You want to invite a friend or family member to come to France, but you need an invitation letter. Don’t panic, we will go over everything you need to know to obtain this precious document. With a little organization, you’ll see that it’s simpler than it seems. Let’s dive into a complete guide to make sure you master the procedure!
What is an invitation letter?
If your guest is not from the European Union, Switzerland, or certain other specific countries, they will need an invitation letter to enter France for a private or family visit. This document proves that your guest will be staying with you during their visit. This letter is mandatory to obtain a short-stay visa.
In essence, you are committing to accommodate and ensure that living conditions are acceptable during their stay. Convenient, isn’t it? But as you can imagine, it’s not done in the blink of an eye. Let’s see together how to avoid getting lost in the paperwork!
Documents you need to provide
Let’s start by gathering the necessary documents. Don’t worry, they are not too complicated to find, but precision is required. Here’s a little list to help you out:
- Your proof of identity: National identity card, passport, or even a residency permit if you are a foreigner yourself.
- A proof of address: It could be an electricity, water, or telephone bill. Make sure to use something recent (generally, a document dated within the last three months).
- Information about your guest: This includes their full name, nationality, passport number, and the reason for their visit.
- A proof of income: Yes, you need to prove that you have enough money to support their needs during their stay at your place. Services prefer pay stubs or bank statements.
Remember, if your guest has a spouse or minor children accompanying them, you can include them on the same invitation letter.
How to make the request?
Now that you have all your documents, it’s time to take action. Wondering how to proceed? Here are the steps:
- Fill out the Cerfa 10798*04 form: This is an official form you need to complete to initiate the request. You can find it online or directly at your town hall. Take your time to fill it correctly to avoid having it returned for errors.
- Go to the town hall: Unfortunately, you cannot make this request online (at least not yet). You will need to go to the town hall of your municipality to submit your dossier in person. Yes, the administration likes things to be done properly.
- Payment of the fiscal stamp: An invitation letter costs around 30 euros, payable in the form of a fiscal stamp. If you’re confused about fiscal stamps, you can buy them online on the tax office’s website.
Quick tip: it is recommended to make an appointment with the town hall before going. Some town halls also allow you to submit your dossier without an appointment, but it’s always better to avoid surprises.
Criteria to meet for accommodation
Naturally, the town hall will not issue the invitation letter without ensuring that certain criteria are met to prove that your accommodation is suitable for your guest’s visit.
- Minimum size of the accommodation: In the Paris region, for example, you need 22 m² for two people, plus 10 m² for each additional person. If you live in a tiny studio, it might be complicated.
- Income conditions: You don’t need to be a millionaire, but you must prove that you can support your guest’s needs in case of trouble. If your friend arrives without money, you must be able to take care of their expenses.
- Medical insurance: You need to have insurance that covers your guest for medical expenses up to 30,000 euros, so everything is in order in case of problems.
Summary table of documents and criteria
| Document required | Criteria to meet |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Valid (ID card, passport, residency permit) |
| Proof of address | Recent (less than 3 months old) |
| Information about the guest | Name, nationality, purpose of visit |
| Proof of income | Pay stubs or bank statements |
| Medical insurance | Cover expenses up to 30,000 euros |
Frequently asked questions
I see you coming with all your questions. It’s normal, these procedures can be a bit chaotic sometimes. Fortunately, here are the answers to the questions that everyone wonders about:
- How long before my guest’s arrival should I make the request? It’s ideal to make the request at least one month before the planned date. It’s better to be proactive, as the processing times vary depending on the town halls.
- What if my request is denied? Well, don’t panic! If the town hall determines that you do not meet the requirements, they must provide you with the reasons for the refusal. In this case, you can either appeal or correct the missing elements.
- How long is the invitation letter valid for? The invitation letter is generally valid for the duration of the stay you indicated, but it must not exceed three months.
What to do in case of issues?
You and administration don’t get along? You’re not alone! Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some potential obstacles and how to overcome them:
- Your dossier is delayed? Some town halls take their time to process requests. In this case, don’t hesitate to follow up with them (kindly, of course). If you feel like it’s really stuck, try to see if there’s a way to simplify things by explaining your urgency.
- Error in the documents: It happens to everyone to make a mistake. Make sure to thoroughly check all the fields filled before submitting your dossier. And if the town hall asks for corrections, take your time to make them properly.
One last piece of advice…
There you have it, you now have all the keys to successfully request an invitation letter without getting lost in the French administrative maze. It’s a bit lengthy, but with patience and organization, you will succeed without a problem. Ready to welcome your guests?
Remember to share this article with your friends who also struggle with administrative procedures! And if you want to discover more tips to simplify your daily life with administration, take a look at our other guides. Your procedures have never been easier!
By following this guide, you should be able to face administrative complexities serenely. Good luck, and may the Cerfa form be with you!
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
