If you're planning to host a UK friend or family member in a Schengen country, you'll likely need to provide them with an invitation letter (also called a sponsorship letter). This document is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Schengen application process, but getting it right is straightforward once you understand the requirements. We'll walk you through exactly what your guest needs to know, what you need to provide, and which countries have stricter rules.

Who Can Issue a Valid Invitation Letter?

Only legal residents or citizens of a Schengen country can issue an invitation letter that holds weight with visa authorities. This means if you're living in Spain, France, Germany, or any of the 27 Schengen countries, you're eligible to sponsor your UK visitor.

It doesn't matter whether you own property or rent—what matters is your legal residence status. If you're a UK citizen working abroad on a valid residence permit or employment visa, you can issue an invitation. If you're an EU citizen living in a Schengen country, you're good to go.

Your UK friend cannot issue the invitation themselves. They must rely on you (or another Schengen-based host) to provide it on their behalf.

What Must the Invitation Letter Contain?

Keep it brief—one page maximum. Schengen authorities don't want lengthy documents; they want the essential facts. Your invitation letter should include:

• Your full name, date of birth, and citizenship
• Your current address and proof of residence
• Your UK visitor's full name and date of birth
• The dates they'll be staying with you (be specific)
• A clear statement that you're inviting them for a private visit
• Your commitment to cover living expenses during their stay (if applicable)
• Your relationship to the visitor (friend, family member, colleague)
• Your contact details (phone and email)

The letter should be dated, signed by hand, and written on plain paper or your letterhead. Avoid elaborate templates—a straightforward, honest letter works best.

Do You Need to Get It Notarised?

This depends entirely on which Schengen country your visitor is applying to. Five countries require notarisation:

• France
• Netherlands
• Austria
• Czechia
• Portugal

If your UK friend is applying for a visa at the French embassy or a Dutch consulate, you'll need to have your invitation letter officially notarised by the relevant local authority (usually a notary public, solicitor's office, or town hall). Check the specific embassy or consulate website for their exact requirements—some may ask for the letter to be certified by local authorities rather than a traditional notary.

For all other Schengen countries, notarisation is not a legal requirement, though some embassies may request it on a case-by-case basis.

What Supporting Documents Should You Provide?

Your invitation letter alone isn't enough. Your UK guest will need to submit supporting documents alongside it:

1. A copy of your passport or national ID
2. Proof of your residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or tenancy confirmation dated within the last three months)
3. Your detailed itinerary for their visit
4. Evidence of your financial means to support them (bank statements are usually sufficient)
5. Any additional documents requested by the specific embassy or consulate

If your guest is staying with multiple hosts across different locations, each host must provide a separate invitation letter covering their portion of the stay. This prevents confusion and ensures clarity about accommodation arrangements.

Key Takeaways

• You must be a legal resident of a Schengen country to issue a valid invitation
• Keep the letter to one page—include essential details only
• Check whether the embassy or consulate requires notarisation (France, Netherlands, Austria, Czechia, Portugal do)
• Provide supporting documents: your ID, proof of residence, and proof of financial capacity
• If hosting someone for multiple stays or across multiple countries, issue separate letters for each leg

Issuing an invitation letter is a straightforward way to support your UK visitor's visa application. Keep it honest, clear, and factual—visa authorities simply want to confirm that you're a legitimate resident capable of hosting them. Once your letter is submitted alongside your guest's supporting documents, you've done your part.

Ready to help your friend prepare their full application? Take our Free Readiness Check to identify any gaps in their documentation, or explore our document review services to ensure everything meets embassy standards.