lt ad-hoc query on verification of invitation letters in ... · the proof of sponsorship can only...

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LT Ad-Hoc Query on verification of invitation letters in visa issuing process

Requested by LT NCP on 13th January 2015

Compilation produced on 2nd April 2015

Responses requested from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United

Kingdom and Norway (21 in Total)

Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the

EMN. The contributing EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable.

Note, however, that the information provided does not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.

1. Background Information

Lithuanian Police Department which coordinates the work of migration services is currently analyzing if verification of invitation letters to foreigners is

not an excess procedure in the visa issuing process. With this EMN Ad Hoc Query the Police Department hopes to get a better understanding of the

practice in other European countries: if they use such documents as “letters of invitation” to justify the arrival of foreigners to the Schengen area; if the

invitations are verified by any state institution; what the control mechanism is etc.

We would like to ask the following questions:

LT Ad-Hoc Query: Verification of invitation letters in visa issuing process

Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing EMN

NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does not necessarily

represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.

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1. Is a foreigner applying for the issuance of a Schengen visa obliged to submit a document, namely, a form for proof of sponsorship and/or private

accommodation, and a document, namely, an invitation? If he/she is not obliged in all cases, in what cases is such a document required? Do these

documents need to be verified by any authority authorised by the state (police, border guard, migration service, municipality, etc.)?

2. What commitments are to be indicated by the inviting person in a form for proof of sponsorship or a letter of invitation (e.g., to provide the invited

foreigner with accommodation, maintenance, to cover the costs of expulsion, etc.)? What documents are required to support/confirm the ability to fulfil

these commitments?

3. What procedures must be carried out by the authority authorised to verify a form for proof of sponsorship and a letter of invitation before verifying

these documents?If a foreigner who claims to be a minor refuses to do the age assessment test, does this have any consequences?

4. Does an authority authorised by the Member State check the information provided in natural and legal persons’ forms for proof of sponsorship or

letters of invitation concerning:

- the address of the foreigner’s accommodation (whether the foreigner has actually been accommodated at the specified address),

- the financial condition of the inviting person (e.g., whether he/she will be able, if necessary, to fulfil his/her commitment to cover the

expenses of the foreigner’s expulsion from the country),

- whether the foreigner’s purpose of entry conforms to the purpose of entry indicated in the letter of invitation,

- whether the invited foreigner enters the territory of the Member State and whether he/she leaves it before the expiry of the validity of

his/her visa,

- other information (please specify)?

If such information is checked, what methods are employed (e.g., documentary proof is requested, other checks are carried out (please provide

examples)?

5. Does a diplomatic mission or a consular post request a foreigner lodging an application for the issuance of a visa to submit additional documents on

the purpose of his/her entry if he/she presents a form for proof of sponsorship or a letter of invitation? Does the diplomatic mission or the consular post

additionally/repeatedly check the information indicated in the form for proof of sponsorship or the letter of invitation?

6. What measures are undertaken in order to prevent abuse of invitation procedures or fraudulent letters of invitation?

We would very much appreciate your responses by 13th February 2015.





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2. Responses

Wider

Dissemination?

Austria Yes The Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community

Code on Visas (Visa Code) is directly applicable to visa procedures regarding Schengen visa and therefore regulates the procedures and

conditions for the issuing of Visas A and C. Hence, to be able to examine if all basic conditions for issuing visas are met, visa applicants

have to present all supporting documents according to the provisions of the Visa Code.

A visa may be issued to a third-country national who is subject to visa requirements and who is unable to prove sufficient means of

subsistence to cover his stay in Austria, if the coverage of all costs seems to be secured on the basis of a proof of sponsorship by a person,

a company or an association having his/her main residence respectively a registered office within the Austrian territory.

The proof of sponsorship can only compensate for the ground for refusal of insufficient financial means, however it can never compensate

for other grounds for refusal.

Inviting (private) persons and entitled or authorized representatives of inviting companies and associations address the competent police

administration of the federal province with regard to the location of their main residence or office. They can make there a proof of

sponsorship, called “electronic letter of guarantee” (EVE), which is free of charge.

This “electronic letter of guarantee” was introduced in Austria in 2007 in order to achieve an increased verification security with regard to

falsified documents through an examination as comprehensive as possible of proofs of sponsorships by the domestic authority, as well as to

ensure an uniform assessment of validity/capacity conducted by Austrian representations abroad.

The “electronic letter of guarantee” consists of the actual declaration itself in hardcopy form which has to be signed by the inviting person

and of a web form which has to be filled in by the domestic authority. The information given about the inviting person’s solvency has to be

proven before the domestic authority, which verifies at the entry of the EVE the submitted supporting documents and proof for sufficiency

and genuineness. Furthermore, the authority examines the information given by the inviting person and fills the respective data fields in the

web form, including concerns regarding aliens’ law and other circumstances relevant to the visa procedure (for example persons inviting

third country nationals frequently, any suspicion of human smuggling or fraudulent invitations).

Inviting (private) persons have to submit the following documents:

Identity card, residence registration form, adequate proof of income (for instance wage slip, salary statement, income tax assessment,

income tax declaration, actual statement of loss and gain); tenancy agreement or equivalent; if relevant proof of any existing duty of care,

loans, possible self-disclosure of the association for the protection of creditors or similar as well as documents regarding the relation

between the inviting person and the visa applicant.

For business invitations, the following documents have to be submitted:

Identity card of the representative, extract from the register of companies/trade license, proof of the company’s solvency (submission of for

example the annual statement of accounts, a statement of revenues and expenditures, extract of the association for the protection of

creditors), if not apparent from other documents possibly a proof of authorization (the power of attorney shall be issued on company letter

head and has to include a company stamp and signature(s) by the bodies authorized to represent the company).

For invitations by an association, the following documents have to be presented:





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Identity card of the representative, extract from the register of associations, statute, proof of the activities and the solvency of the association

(submission of for example a balance of accounts, certification from a tax adviser), possibly a power of attorney (it has to include

signature(s) of the bodies authorized to represent the association). In case the solvency cannot be clearly proven or determined, a statement

by the association for the protection of creditors can be demanded in addition.

After the web form has been completed and saved, it can be accessed from the respective Austrian representations abroad. Competent

authorities leading the proceedings in visa procedures are the representations abroad, which also have to assess the capacity/validity of a

proof of sponsorship in the context of a visa procedure.

By submitting of a proof of sponsorship, the inviting person/company/association enters into contract with the Republic of Austria in favour

of the visa applicant. A unilateral annulment of this contract – withdrawal of the proof of sponsorship – is not possible. With the submission

of a proof of sponsorship, the inviting person/ company/ association declares to agree to defray the costs for the applicant’s subsistence and

accommodation and to pay the Republic auf Austria, the provinces, municipalities and other public legal entities, all costs that might arise

in connection with the invited person’s entry, stay within the Schengen area – even if this stay for whatever reasons goes beyond the period

of the invitation – and departure as well as possible measures by the Aliens Police.

Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior

Belgium Yes 1. The proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation and the invitation letter are two separate and distinct documents. The invitation

letter is intended to describe the purpose of the journey while the proof of sponsorship is a way to ensure the financial coverage of the

journey.

During the visa application process, the applicant must submit documents indicating the purpose of the journey (for example: the invitation

letter from a company or authority to participle in interviews or conferences, access cards to commercial or industrial exhibitions etc.) or

other documents demonstrating existing commercial, professional, friendly or family relationships. Such documents are verified at

diplomatic posts, except for persons considered as bona fide. If necessary, a review is carried out by the Immigration Office (which is

the only one competent to possibly refuse a visa). Invitations or other supporting documents are verified (in case of suspicion of falsification

for example) on the spot (by telephone, investigation in the field…).

During the visa application process, the applicant must also prove that he/she has sufficient personal means of subsistence (95 euros/day if

staying in a hotel – 45 euros/day if staying in a private accommodation) or resort to a sponsor and submit a proof of sponsorship (annex

3bis). Through this proof of sponsorship, the sponsor is, during a period of two years, liable, together with the foreigner, for paying his/her

costs for healthcare, stay and repatriation costs, from the day the foreigner legally entered the territory of the Member States of the Schengen

area. The proof of sponsorship however only serves as a proof if legalized, declared admissible and accepted. To this end, the sponsor

must go to the municipal administration (population/aliens’ registers where he/she is registered), complete a form and legalize his/her

signature. If the foreigner is exempted from visa obligation, the proof of sponsorship and supporting documents are sent, verified and

possibly accepted by the Immigration Office. If the foreigner isn’t exempted from visa obligation, the proof of sponsorship and other

supporting documents must be sent and presented to the consulate abroad. If the proof of sponsorship can’t be accepted by the consulate,

the Immigration Office is consulted and requested to take the final decision.

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Documents/Annexe_03_02.pdf

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Documents/Annexe_03_02.pdf





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2. Through the proof of sponsorship, the sponsor commits towards the foreigner, towards the Belgian State and towards the competent

Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS) to pay costs of healthcare, of stay and of repatriation. Furthermore the sponsor is, together with

the foreigner, severally liable for paying such costs during a period of two years, from the day the foreigner legally entered the territory of

the Member States of the Schengen area. This means that the liability of the sponsor remains engaged if the sponsored foreigner stays in

Belgium beyond the period of stay authorized (max. 90 days, unless the visa mentions otherwise). This commitment means that, if costs of

stay, healthcare or repatriation had to be covered by the State or the CPAS, the latter can claim reimbursement both to the foreigner and

to the sponsor.

To support/confirm the ability to fulfil these commitments, the sponsor must submit the following documents:

The sponsor’s proof of Belgian nationality or proof that he/she is authorized or permitted to stay in Belgium for an unlimited duration or

authorized to settle there.

The sponsor’s last three salary slips (or pay slips attesting the salary received during the last 3 months if showing working periods of less

than a month) or a document prepared by a public authority, certifying his/her net or gross income, monthly or yearly, or failing to be able

to produce these documents, a document indicating the amount of his/her resources (pension records, proof of receipt of unemployment

benefits, account statements of the last 3 months , warning- extract role established for the year preceding the entry into the territory / the

date of the visa application etc.).

Any document relevant to the assessment of the amount of available resources (family composition, income of the spouse if married under

community property provided that proof of this regime is made, proof of relationship with foreigner sponsored etc.)

3. Before verifying a proof of sponsorship, authorities are involved in the following stages of the procedure:

1. Commitment: the sponsor goes to the municipal administration in the population or aliens’ register where he/she is registered and

complete the proof of sponsorship form. The municipal administration checks whether the sponsor effectively resides in the municipality.

2. Legalization: If the conditions for the authentication of the signature are met, the municipal administration legalizes the sponsor’

signature and indicates the date.

3. Verification/Decision:

- When the proof of sponsorship concerns a foreigner who is exempted from visa obligation, the municipal administration sends the proof

of sponsorship form and other supporting documents to the Immigration Office which verifies the available resources and takes a decision.

The Immigration Office then sends the proof of sponsorship back to the municipal administration, which invites the sponsor to collect it at

a certain date.

- When the proof of sponsorship concerns a foreigner who is subject to visa obligation and whose application is submitted in a Belgian

consulate abroad, the sponsor has to send the dated and legalized form and supporting documents to the foreigner abroad, who will have to

submit them to the consulate (within 6 months from the date of the signature of the sponsor). If the consulate is of the opinion that the form

of sponsorship can’t be accepted, then the Immigration Office is consulted to take a final decision.

- When the proof of sponsorship concerns a foreigner who is subject to visa obligation and whose application is submitted in the consulate

of another Member State acting in the country on behalf of Belgium, the municipality sends the form and supporting documents to the

Immigration Office which verifies the financial capacity of the sponsor to assume the commitment. If it is accepted, the document has to be

presented in the consulate within 6 months following the date specified by the municipal administration for the sponsor to collect it.





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From the above, several elements are verified before the authorities check the proof of sponsorship, including the sponsor’s commitment

and his/her effective residence in the municipality.

It is worth noting too that in any case, the Schengen Information System is always used/controlled.

4. As regards invitation letters and other supporting documents regarding the purpose of the journey, the extent of checks may vary: checks

are extensive in case applicants submit their first visa application or in case applicants haven’t respected the conditions of entry/stay in the

past. As regards the methods used, they are diverse. Diplomatic missions / consular posts, which perform checks abroad, can use the

telephone (to call a university where the foreigner declares to study for example), investigators in the field (to check the presence of a

company at a specific address for example). The Immigration Office, which may review and make additional checks in Belgium, can use

the telephone (to call the inviting person, a family member, etc.), resort to authentication devices in cooperation with the Police (to check

the authenticity of documents).

As regards proofs of sponsorship, it is worth noting that checks are thoroughly made every time, irrespective of whether the visa applicant

is already known from previous applications/stays or not. For further information on methods used to check financial resources, please see

answer to question 2 (documentary proof to be provided by the sponsor).

5. Checks undertaken by diplomatic missions / consular posts are extensive when applicants submit their first visa application or in case

applicants haven’t respected the conditions of entry/stay in the past. Furthermore, diplomatic missions / consular posts have the possibility

to resort to the Immigration Office for additional checks. While diplomatic missions / consular posts are rather involved in checks abroad,

the Immigration Office greatly focuses on checks in Belgium (calling inviting persons for example).

6. The measures and checks described above are used to prevent abuse of invitation procedures or fraudulent letters of invitation:

Telephone calls to those issuing invitation letters

Investigations in the field

Documentary proof/checks

In addition to this, Schengen information exchange mechanisms (local/central meetings) are also useful to collect and share information

on possible profiles, trends, suspicious agencies involved in such phenomena.

Sources :

Immigration Office – Short stay unit

Flyer for sponsors (FR : https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Documents/Garants_Brochure.pdf)

Website of the Immigration Office:

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Guidedesprocedures/Pages/Se_rendre_en_Belgique_pour_un_court_sejour_3_mois_maximum.aspx

Czech Republic No This EMN NCP has provided a response to the requesting EMN NCP. However, they have requested that it is not disseminated further.

Estonia Yes 1. According to principles described in Visa Code, documents, which foreigner has to present when applying for Schengen visa, are fixed in

common list of supporting documents, agreed by Local Schengen Cooperation and confirmed by relevant bodies in the EU. If in such list

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Documents/Garants_Brochure.pdf

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Guidedesprocedures/Pages/Se_rendre_en_Belgique_pour_un_court_sejour_3_mois_maximum.aspx





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in concrete country such document is required, a foreigner applying for Schengen visa must present it. There is no formal rule how invitations

or other documents from inviting person must be composed or verified, but Estonian representation can, according to risk analysis and

overall situation in concrete country, require that that documents from inviting person must be presented in writing in original or must be

digitally signed.

2. There is no formal rule how such documents must be composed, if inviting person is covering the costs of a trip or providing foreigner

with accommodation, this must be stated in invitation or sponsor’s letter.

3. No verification is required. If information in such document needs additional checks, consul, who is examining the application, together

with Estonian competent authorities, carries them out.

If a foreigner claims to be a minor, the fact is checked on base of travel documents issued to him or her by third country.

4. If information in such document needs additional checks, consul, who is examining the application, together with Estonian competent

authorities, carries them out. Estonian consuls have wide access to several databases the Republic of Estonia holds and lot of checks are

carried out by consuls using these databases. If needed, consul can ask to run additional checks in Estonia, then these checks are carried out

by Estonian authorities dealing with migration, border control and internal security. Those authorities can also run checks on their own

initiative during prior consultation of applications, all visa applications are sent to these Estonian authorities for consultation before making

decision by consul.

When running additional checks, consul or authorities in Estonia, can use very different methods from database check to asking for additional

documents. In addition, interviews are conducted and on-site checks are carried out.

5. Documents, which foreigner, applying for Schengen visa in Estonian representation, must submit, are fixed in common list of supporting

documents of concrete country. Please see answer to question number 4 about checks.

Range of measures, used by Estonian consuls and competent authorities dealing with migration, border control and internal security during

examining visa applications, is very wide and all of them are also used to prevent use of fraudulent letters of invitations. Which measures

are undertaken depends much on country, where application is presented. Measures undertaken in concrete country depend on risk analysis

of situation in this country and also on analysis of competent authorities in Estonia about inviting persons and their previous invitations.

Finland Yes 1. Only an invitation letter (document 2) can be required and it should be signed by the inviter. A notary public can notarise the authenticity

of the signature, but it is not compulsory. Form for proof of sponsorship (Handbook art.15) is not in use in Finland.

2. The invitation may be a free-form letter indicating the host organisation’s or private host’s contact details and providing such information

about the invited person as name, date of birth, address, passport number, and purpose and length of visit. No commitments are required,

but the inviter can mention in the invitation letter, if s/he will bear the costs of the trip (accommodation, meals etc)

3. The invitation letter is not verified by any authority.





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4. -

5. - Usually not, but that is possible if there are doubts about the purpose of the trip.

- Yes, this is the practise especially in countries where there is high risk for illegal immigration. In addition to this, diplomatic missions

consider whether they can be sure that the applicant intends to leave the Schengen territory before the expiry of the visa applied for.

6. Visa officer can call to the inviter or consult the visa team in MFA (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) to make sure that the invitation is

genuine.

Germany Yes 1. During the course of the visa application procedure, the applicant is obliged to produce evidence that he/she has sufficient funds available

to cover the costs of his/her travel and stay. Furthermore he/she is obliged to always produce evidence regarding his/her planned abode (e.g.

in the form of a letter of invitation or a formal obligation to cover the costs resulting from the travel and stay of the invited person(s)),

however, a formal letter of invitation is not obligatory. Should the aim of the journey not be purely based on tourist reasons but on business

reasons, the requirement to produce hotel reservations or flight bookings can normally be waived (seeing that travel plans can change and

due to changes in the booking as a result of such changes in the travel plans costs would arise for the traveller). If the inviting party has

committed himself/herself to cover the costs during the journey in accordance with §§ 66 to 68 German Residence Act (AufentG), the

inviting party is obliged to state the same in writing on an official form of the German Foreigner’s Authority. Any other evidence does not

require the mandatory confirmation of an authority.

2. With a formal obligation to cover the costs resulting from the travel and stay of the invited person(s) in accordance with §§ 66 to 68,

German Residence Act (AufenthG), the inviting party shall be committed to cover any and all costs associated with the costs of the

subsistence of the person applying for a visa, including costs for abode and medical care in case of illness and costs for nursing care needs,

as well as costs arising from the termination of the stay; any such official costs arising from the above must also be covered by the inviting

party. The German Foreigner’s Authority is entitled to request the inviting party to produce evidence pertinent to his/her financial standing

(proof of salary, bank statements).

3. The formal obligation to cover the costs in accordance with §§ 66 to 68 German Residence Act (AufenthG) must be formally stated by

the inviting party on a corresponding formal document before the German Foreigner’s Authority. Any other informal letters of invitation

will be investigated in the most simple way possible by the competent agency abroad in cases of doubt, e.g. by calling the inviting party on

the telephone to ask relevant questions. As the person applying for a visa is obliged to cooperate (§ 82 German Residence Act (AufenthG),

the refusal to cooperate in the determination of age can lead to the application of visa being refused.

4. Only in cases of exception (e.g. subsequent criteria arising that would mean a risk to the safety of the person concerned) the authorities

will check if the holder of the visa has actually taken up residence at the address indicated during the visa proceedings.





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- The German Foreigner’s Authority is entitled to request the inviting party to produce evidence pertinent to his/her financial standing

(proof of salary, bank statements) (please see reply to question number 2).

- Only in case of clear grounds for suspicion (e.g. taking up paid employment), the authorities will investigate if the reason for the stay

complies with the conditions of a Schengen visa. Within the framework of the normal border police controls at the moment of entry of and

exit from the country it will be investigated if the visa is being used for the entry of and the exit from the country in accordance with the

rules.

- In justifiable individual instances further information given may be investigated, e.g. regarding the person or the organisation proclaiming

to be the inviting party.

5. In individual instances the agency abroad takes the decision to what extent documents and evidence must be requested in order for the

decision basis required by the visa code (EC regulation number 810/2009) to be fulfilled.

6. A visa warning database is being kept in order to avoid the abuse of visa. Such a visa warning database is intended to assist agencies

abroad to avoid incorrect decisions in connection with deception or attempts of deception and to assist the agencies abroad during the

investigation process of the formal obligation regarding cost covering. For this purpose the data of visa applicants and inviting parties is

being stored. Indications regarding the presentation of falsified or tampered documents during the visa proceedings are also stored in the

visa database in which data regarding the applications for visa have been recorded. Should incorrect or incomplete indications be made, e.g.

in the formal obligation regarding cost covering leading to the issuance of the visa which is then used for entering the country, such an act

can be deemed to be a criminal offence punishable with a prison sentence of up to three years or with a fine (§ 95, section 2, number 2

German Residence Act (AufenthG)).

Greece Yes Greece does not use, for the time being, an official form for proof of sponsorship and/or private accomodation, as well as an invitation letter

to be submitted by the visa applicants. That is the reason why no such a form has been included in Annex 15 of the Visa Code Handbook

Hungary Yes In Hungary, such invitation letters are issued by the authority, therefore, their verification is not necessary.

An application for a letter of invitation can be submitted by (1) a Hungarian citizen; (2) an immigrant, settled third country citizen, or who

has been recognised by Hungary as a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection, having a residence visa or a residence permit; (3) a

person having the right of free movement and stay; and (4) a Hungarian or a foreign legal person or organisation with no legal personality,

having a seat in Hungary.

The application for the provision of the letter of invitation with the approval of the authority can be submitted personally, or in the case of

a legal person, through its representative, at the regional directorate – branch office – competent on the basis of the inviter's (the person who

undertakes the obligation to provide to the invitee during his/her stay in the territory of Hungary accommodation and support, and – unless

otherwise provided by the international agreement – to cover the costs of his/her health care and outward journey.) domicile, place of stay,

or place of accommodation, or if the inviter is a legal person, on the basis of the place of its seat. In an exceptional case, if it is justified by

the inviter's health condition, an exemption from personal submission can be requested from the competent regional immigration authority.

The administrative service fee of the proceedings is HUF 4,000, which shall be paid with revenue stamp by the applicant. The decision on





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invitation letter will be made by the regional directorate within 15 days, or if Hungary has a significant economic, cultural, scientific, or

sports interest in the entry of the invited third country citizen, within 8 days. In case of refusal the applicant can lodge an objection, which

can be submitted at the authority that made the first instance decision within 15 days after the communication of the decision. The

administrative service fee for appeal is HUF 5,500, which shall be paid with revenue stamp by the applicant.

The provision of accommodation can be supported in particular with:

• a document certifying the ownership of the flat used for dwelling (e.g. a less than 30-day old copy of the title deed);

• a flat rental contract, or a proof of dwelling;

• a reservation at an accommodation establishment;

• in any other credible way.

The financial means to cover the costs of invitation can be supported in particular with the following documents:

• in the case of a natural person inviter:

- a salary certificate issued by the employer;

- an account balance statement, or an account statement;

- a certificate of income issued by the tax authority;

• in the case of a legal person inviter:

- a certificate issued by the tax authority;

- an account balance statement, or an account statement.

During the procedure the immigration authority may request the submission of further documents in order to clarify the facts! The period

of time that passes from the notice to submit additional documents until the request is fulfilled is not be taken into account in the

administrative deadline. The acting authority determines the validity of the invitation letter in days, taking into account the purpose and all

circumstances of the invitation. An invitation letter can be valid for a maximum of 365 days. Each copy of the invitation letter must be

signed by the inviter. The authority issues the invitation letter to the inviter who must arrange for its sending to the invited foreigner. The

invitation letter in itself does not entitle to entry into the territory on Hungary. The costs of enforcing expulsion must be borne by the expelled

person, or if the financial means are unavailable to the expelled person, by the inviter.

Latvia Yes 1. Invitation is optional document for proving the purpose of entry. Document could be verified by the Migration office or it can be approved

by the notary if inviter chooses such option.

2. Inviter can guarantee an accommodation and financial means (it is an optional possibility). Mandatory guarantee regards the responsibility

for the exit of third-country citizen from the country, covering of health care/living expenses or expulsion costs in case of necessity. If an

inviter takes up a financial/accommodation guarantee, s/he should prove it by submitting documents (document proving financial means,

lease agreement etc. If the real property belongs to inviter, the document is not necessary; the information will be checked in Land Register.

Documents, certifying the financial responsibility are not required in case if the invited third-country citizen is close family member of the

inviter).





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3. Migration office verifies the previous invitations of inviter (if any), tax debts, credibility of the legal person, submitted contracts, travel

history of the third-country national etc. Latvia does not apply age assessment test as there have not been any cases where such test could

have been necessary.

4. Additional checks are carried out only in case of doubt on the purpose of entry of third-country citizen or if there is ground to assume that

not all information provided by the inviter and the third-country citizen is reliable. Selective checks in the place of residence are carried out

by State Border Guard, this organization is controlling the exit from the country as well, using on-line entry-exit information system.

5. Diplomatic/consular representation interviews the third-country citizen and it carries out the repeated checks only in case if there is a

doubt on the purpose of entry of third-country citizen or doubt on any other information provided in the invitation.

6. If the legal person (inviter) has provided fraudulent information regarding the tax debts or the inviter (legal person) has violated rules

regarding the employment of invited foreigner, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has right to take a decision to forbid the

legal person to invite foreigners. This restriction can be for a period up to one year.

Lithuania Yes 1. A foreigner wishing to obtain a Schengen short-stay visa (type C visa) may submit a letter of invitation to enter the Republic of Lithuania

issued in the established form by a natural or legal person of the Republic of Lithuania. The letter of invitation must be verified by a

migration service. The letter of invitation is not required if the foreigner is able to submit documents in support of the purpose of entry, the

information enabling an assessment of the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa

applied for, documents in relation to accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation ,and documents indicating that

the applicant possesses sufficient means of subsistence (EUR 40 per day) both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to

his/her country of origin or residence. When a visa is issued to a foreigner on the basis of a letter of invitation, the amount of funds necessary

for the foreigner’s stay in the Republic of Lithuania is EUR 20 per day. It has been observed that foreigners often use letters of invitation as

documents supporting the purpose of their entry and a proof of their suitable accommodation.

2. A verified letter of invitation confirms the following commitments of a natural or legal person:

- to ensure that a foreigner entering the Republic of Lithuania is provided with a suitable accommodation (residential premises where each

adult person who declares there his/her place of residence, including the invited foreigner/foreigners, is provided with not less than 14 square

meters of useful floor space, or a hotel, motel or another accommodation offered by the provider of services) during the period of his/her

stay in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a Schengen visa –the natural or legal person must provide the consent of the owner of the

residential premises to provide the foreigner with accommodation certified by a notary public or in an equivalent manner or a proof of the

booking of the hotel/motel;

- to cover, where necessary, the expenses of the foreigner’s return, expulsion or forced return to the country of origin or to a foreign country

into which he/she is certain to be admitted. It is not required to provide additional documentary proof of the ability to fulfil these

commitments.





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3. An authorised officer of a migration service must:

- check whether the inviting natural person has declared his/her place of residence in the Republic of Lithuania or whether the legal person

is registered in the Register of Legal Entities;

- check whether the invited person is included in the list of foreigners who are banned from entering the Republic of Lithuania or the

Schengen Area;

- conduct a check if there is a doubt that the data provided in an application for verification of a letter of invitation are implausible, also has

the right to request additional documents to support the data provided in the natural or legal person’s application for verification of the letter

of invitation (e.g., the purpose of the foreigner’s entry or the ties between the inviting natural or legal person and the invited foreigner);

- check whether the person applying for verification of the letter of invitation acts as a mediator for other persons seeking the foreigner’s

temporary entry into the Republic of Lithuania.

4. Additional and more detailed checks are carried out only in the cases when there are reasonable doubts that an invited foreigner may pose

a risk of irregular migration or that a fraudulent letter of invitation is presented. In the course of such checks, the financial condition and

activities of the inviting person (company) may be checked, the information about foreigners invited previously by the person may be

collected, it may also be checked whether the foreigners in question entered and left the Schengen territory before the expiry of their visa,

etc.

5. A diplomatic mission or a consular post assumes full responsibility in assessing the risk of immigration and deciding on the issuance of

a visa. Examination of applications for the issuance of a visa has the purpose of identifying those applicants who, on grounds of tourism,

business, study, employment or family visit, seek to immigrate into the Member States and to settle down there. Diplomatic missions and

consular posts decide independently whether additional checks are required as regards the reliability and veracity of the information provided

by a foreigner applying for the visa. The main focus is ona personal interview with the applicant with a view to determining the purpose of

his/her journey, on the establishment of the applicant’s identity and on checking for an alert entered in the Schengen Information System

(SIS) for the applicant for the purpose of refusing entry, on checking whether the applicant poses any other threat (e.g., threat to security)

which would constitute a ground for refusing the visa and on checking whether, from the immigration perspective, the applicant poses a risk

due to his/her previous stay being in excess of the permitted duration. The diplomatic mission or the consular post carries out checks in

cooperation with national authorities, where such checks are necessary for the purposes of collection and checking of information and

adoption of a decision.

6. The checks mentioned in the reply to Question 4, administrative liability(fine)against the inviting person for providing false data for the

purpose of verification of letters of invitation for foreigners to enter the Republic of Lithuania or for aiding a foreigner in obtaining, by other

unlawful means, a document confirming the right to stay or reside in Lithuania.

Luxembourg Yes 1. A foreigner wishing to obtain a Schengen short-stay visa (type C visa) may submit a letter of invitation/authenticated formal obligation

issued by a person residing legally in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to enter its territory. The letter of invitation/authenticated formal

obligation must be submitted with the application to the Luxembourg diplomatic mission or consulate in his/her country of residence, or to





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the diplomatic representation of another Member State that represents the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg regarding visa applications. The

verification of the letter of invitation is done by the Passport and Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs or the

representing country.

The applicant must submit a letter of invitation/authenticated formal obligation (undertaking of financial responsibility) from a guarantor

resident in Luxembourg in accordance with article 4 of the amended law of 29 August 2008 on the free movement of persons and

immigration. This document must be authenticated by the Mayor of the Municipality of residence of the guarantor and then the Ministry of

Foreign and European Affairs must give its approval (See form 32-EPC-120724).

2. The Luxemburgish resident undertakes towards the Luxembourg State to bear the living costs (suitable accommodation, maintenance and

medical costs) and return costs (including forced removal) of the applicant. This undertaking of financial responsibility is binding for two

years.

The guarantor must provide the following documents: a) the last three salary slips or a document certifying his/her monthly income; b) a

photocopy of the passport or ID of the guarantor, or in case the guarantor is not Luxembourgish, the proof that s/he is a legal resident in

Luxembourg (copy of the residence permit); c) a copy of the passport of the applicant of the visa.

3. As answered in Q.2 the undertaking of financial responsibility is authenticated by the Mayor of the Municipality where the guarantor

lives and then has to be approved by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. As in Luxembourg each individual has a unique ID

number the authorities can cross-check the information to verify the address and income as well as the residence status of the guarantor.

If there is any doubt about an official invitation for business trips the Passport and Visa Office can verify if the company has invited the

applicant.

In regards to the applicant the person should check in the VIS and SIS systems to determine if a visa had already been revoked or refused

and if the person has an entry ban.

The diplomatic authorities can, if argued, grant a visa without the consent of the central authority (ex-officio).

4. According to article 133 (1) and (2) of the amended law of 29 August 2008 the Minister in charge of immigration can order any control

(which are normally carried out by the Grand-Ducal Police) in order to verify if the conditions of entry and stay are fulfilled, as well as the

accuracy of the information provided if there is a doubt. Also, in accordance with article 138, the Minister can access by a direct computerised

system the following personal information contained in:

a) the general register of the physical persons and the corporate bodies;

b) the database on visas applications of the Passport and Visa Office;

c) the database of the authorisation of establishment of the General Directorate of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises;

d) the database of the Joint Centre for Social Security (CCSS) on affiliations of salaried workers and self-employed workers as well as

employers;

e) the database on job seekers of the Agency for the Development of Employment (ADEM);

f) the database on the beneficiaries of the Minimum Guarantee Income (RMG) from the National Solidarity Fund (FNS) and the National

Service of Social Action (SNAS).





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5. As we have mentioned, Luxembourg does not have a diplomatic representation in all the countries for issuing the C visa (with or without

territorial limitations). There are two possibilities:

The visa is issued ex-officio by another Member State’s diplomatic representation without consulting Luxembourg. This practice

is called visa granted ex-officio. In this case the diplomatic representation will follow its own procedures. In this situation the diplomatic

representation will accept or refuse the visa on its own right. In case of refusal, Luxembourg has the right to ask the reasons why the

diplomatic representation refuses ex-officio the visa.

The visa is approved by Luxembourg. This can be made directly through a Luxemburgish diplomatic mission (in this case the

diplomatic mission takes the full responsibility for analysing the risk assessment and issuing the visa) or through another Member State’s

diplomatic mission representing Luxembourg.

Once the application has been accepted, the applicant will have to pass an interview with a consular officer (if he/she is not already known

by the diplomatic mission). Once the application is completed, it is transferred with the remarks made by the consular officer to the Passport

and Visa Office in Luxembourg. The examiner will evaluate if the applicant fulfils the criteria so that the visa can be issued. If the examiner

considers that he needs more information, he can demand any document included in the list of non-exhaustive justifying documents (annex

II of the Visa Code (regulation EC 810/2009)) and any other that he considers necessary. If there is a letter of invitation, the examiner can

call the contact person of the company inviting the applicant.

When a private person covers the financial means of the applicant, the Passport and Visa Office has to intervene twice: 1) it has to validate

the financial guarantee, and 2) it decides to grant the visa or not.

Once it is accepted or rejected, the visa department will contact the diplomatic representation with the decision.

As mentioned above, the undertaking of financial responsibility is already verified by the Passport and Visa Office and therefore, it is not

necessary that the diplomatic mission checks it again.

6. As mentioned above, the Minister in charge of immigration has access to different personal information databases and can order

verifications by the Grand-Ducal Police. Article 141 of the amended law of 29 August 2008 also establishes that a person who had made

false declarations or used false documents to enter the country shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of from one month to two years

and/or a fine from 251 Euro to 3.000 Euro.

Malta Yes 1. Yes, he is obliged to submit a document, namely, a form for proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation. This document is named

“Declaration of Proof”. These documents are than verified.

2.Copy of host’s ID card, both sides

Proof of accommodation – energy bill or rental agreement

Proof of Income – pay slip or bank statement or pension receipt

3. A foreigner who is a minor needs a consent form from both his parents.





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4. Does an authority authorised by the Member State check the information provided in natural and legal persons’ forms for proof of

sponsorship or letters of invitation concerning:

- the address of the foreigner’s accommodation (whether the foreigner has actually been accommodated at the specified address), Yes


expenses of the foreigner’s expulsion from the country), Yes

- whether the foreigner’s purpose of entry conforms to the purpose of entry indicated in the letter of invitation, Yes


his/her visa, Yes


If such information is checked, what methods are employed (e.g., documentary proof is requested, other checks are carried out (please

provide examples)? Documentary proof is requested.

5. Yes

6. An interview is carried out

Netherlands Yes 1. When applying for a short stay visa a foreigner invited by a relative or friend, who is living in the Netherlands, has to submit a filled in

and legalised standard form “Proof of Sponsorship and/or private accommodation”. This standard letter may in some exceptional cases,

also be required from a business visa applicant who cannot submit proof of an hotel reservation and/or financial means to cover all the costs

of stay

The standard-form can be downloaded from www.ind.nl or www.government.nl. After filling in this form the guarantor/invitor has to go to

his municipality where he is registered in order to get his signature on the form legalized (authenticated). Without a legalisation-stamp of

the relevant municipality the letter will not be accepted in a visa procedure. Note: the municipality does not verify the content of the letter

itself! This is up to the visa processing authorities (i.e. Dutch embassy/consulate ). For instance, the Dutch embassy/consulate remains

responsible for checking the submitted underlying documents substantiating the income of the guarantor.

2. The standard form can be used for two purposes: proof of sponsorship and/or proof of private accommodation. If the form is only used

for proof of private accommodation the signee commits himself to provide the foreign national with accommodation.

If the form is also used for proof of sponsorship the signee commits himself to cover all the costs caused by overstay (medical costs and

repatriation costs included) to the extent that those costs otherwise would be borne by the Dutch State. The limit of the costs to recover is €

10.000 per year to a maximum of 5 years, or less depending of the duration of stay in the Schengenterritory. When applying for a visa at the

Dutch embassy the applicant has to submit -next to this legalised standard form- also recent wage slips and a copy of the employment-

contract of the sponsor. Consequently, the Dutch embassy/consulat is responsible to verify if the sponsor indeed has sufficient and durable

means of subsistence to act as a sponsor.

3. See answer above (2).

http://www.ind.nl/

http://www.government.nl/





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4. No, as stated above the civil servant at the municipality only verifies the signature of the sponsor on the standard form. Note: because the

invitor/sponsor can only get his signature legalised at his own municipality, the civil servant in charge will of course check if the person is

indeed registered in his municipality before legalising the signature.

This is without prejudice the fact that the embassy/consulat remains responsible to verify if all the criteria for visa issuing have been met

when processing the application.

5. A diplomatic mission or a consular post remains fully responsible in assessing the risk of immigration. Therefore they are still competent

to require – if deemed necessary- additional documentary proof regarding e.g. the purpose and duration of stay. Nonetheless, they will of

course take into account the appropriate Decisions of the Commission in this regard (harmonised lists of documents).

6. Besides the mandatory legalisation of the signature at the municipality there are no specific measures preventing abuse of the invitation

letter. Having said this, information will be shared with all the relevant agencies/authorities when (possible) abuse of invitation letters seems

to be the case. Also in Local Schengen Cooperation information on fraudulent sponsorships should be shared in order to prevent further

abuse of the visa procedure.

Poland Yes 1. It is a possibility, not an obligation. A foreigner may use an invitation as a document certifying that she/he is in possession of financial

means sufficient to cover the costs associated with the intended stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland, including the costs of

accommodation and subsistence, as well as the costs of return to the country of origin or residence, or the costs of transit to a third country

that will grant him/her a permit for entry. The invitation shall be entered in the register of invitations by the voivode competent with respect

to the place of residence or the seat of the host.

The invitation entered in the register of invitations shall be valid within the period specified therein, for which the host has invited the

foreigner, no longer than one year.

The invitation shall be refused to be entered in the register of invitations or cancelled, by way of decision, by the voivod competent with the

respect to the place of residence or the seat of the host.

2. The invitation shall include commitment of the host [having capacity to act in law] to cover the costs associated with the foreigner’s stay,

including the costs of accommodation, subsistence and medical treatment, if necessary, as well as the costs of return to the country of origin

or residence, or the costs of transit to a third country that will grant him/her a permit for entry, and the costs of issuance and enforcement of

a decision imposing the return obligation on the foreigner.

The host applying for entry of the invitation in the register of invitations shall submit:

completed form of the application for entering the invitation in the register of invitations

document certifying the capacity to cover the costs associated with the foreigner’s stay, including the costs of accommodation and

subsistence, as well as the costs of return to the country of origin or residence, or the costs of transit to a third country that will

grant the foreigner a permit for entry [e.g. actual bank statement, certificate of employment with information regarding the type of

labour agreement and monthly remuneration, decision on pension, fiscal document PIT-36 or CIT-8 for the previous calendar year]





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document certifying the legal title to the habitable premises, if the host’s habitable premises have been indicated as the place of

accommodation of the invited foreigner, or a document certifying the capacity to provide the foreigner with accommodation in

another place [e.g. deed of ownership or the extract from the register of the books registers, so called KW or lease agreement or

the hotel reservation].

Additionally the host shall be in possession of sufficient financial sources to cover cost of accommodation and maintenance for each of the

members of the family and the cost of accommodation and maintenance of the foreigner in the amount of at least 457 PLN per month. The

host shall also have sufficient sources to cover cost of foreigners return [200 PLN in case of return to the neighboring country, 500 PLN in

case of return to any other European Union Member State, or 2500 PLN in case of return to any other third country].

3. The entry of invitation in the register of invitations shall be refused or such an entry shall be cancelled when:

the host is not:

(1) a Polish national residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland, a national of another European Union Member State, a European

Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state – a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation, or a

member of his/her family, residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland and holding a residence permit or a permanent residence permit

in this territory, or

(2) a foreigner residing, immediately before issuing the invitation, legally and uninterruptedly for at least five years in the territory of the

Republic of Poland, or holding a permanent residence permit or long term resident’s EU residence permit, or

(3) a legal person or organizational unit without legal personality, established in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

The data of invited foreigner is entered in the register of foreigners whose stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland is undesirable,

It is justified by national security or defense, by the protection of public safety and order or the interest of the Republic of Poland,

The host has failed to prove that he/she is able to cover the costs associated with the foreigner`s stay, including the costs of accommodation

and subsistence, as well as the costs of return to the country of origin or residence, or the costs of transit to a third country that will grant

the foreigner a permit for entry, the housing conditions of the host suggest that he/she will not be able to fulfill the commitments undertaken

in the invitation, if the habitable premises of the host have been indicated as a place of accommodation of the invited foreigner, and the host

has failed to prove that he/she can provide the foreigner with accommodation in another place, the host failed to fulfill his/her commitments

under a previously issued invitation, in the course of the proceedings on entering the invitation in the register of invitations, the host:

(a) filed an application containing false personal data or false information, or attached documents containing such data or information, or

(b) testified untruthfully or concealed the truth, or forged or modified a document to use it as an authentic one, or used such a document as

an authentic one, or circumstances of the case indicate that the purpose of the foreigner’s entry into the territory of the Republic of Poland

and his/her stay in this territory will be different than that declared by the host.

During the procedure of registering the invitation the case worker at the Voivod office verifies also the correctness and clarity of information

provided in the application, e.g. whether the place of foreigners accommodation is the same as at the deed of ownership presented by the

host, if applicable, or whether the host is in possession of sufficient financial sources to cover cost of accommodation and maintenance for

each of the members of the family and the cost of accommodation and maintenance of the foreigner in the amount of at least 457 PLN per

month. The host shall also have sufficient sources to cover cost of foreigners return [200 PLN in case of return to the neighboring country,

500 PLN in case of return to any other European Union Member State, or 2500 PLN in case of return to any other third country].





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During the administrative procedure any type of documents that are questionable as regards to its authenticity may be in detailed verified

by the case worker in the Voivod office competent due to the place of site of the inviting person/entity.

In case of a minor, provisions in force, do not foreseen to execute an age assessment test.

4. Yes, please refer to the question 2.

Any possible doubts regarding the presented documents are verified within the consultation procedure with competent authorities.

5. A consular office requests a foreigner to submit a medical insurance meeting requirements indicated in Article 15 of Regulation [EC] No

810/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a Community Code on Visas [Visa Code]. A consular office of the

Republic of Poland does nor recheck the information indicated in the invitation.

6. While checking whether the applicant fulfills the entry conditions, the consulate verify if the presented document is not false, counterfeit

or forged. Entering the territory of Poland foreigner is obliged to present the abovementioned invitation to the Border Guard officer as a

proof of having financial sources to cover cost of accommodation, maintenance or return.

Portugal Yes 1. In order to apply for a Schengen visa, the applicant must submit a sponsorship/invitation letter. This document must be dully recognised

by the competent national authorities. It shall comprise the applicant’s personal data, as well as the official address of the sponsor that is

inviting the foreign citizen to national territory.

If the entry is for purposes of tourism, the applicant is exempted from submitting the sponsorship/invitation letter provided that he/she

provides evidence of holding the necessary means of subsistence for the authorised period as well as the travel ticket to return. However, in

such situations, the applicant must present a document attesting hotel booking.

2. The inviting person may submit, in national territory, the following documents in order to corroborate his/her financial standing: pay slip,

annual income tax return, bank statements, employer’s statement containing information on his/her salary or others.

3. On the course of the examining of the visa application, the consular post may request any necessary documents if there are any doubts

regarding the applicant. If the submittal of a document is refused, the decision will be grounded on the evidence that was produced.

4. When there is no previous history of visas issued to the applicant, the inviting person in national territory counts to certify the statements

provided and submitted documents.

- The documents submitted at the consular post – pay slip, annual tax income, bank statements, etc. – must be the original ones, hence, they

are only confirmed provided that there are any doubts regarding them.

- The applicant’s intention is always confirmed by means of documents, but also by means of an interview conducted by the authorities,

exception made in case of bona fide travellers.

- The applicant’s intention to leave the territory before the expiry of the validity of his/her visa is assessed during the interview, together

with the submitted documents and the applicant’s profile (means of subsistence, marital status, occupancy).





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- Evidence already mentioned in the previous answers.

5. When assessing the migratory risk, in addition to the sponsorship/invitation letter, consular posts may request additional documents as

defined by the local Schengen cooperation.

- Consular Posts require that applicants who are confirmed submit the original documents.

Slovak Republic Yes 1. Each application for visa has to include an accompanying document confirming the purpose of stay (i.e. usually an invitation letter) and

a document confirming financial subsistence for stay. According to the purpose of stay and taking into account local specifics of the third

country whose citizen is applying for the visa, the diplomatic mission may require either an invitation letter (original) with a signature of

the inviting person authenticated by Slovak public notary or a letter of invitation authenticated by Alien Police. The inviting person or the

authorized person may submit a request for the verification of the invitation at the competent Alien Police department based on the residence

of the inviting person or based on the address of the inviting legal entity.

2. The inviting person declares the ability to cover expenses related to the foreigner’s stay and departure by submitting a bank statement,

statement from a subsidiary of foreign bank or its subsidiary. The account balance has to be equal to twelvefold of the subsistence minimum

including sufficient financial resources for each day of stay of the invited third country national as set by the Regulation of the Ministry of

Interior of the Slovak Republic No. 499/2011 Coll. determining the amount of funds necessary to cover the costs of a third country citizen´s

stay on the territory of the Slovak Republic. This amount is equal to 56 EUR which includes accommodation (30 EUR), breakfast (4 EUR),

lunch (7, 50 EUR), dinner (7, 50 EUR) and pocket money (7 EUR).

3. The inviting person declares financial subsistence with a bank account statement.

4. Checks are carried out as follows:

- the address of the foreigner’s accommodation (whether the foreigner has actually been accommodated at the specified address): Yes, in

selected applications for verification of invitation, the accommodation is controlled.


expenses of the foreigner’s expulsion from the country): The invited person signs along with the application also a declaration that s/he is

able to cover the expenses related to stay and departure of the foreigner as well as accommodation and food. In case Slovak Republic has to

cover expenses related to the foreigner’s stay and departure (e.g. administrative expulsion), the inviting person declares s/he will reimburse

the total amount to the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic within 30 days. Otherwise the inviting person shall face civil or criminal

proceedings.

- whether the foreigner’s purpose of entry conforms to the purpose of entry indicated in the letter of invitation: Yes, this is carried out

during control of the invited person.


his/her visa: The visa check is carried out in selected applications when it is checked whether the visa is still valid during his/her stay or

whether the foreigner left the territory of Member States before the expiry of the validity of his/her visa.





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provide examples)? A control of the inviting person is carried out in selected applications for verification of invitation.

5. A foreigner usually submits a document confirming the purpose of stay (either an original of the invitation letter with a signature of the

inviting person authenticated by a Slovak public notary or the invitation letter authenticated by Alien Police according to the Article 14 of

the Visa Code). If the invitation authenticated by the public notary does not comprise a commitment of the inviting person to financially

support the invited foreigner during his/her entire stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic, a document confirming financial subsistence

is required. Other documents may be required by the diplomatic mission in case of any doubts. In countries with high migration rate, the

diplomatic mission (according to the number of applications for visa and staff capacity) carries out a detailed check of information stated in

the invitation letter (e.g. phone or email contact of the inviting person or organisation). In other countries, additional check is carried out

only in suspicious cases.

Lists of issued verifications of invitation are sent weekly to respective diplomatic missions.

Slovenia Yes 1. Yes. Every applicant must submit invitation/guarantee letter (garanto pismo). Guarantee letter is not obliged in cases of tourist (applicants

submit tourist voucher or hotel reservation), official or diplomat visits. Guarantee letter must be verified by administrative unit. With

verification all data is stored in electronic database which is accessible to the diplomatic and consular posts od Slovenia

Inviting person must sign guarantee letter. With signature he/she commits that all cost regarding the expulsion or accommodation in asylum.

2. With guarantee letter inviting person declares to:

- cover means of substance

- provide for accommodation

- guarantee to cover potential costs of accommodation of the foreign national in an aliens or asylum centre

- cover the costs of potential deportation of the foreign national

3. Documents are verified at diplomatic and consular posts by visa officers. Guarantee letter is verified electronically all the other documents

are checked and verified with technical equipment and with service who issued the documents (proof of real estate ownership is checked in

electronic database, legal status of the guarantor is checked in electronic database of citizens and aliens residing in Slovenia, etc.). Very

important is also interview with the guarantor via the telephone, e-mail or Skype.

In the cases of minors they must present legal document which verifies their age and legal guardian approval for travel. We do not execute

any age tests.

4. If there is a doubt in future visa procedures we can check if the foreigner actually was accommodated at the address stated in the documents

presented in visa procedure. All the hotels and other tourist accommodations are connected with electronic database which register aliens'

accommodations. If they are staying in private accommodations they must register by themselves in 3 days upon an arrival to Slovenia. All

visa applicants receive this information when visa procedure is over. General checks are made with the help of entry and exit stamps.





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5. Diplomatic and consular missions are checking all documentation regularly. Some documents can be excluded (bona fide applicants) and

some additional can be requested (if the applicant's general documents are not reassuring enough). The main attention is on applicants and

guarantor interview.

6. Signing the guarantee letter means that guarantors are aware that issuing of the letter for other purposes (frauds) is punishable. Competent

authorities are also annually checking the guarantors.

Spain Yes 1. The Spanish official invitation letter (invitation mentioned in article 14(4) of the Visa Code) only justifies the accommodation of the visa

applicant; therefore, it is only required when the applicant has not provided an alternative proof of accommodation. These documents, like

all other justifying documents, are verified by the consular office when processing the visa, and can be verified again by the border guard

when the applicant is about to enter Spanish territory.

2. In the Spanish official invitation letter, the inviting person only has the commitment to cover all expenses related to the accommodation

for the applicant while the latter remains in Spain. In order to process the invitation letter, the inviting person must provide some form of

identification, a signed declaration of his/her will to invite and host the applicant and of his/her knowledge of the punishments associated

with the facilitation of irregular immigration, and proof of the availability of his/her dwelling (usually lease contract or proof of ownership).

The inviting person must also fill out a form specifying the complete name, date and place of birth, passport number and specific location

of residence of his/her intended guest.

3. Before issuing the official invitation letter, the Police checks the reliability of the documentation submitted by the inviting person. If the

inviting person is a foreigner, he/she must produce proof of his legal residence in Spain (a valid foreigners’s ID card is usually enough).

Furthermore, the Police checks the previous invitation letters requested by the inviting person, and performs a check of the inviting person’s

records. The Police requires no documentation related to the invited person, since this is checked by the consular office.

4. Only natural persons can request the issuance of an invitation letter. The information provided in the documentation mentioned in point 2

is only verified when a possibility of fraud is detected. In such cases, the Police may verify the identity or legal status of the host, the host’s

possible implication in the promotion of irregular immigration, and the existence and conditions of the host’s accommodation. No

verifications are carried out regarding the invited person, since this is the competence of the consular office and of the border guard when

the foreigner enters Spanish territory.

5. The consular office usually does not request a foreigner lodging an application for the issuance of a visa to submit additional documents

on the purpose of his/her entry if he/she presents a Spanish official invitation letter, since the inviting person needs to make a declaration of

his/her will to invite and host the applicant in order to obtain such invitation letter. Additional documents are requested only in justified

cases, i.e., if a possibility of fraud is detected, particularly in the light of the rest of the documentation presented by the applicant. Since the

letter of invitation can be used only as proof of accommodation, the visa applicant must obviously provide justifying documents regarding

all the other requisites established by the Visa Code.





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6. The Spanish official invitation letter contains several security measures to prevent that the document may be forged or manipulated. The

police maintains a detailed register of all invitation letters which have been requested and issued. Also, the inviting person is informed,

when lodging his/her application for an invitation letter, of the provisions in Spanish law against the facilitation of human trafficking and

irregular immigration, which can result in sanctions ranging from a fine to actual imprisonment. Furthermore, the Consul must sign the

invitation letter when processing the visa application, and the border guard checks that the invitation letter has been signed and stamped by

the consular office.

Sweden Yes 1. An invitation letter from the host or company etc is required. It is not necessary that it would be verified.

2. If the inviting person claims that he should sponsor the applicant and states that he has a full time employment the authorities in Sweden

relay on that. If doubts are raised, documents can be required.

3. Verification of documents is not mandatory. If any ambiguities remain, the application will be rejected. If a minor refuses to do the age

assessment test, the application will be rejected.

4. Additional checks are only made when there are doubts. If additional information is considered necessary, it would be acquired through

an interview.

5. Where the harmonised lists are adopted there is no additional requirements on other documentation. If doubts are raised the applicant

would appear at the consulate to answer some questions.

6. In most countries the exchange of information about trends and other misuse between the member states are very good. Also cooperation

with ILOs exists.

United Kingdom Yes 1. Is a foreigner applying for the issuance of a Schengen visa obliged to submit a document, namely, a form for proof of sponsorship and/or

private accommodation, and a document, namely, an invitation? If he/she is not obliged in all cases, in what cases is such a document

required? Do these documents need to be verified by any authority authorised by the state (police, border guard, migration service,

municipality, etc.)?

To clarify, the UK is not part of Schengen. The UK does not have any formal sponsorship requirements for visitors, instead, all non-EU

visitors must meet the Immigration Rules for visitors to be granted a visit visa.

The Immigration Rules require a visitor to demonstrate that they;

are a genuine visitor;

will not stay in the UK for longer than permitted (six months in most cases),

will not take employment

have sufficient funds to accommodate and maintain themselves and pay for their return journey.





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The full requirements can be found in Paragraph 41 in Part 2 of the Immigration Rules.

There are no specific mandatory documents. It is the responsibility of an applicant to provide any evidence they feel is relevant to support

their application. Guidance on the types of supporting documents that applicants can provide as part of their visa application is available

on the UK Visas and Immigration page of gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-

documents. Any supporting documentary evidence provided does not need to be verified by an authority authorised by the state.

The Immigration Rules require visitors to prove that that they are genuinely visiting the UK for a period of less than six months. Whilst not

mandatory, a letter from an inviting organisation/friend/relative can help to demonstrate the genuineness of an applicant’s visit. If the

applicant can also demonstrate that they have strong social and economic ties to their home country, this helps to demonstrate that they

intend to return to their home country after their visit.

When making assessments of the applicant’s finances, officers will take into account the individual’s income and outgoings to see whether

they have enough money to fund a trip to the UK as well as having suitable accommodation. It is possible for friends and relatives to provide

this support however officers would still need to be satisfied that the friends and relatives can and will be able to provide support to the

applicant, as well as being able to provide information on where the applicant will be staying in the UK.

2. What commitments are to be indicated by the inviting person in a form for proof of sponsorship or a letter of invitation (e.g., to provide

the invited foreigner with accommodation, maintenance, to cover the costs of expulsion, etc.)? What documents are required to

support/confirm the ability to fulfil these commitments?

A letter of invitation should set out the purpose and planned duration of the visit. If they are a friend or relative wishing to provide financial

support and accommodation they should state this along with information on where the applicant will be staying in the UK. The officer

assessing the application needs to be satisfied that they can actually provide the accommodation/financial support to the applicant, and so

they may like to provide documentary evidence to the applicant to include as part of their visa application to demonstrate they have the

financial means to provide support. This can include but is not limited to; bank statements, bank books, bank letters, bank certificates, and

payslips.

The applicant should also consider supplying evidence of the immigration status of the friend/relative providing support such as copies of;

Bio data pages from their passport,

Valid visa or immigration stamp from their passport,

Home Office letter confirming permission to stay in the UK.

3. What procedures must be carried out by the authority authorised to verify a form for proof of sponsorship and a letter of invitation before

verifying these documents?If a foreigner who claims to be a minor refuses to do the age assessment test, does this have any consequences?

No authorities are required to verify a form for proof of sponsorship / letter of invitation.

Regarding minors the Home Office has an obligation under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard

the welfare of children. Therefore when assessing an application for a child visit visa Entry Clearance Officers will request details of their

parents as well as information on who they will be travelling with and details of their care arrangements in the UK to ensure they are

adequate.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/381797/Immigration_Rules_-_Part_2_final.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents





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If an adult (other than the parent or legal guardian) is travelling with a child, they may be asked to present the parents’ or legal guardian’s

written consent. If they are the child’s parent, they may be asked to provide evidence of the other parent’s consent if they are not travelling

with them.

The Entry Clearance Officer may wish to see:

the child’s birth certificate

a signed and dated letter from the child’s parent or guardian

an official letter from an authority confirming guardianship.

We do not use any method of age assessment in visa applications. The officer will rely upon the passport or travel document presented by

the applicant, and will make enquiries if they think that the applicant does not appear to be of the correct age (e.g. by contacting the issuing

authority, conducting forgery checks on the document etc)


sponsorship or letters of invitation concerning: ?

- the address of the foreigner’s accommodation (whether the foreigner has actually been accommodated at the specified address),

- the financial condition of the inviting person (e.g., whether he/she will be able, if necessary, to fulfil his/her commitment to cover

the expenses of the foreigner’s expulsion from the country),

- whether the foreigner’s purpose of entry conforms to the purpose of entry indicated in the letter of invitation,

- whether the invited foreigner enters the territory of the Member State and whether he/she leaves it before the expiry of the validity

of his/her visa,



provide examples)?

No authorities are required to verify a form for proof of sponsorship / letter of invitation. If the officer has doubts about the sponsorship,

they may conduct further enquires, for instance checking the voter’s list to see if the sponsor lives where they say they do, contacting the

sponsor to see if they have sponsored the applicant etc.

5. Does a diplomatic mission or a consular post request a foreigner lodging an application for the issuance of a visa to submit additional

documents on the purpose of his/her entry if he/she presents a form for proof of sponsorship or a letter of invitation? Does the diplomatic

mission or the consular post additionally/repeatedly check the information indicated in the form for proof of sponsorship or the letter of

invitation?

All visit visa applications are carefully considered in accordance with the Immigration Rules and based on the evidence provided by the

applicant at the initial point of application. The requirements are set out in answer to question 1 which also includes a list of suggested

documents an applicant can provide to support their application.

If the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) is not satisfied that the applicant meets the Immigration Rules they will be refused. If the ECO needs

to check any information in the application they may request additional information from either the applicant or the friend/relative wishing

to provide support.





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6. What measures are undertaken in order to prevent abuse of invitation procedures or fraudulent letters of invitation?

We have dedicated teams in the Home Office reviewing forged documents who also issue guidance and training on the security markings

on genuine documents. Intelligence shared with Entry Clearance and Border Force officers can highlight any trends in non-genuine letters

of invitation being used to support applications.

ECOs may also contact the friend/relative providing support to check their story remains consistent with that provided in the

application. They may also contact the applicant to provide further detail on their documentary evidence and to ensure their story is

consistent with their application. We also mine the data that we hold on applicants, e.g. to identify multiple sponsors or addresses linked to

previous immigration problems.

Norway Yes 1. If the applicant does not submit documents indicating that the applicant possesses sufficient means of subsistence both, for the duration

of the intended stay and for the return to his country of origin or residence cf. Visa Code art. 14 (1) c, the applicant can submit a form for

proof of sponsorship with the application. The form “Guarantee form for visits” has to be stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.

As a main rule we require an invitation in all cases except if the purpose of the visit is tourism, unless otherwise is decided in the LSC. The

invitation does not need to be verified by any authority in Norway.

2.In the “Guarantee form for visits” the inviting person commits to:

cover the visitor’s expenses for board and lodging

cover return-trip expenses for the visitor. If expenses for a companion are incurred, the inviting person declares that he or she will cover

expenses for up to three companions

that if the inviting person fail to fulfil his/hers obligations to cover board and lodging and any return-trip expenses, he or she may be left

with a debt to the state. This debt may be recovered according to the normal rules of enforcement, cf. the Enforcement Act. Until the debt

has been repaid, he or she cannot provide a new guarantee.

The inviting person has to document his/hers ID with a passport or ID-card with photo. In addition, the person must document income. This

can be documented by showing last month’s pay slip, the Inland Revenue Certificate and a bank statement.

3. The Norwegian Police is obliged to consider whether the inviting person has documented his/hers income. The Police will not stamp and

sign the form if the income is not sufficiently documented. If the inviting person makes a living on social security this will be marked in the

form.


sponsorship or letters of invitation concerning:

- the address of the foreigner’s accommodation (whether the foreigner has actually been accommodated at the specified address), No

- the financial condition of the inviting person (e.g., whether he/she will be able, if necessary, to fulfil his/her commitment to cover

the expenses of the foreigner’s expulsion from the country), Yes

- whether the foreigner’s purpose of entry conforms to the purpose of entry indicated in the letter of invitation, No





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- whether the invited foreigner enters the territory of the Member State and whether he/she leaves it before the expiry of the validity

of his/her visa, no



provide examples)? NA

5. The Foreign Service mission may ask for additional documentation regarding the purpose stated for the visit, if they are in doubt about

the purpose of the stay or whether the document is genuine. This is not done repeatedly.

6. “Guarantee form for visits” has to be signed by both the police and the inviting person at the police station. The form has to be submitted

in original.

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