If you live in Spain and want to invite your friends or family to visit you in Spain, an invitation letter may be useful them to come to Spain.
A letter of invitation (carta de invitación), also known as a family visit visa, is a document by which a Spanish or a foreigner living in Spain invites another foreigner to visit Spain. With the family visit visa it is possible to stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days.
According to article 8 of the Spanish Aliens Act, for foreigners who apply for a visitor visa a letter of invitation or a hotel accommodation certificate is a necessary document. In general, if a tourist does not have either a letter of invitation or a hotel accommodation certificate, the authorities may refuse to grant the visa.
The invitation must be requested by a Spanish or a foreigner with a valid residence in Spain. In other words, you can apply for a letter of invitation if you have a legal residence in Spain, regardless of the type of residence (including student permit, family residence, work residence, etc.).
The official invitation letter must be requested at the police station (Comisaría de Policía Nacional).
Applicants must have a valid ID card or residence (original as well as a copy) to go to the local police station to apply for a completed invitation letter. Note:Some police stations may require to schedule an appointment, so please check before going there.
In addition, you must bring the following documents: “
a) The original and a copy of the property deed as proof of availability of accommodation. If the house is rented, a lease agreement is required.
b) The latest month’s invoice for water, electricity and gas bills (original and copy) .
c) Original certificate of residence (padron)registered with the local government .
d) A copy of the invitee’s passport .
e) A copy of the application request for the processing fee TASA 790, if applying for one person the processing fee is around 80 euros. You can request the tax form at the police station.
The approval time for the invitation letter is 2-3 weeks, the workload varies from one police station to another, so please ask yourself.
