An invitation letter is an important document for non-EU citizens who wish to travel to Spain. It confirms the visitor’s accommodation, which is essential for entering the country. Below, we take a closer look at the key points concerning financial means for an invitation letter.

Do I need to prove I have sufficient financial means to apply for an invitation letter?

The short answer is that you do not need to prove you have sufficient financial means for an invitation letter when you apply for one. However, once the invited person arrives in Spain, they must meet certain requirements to enter the country.

The inviting party, who must be a Spanish citizen or legal resident, is responsible for submitting the application at a National Police station. The application requires documents proving that accommodation is available, but there is no requirement to provide evidence of financial means at this stage.

Even so, people arriving in Spain must prove that they have sufficient resources for their stay. This includes showing where they will stay and that they can support themselves financially during their visit.

Proving you have sufficient financial means to enter Spain

Non-EU citizens must prove that they have sufficient financial means for an invitation letter to Spain. This means that on arrival, they must present documents showing that they can cover their expenses during their stay.

The specific requirements include:

• A return ticket
• Proof of accommodation, which may be the invitation letter
• A minimum of 118,4 euros per day per person, which can be demonstrated with cash, cheques or bank statements

If you do not have these financial means, you may be refused entry to the country, unless the authorities decide to allow you in under certain conditions. It is therefore advisable to have all your documents ready to avoid problems.

Where do I apply for an invitation letter?

You can apply for an invitation letter at the National Police station in the area where the inviting party lives. The process is relatively straightforward, but several documents must be submitted, so they should be prepared in advance.

To apply, the inviting party must submit:

• An application form
• Documents proving that suitable accommodation is available
• The inviting party’s identification (DNI or passport)

Please note that only a Spanish citizen or legal resident in Spain can apply for an invitation letter. The document is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and processing can take up to 20 working days.

How much does an official letter of invitation cost?

The cost of an official letter of invitation includes various administrative fees that must be paid when submitting the application. In 2024, fees may vary, but generally range from around 70 to 100 euros.

It is advisable to check the current fees with the relevant Police Station, as these costs can fluctuate depending on the year and location. Although the price of the letter may seem high, it is an essential step in helping the visitor enter Spain.

Who can apply for an official letter of invitation to travel to Spain?

As mentioned above, only a Spanish citizen or a legal resident in Spain can apply for an official letter of invitation. This is essential to ensure that the invitation comes from someone who is able to accommodate the visitor.

The applicant must go to the Police Station and submit the documents required to support the application. It is important that the host meets the requirements, as this affects whether the letter is approved.

In addition, the host must be able to show that they have suitable accommodation for the visitor, including providing details about the property's capacity and their financial situation.

Do you need the original letter, or is a printed copy enough?

Visitors travelling to Spain must have access to the official letter of invitation. However, they are not required to present the original in every case. A printout may be sufficient, as long as it contains all the necessary information.

However, the host is advised to keep a copy of the original document in case it needs to be verified. The letter must include all relevant information, such as the host's details, the visitor's details and accommodation information.

Does an official letter of invitation guarantee entry to Spain?

It is important to understand that, although an official letter of invitation is an important document, it does not automatically guarantee entry to Spain. Immigration officials have the authority to refuse entry if they believe the visitor does not meet other necessary requirements.

In addition to the letter, visitors must show that they have sufficient financial means for their stay. This includes providing documents to support their financial capacity and meeting the country's other entry requirements.

It is therefore best to be well prepared and have all the necessary documents to avoid problems at the border.

Related questions about entry requirements for Spain

How much does an official letter of invitation to Spain cost in 2025?

The cost of an official letter of invitation may change over time. Although fees currently range from around 70 to 100 euros, they may be adjusted in 2025. Check with the relevant Police Station for accurate information about the application fee for an official letter of invitation to Spain.

Applicants should consider the cost, as it may affect their financial planning before starting the application process. Keeping up to date with possible price changes can help avoid unpleasant surprises.

What are the alternatives to an official letter of invitation as proof of accommodation in Spain?

Travellers can consider several alternatives to an official letter of invitation to prove their accommodation in Spain. These include:

• Hotel or temporary accommodation bookings
• Documents confirming a stay with family members or friends
• Rental or lease agreements

Each of these alternatives must be properly documented to help ensure entry to the country. Although an official letter of invitation is the most common option, it is useful to know other ways to meet this requirement.

How can you prove you have sufficient financial resources for a student visa in Spain?

For students who want to obtain a student visa for Spain, proving they have sufficient financial resources is essential. Applicants must submit documents confirming they have enough money to cover tuition, accommodation and living expenses.

These may include bank statements, sponsorship letters or proof of scholarships. Students must prepare carefully to meet this requirement, as inadequate documentation may result in the visa being refused.

How much does an official letter of invitation cost?

The cost of an official letter of invitation varies depending on the location and current administrative fees. In 2024, the cost is expected to remain between 70 and 100 euros. For the exact price, check with your nearest Police Station.

This cost is an important factor for anyone planning to apply for the letter and should be included in their financial planning for the trip to Spain.