Greece Invitation Letter 2026 - How to Write One (+ Free Template)

Quick Facts — Greece Invitation Letter

A letter of invitation supports a tourist, family-visit or business Schengen visa to Greece.
It is written by a host in Greece (a citizen, resident, hotel or company) for the visitor applying abroad.
It is supporting evidence, not a guarantee of approval — the consulate still decides.
For a private host, it is often paired with a signed Υπευθυνη Δήλωση (solemn declaration) via gov.gr.

What is a Greece invitation letter?

A Greece invitation letter (also called a letter of invitation, host letter or letter of guarantee) is a document from someone based in Greece confirming they are hosting a visitor, and describing the purpose and details of the trip. It helps the consulate see that the visit is genuine, planned, and that the traveller intends to return home.

Pro Tip

An invitation letter strengthens an application but does not replace the other requirements — travel insurance, proof of funds, accommodation and a return ticket are still needed.

Who needs an invitation letter?

You will typically want one if:

You are visiting family or friends who live in Greece.
A Greek resident or citizen is hosting you and covering part of your stay.
You are travelling for business and a Greek company is inviting you.

If you are staying only in hotels, the hotel booking usually serves as your accommodation proof instead of a private invitation.

What to include in the letter

Host details: full name, address in Greece, phone, email, and status (citizen / residence permit number).
Visitor details: full name, passport number, date of birth, relationship to the host.
Trip details: purpose, exact arrival and departure dates, and where the visitor will stay.
Who pays: whether the host covers accommodation, living costs, or part of the trip.
A clear statement that the visitor will leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires.
Date and signature of the host.

Sample invitation letter (template)

To the Consulate of Greece, I, [Host full name], holder of [Greek ID / passport / residence permit no.], residing at [full address, Greece], confirm that I am inviting [Visitor full name], passport no. [number], my [relationship], to visit me in Greece. The visit is for tourism/family purposes from [arrival date] to [departure date]. During the stay, [he/she] will reside at my address above, and I will support [accommodation and living costs / part of the costs]. [Visitor name] will return to [home country] before the visa expires and has strong ties there. Please find attached a copy of my ID / residence permit and proof of address. Sincerely, [Signature] [Host full name] — [phone] — [email] — [date]

A private host in Greece is often asked to also sign a Υπευθυνη Δήλωση (solemn declaration) confirming the above, which can be issued and digitally signed free on gov.gr.

Host's supporting documents

Copy of the host's ID card, passport, or residence permit.
Proof of address in Greece (utility bill, lease, or property deed).
If sponsoring costs: recent bank statements or proof of income.

Common mistakes

Vague dates or purpose — be specific.
Forgetting the host's supporting documents.
Treating the letter as a guarantee — it is supporting evidence only.
Mismatched details between the letter, the application form and the bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an invitation letter guarantee the visa? No. It supports the application; the consulate makes the final decision.

Does it need to be notarised? Not always. A private host in Greece is usually asked for a declaration via gov.gr rather than notarisation. Requirements vary by consulate.

Can a friend (not family) invite me? Yes — a friend who is a Greek citizen or legal resident can host and invite you.

Need help with your invitation letter?

We prepare host letters and the full visa file so everything matches and nothing is missing. Tell us about your trip and we will map out the exact documents.

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Disclaimer: ClearPath Greece is an independent visa advisory service. We are not a law firm or a government body, and are not affiliated with any embassy or consulate. Visa decisions are made solely by consular authorities. Information is believed accurate as of 2026 but is subject to change. Always verify requirements with the official Greek Embassy or VFS Global.

Greece Invitation Letter - How to Write One (2026)