Living Abroad Tips

How to write an invitation letter for a Schengen visa

Emma-Jane Stogdon

04.03.25 (last updated)

Read time 2 minutes

Planning to travel to a Schengen member country soon? As a UK passport holder, you don’t need a visa for general travel, but might require one in certain situations. Even for shorter stays, an invitation letter can help ensure a smooth experience at border control.

So, how do you write an invitation letter for a Schengen visa? We’ve put together a guide covering the letter’s format, the details your host should include and when you might need one.

We will also share a handy way to manage visa expenses and your finances while abroad. The Wise card can be used in 150+ countries, letting you spend and withdraw cash like a local and at the mid-market exchange rate for low fees*.

What is a letter of invitation?

A letter of invitation is a document written by someone residing in a Schengen Area country whom you’ll be visiting. It essentially serves as proof of relationship between you and the host, whether from friends, family, a business or an institution providing the reason for your trip.¹

Is an invitation letter mandatory when applying for a Schengen Visa?

An invitation letter is not required for tourism but may be needed in other situations. For example, if you’re travelling to the Schengen Area to study or work, you’ll likely need one.¹

An invitation letter helps reassure immigration officials that you won’t overstay your visa and provides a point of contact if needed. It can also improve your chances of getting a visa, as it serves as proof that you have a legitimate reason for your stay and will leave the country legally.¹

vector image showing a map with the Schengen area shaded in

Who can write a letter of invitation for a Schengen visa?

Depending on the purpose of your stay, your Schengen visa invitation letter can be written by different individuals. This includes friends or family members, the institution where you will be studying, a business associate or employer or the hospital where you will be receiving medical treatment.¹

What information should be included in a Schengen letter of invitation?

Again, depending on the purpose of your stay, you will need to provide different information and documents alongside your invitation letter. The specific requirements can also vary based on the country you are visiting.

If you are applying for a business visa, your invitation letter must specify your business relationship with the company or individuals you will be working with in your destination country.

For example, Germany requires a recent, signed business letter confirming key details such as the length of your employment and the purpose of your trip.¹

Those planning to study abroad in a Schengen Area country will need an acceptance letter from their university or other educational institution. The invitation letter must include details such as your major, how your studies will be financed and other relevant information. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each country.¹

If you are visiting France, regardless of the purpose of your stay, you will need proof of accommodation or an attestation d'accueil. The person you will be staying with must request a form known as Cerfa n° 10798*04 from their local town hall and fill in their personal details along with information about the accommodation.¹

Finally, the writer should include their personal information in the letter. This should include their status in the Schengen country, their relationship to you and their contact information.¹

Use Wise to send money internationally

You should now have a clear understanding of what an invitation letter for a Schengen visa should include. While additional details may be required depending on your specific situation, this covers the key information.

And if you’re looking for a way to handle your finances while abroad, you should check out the Wise account. With the Wise account, you can send money between the UK and your destination country for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also get the Wise card and start spending in the local currency as soon as you arrive. The Wise card can be used in 150+ countries, automatically converting your pounds to the local currency whenever you spend, with a small, upfront currency conversion fee*.

Sources used:

1. AXA - invitation letter requirements for Schengen visa application

Sources last checked on date: 18-Feb-2025

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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