30 de September, 2024
The invitation letter for Spain is an essential document for those wishing to receive foreign guests for a period of up to 90 days, without the need to provide proof of hotel reservation. This document must be requested by a legal resident in Spain or by a Spanish citizen, ensuring that the guest can enter and temporarily stay in the country. Here’s how and where to request it: documents, deadlines, and costs!
Although some tourists (such as Brazilians and Americans) do not need a visa to enter Spain as tourists, there are conditions that must be met upon entry. One of these is the presentation of proof of accommodation.
Therefore, the invitation letter for Spain, known as carta de invitación, is an alternative to hotel reservations, facilitating the entry of visitors who will be staying at the homes of family or friends.
In the past, the invitation letter was issued through a public deed at notary offices. However, this model has been replaced because notaries were unable to confirm whether the host had sufficient space or financial means to accommodate the guest.
Today, the only valid letter is issued directly by the National Police of Spain, after verifying some requirements. The police check, for example, if the host has the capacity to accommodate the guest with dignity and if they have the necessary financial means to support the tourist during their stay.
The process for issuing the invitation letter is divided into two stages:
First, the host residing in Spain must personally go to a National Police station, fill out the official form, and present the required documents (see the list below). In some provinces, it is necessary to make a prior appointment, while in others, service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. At this time, the applicant must also pay the initial processing fee.
After the documents have been reviewed, the police station will inform whether the letter has been approved. Subsequently, the host must pay a second fee for the issuance of the invitation letter.
With the invitation letter in hand, the host must send it to the guest in Brazil. The document will be required at Spanish immigration to prove the tourist’s accommodation.
Requesting the invitation letter for Spain requires the presentation of some important documents, such as:
The National Police will analyze factors such as the property’s capacity to accommodate the indicated number of people and the host’s economic means. While not all documents are mandatory, it is advisable to present them to facilitate the process and ensure that the property meets the minimum requirements for space and accommodation conditions.
The total cost for requesting the invitation letter for Spain from the police is approximately €82. There are two fees to pay. The first is for processing the application, costing €75.05. The second, if the application is approved, is for the issuance of the letter itself, costing €6.54 for each guest.
The time frame to obtain the invitation letter for Spain can vary depending on the city and the time of year when the application is made, but it usually does not exceed 20 business days.
Yes, but for those planning a stay longer than 90 days and who have applied for a visa for Spain, the invitation letter may not be the best option. In this case, it is more certain to have a rental contract in the country, as this contract will be essential at the time of applying for residence authorization (empadronamiento). Consult a specialist for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.
If you wish to live in Spain and don’t know where to start, Atlantic Bridge is here to assist you in every step of your relocation process. We offer specialized consulting in visas for Spain and Spanish citizenship, ensuring your transition is smooth and secure. We are ready to turn your dream of living in Europe into reality! Contact us!
Author:
Silvia Resende
