visitors staying in private accommodation provided by a friend or relative in Spain.
It can be relevant both to visitors who need a short-stay visa and to visa-exempt visitors who must demonstrate their accommodation at the border. Visitors using a hotel or another accommodation provider would normally use the corresponding accommodation evidence.
For example, a visa-exempt visitor staying with a friend for two weeks still needs to satisfy the applicable entry conditions. The invitation letter addresses the accommodation requirement.
See our guide to entering Spain without a visa for the wider entry requirements.
Who can apply as the host?
Eligible hosts living in Spain include:
- Spanish nationals.
- EU nationals and other beneficiaries of the EU regime.
- Foreign nationals legally resident in Spain.
The host must demonstrate that suitable accommodation is available for the proposed visit. This can be their main home or an available second home.
Property ownership is not compulsory: a rental agreement or other accepted evidence of lawful availability can support the application.
By making the invitation, the host undertakes to cover the accommodation costs during the invited stay.
Which documents and information are needed?
Prepare the official application and confirm the checklist with the police station handling your request.
| Item | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Host’s identity and status | Identification details and the relevant documents establishing identity and eligibility to apply. |
| Accommodation | The full address and evidence that the property is available, such as a title deed, rental agreement or other accepted document. |
| Visitor’s details | Full name, date and place of birth, nationality, address abroad and passport details. |
| Relationship | An explanation of the relationship between the host and visitor. |
| Planned stay | The intended arrival and departure dates. |
| Fee payment | The applicable payment receipt, following the police station’s instructions. |
The Police may check the supporting information and request a personal interview where appropriate.
You can consult the Ministry of the Interior’s official invitation letter application form. This is the application for the document.
How to apply for the invitation letter
1. Contact the correct police station
The application is handled by the National Police station for the host’s place of residence.
Check its appointment arrangements and document requirements. The published police procedure provides for an in-person application, with an appointment where required.
2. Complete the application and prepare the evidence
Enter the host’s and visitor’s details accurately. Check passport information, the accommodation address and the proposed dates.
If you intend to invite more than one person, ask the police station how to present their details and demonstrate accommodation for everyone.
3. Pay the applicable fees and submit
Follow the station’s instructions for payment using Modelo 790, Código 012.
Retain the payment receipts and evidence of submission.
4. Follow the decision and collection instructions
The Police assesses the application. If it is approved, follow the instructions for paying any remaining issuance fee and collecting the official letter.
5. Provide the issued document to the visitor
Allow time for the document to reach the visitor before their visa appointment or journey.
Check the receiving authority’s requirements regarding originals and copies. Do not assume that a photograph or scan will be sufficient.
How much does the invitation letter cost?
As checked on 4 October 2026, the Ministry of the Interior publishes these fees:
| Fee | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Authorisation to issue the invitation letter — application | €75.05 |
| Issuance of the invitation letter | €6.54 |
| Certification and separation of related documents, where applicable | €1.09 per document |
The two main listed fees add up to €81.59. Additional applicable charges and any professional assistance are separate.
Confirm the charges relevant to your request before paying, using the official fee table and the police station’s instructions.
How long does the procedure take?
The Police expressly states that the process is not immediate. It involves assessment, a favourable decision, issuance and collection, followed by delivery to the visitor.
Appointment availability and processing can vary between police stations. Start early enough to complete these stages before the planned visit.
What does the invitation letter allow?
The letter establishes accommodation for the visit. It does not replace a required visa, the visitor’s financial evidence or the other entry conditions, and it does not guarantee admission.
For visits governed by the Schengen short-stay rules, the usual limit is 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. A visa may authorise fewer days, and previous stays must be included in the calculation.
The dates in an invitation letter do not extend the visitor’s permitted stay or provide permission to work or settle in Spain.
If the visitor has already exceeded their permitted stay, our guide to overstaying in Spain explains the issues to assess.
Frequently asked questions
Can I invite someone if I rent my home?
Yes, provided you meet the host requirements and can demonstrate that the accommodation is available. A rental agreement is one of the documents expressly recognised in the rules.
Does a visa-exempt visitor still need accommodation evidence?
Yes. Visa exemption does not remove the applicable entry conditions. An official invitation letter can demonstrate private accommodation when required.
Can a lawyer issue the official letter?
The official letter is issued by the Police. A lawyer can help assess the circumstances, review supporting documents and explain the procedure.
Help planning a private visit to Spain
Nodisea can help you assess the visitor’s entry requirements and the documents relevant to their circumstances.
If you are unsure whether the planned visit requires an invitation letter, a visa or a different immigration route, book a free 15-minute immigration consultation.
Legal review: Francisco Javier Theuer Carmona, immigration lawyer and member of the Granada Bar Association (ICAGR 7984).
Last reviewed: 4 October 2026
Official sources
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