🇪🇺 How to Write a Sponsorship Letter for a Schengen Visa in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Europe’s Schengen Area in 2025 but don’t have enough personal funds to support your stay, a sponsorship letter could be your key to visa approval. Whether you’re visiting family, attending a medical appointment, or going to a conference, this document may be essential for a successful visa application.

This guide explains what a sponsorship letter is, why it’s important in 2025, and how to create one that meets embassy requirements.

What Is a Sponsorship Letter for a Schengen Visa?

A Sponsorship Letter, also called an Affidavit of Support, is a written statement from someone—usually a family member, friend, or organization—confirming they will cover your expenses during your visit to a Schengen country.

This letter is especially useful if the applicant:

• Has limited or no personal funds
• Is a student or currently unemployed
• Is being invited by someone living in the Schengen Area

You can learn more from official sources like the Netherlands Worldwide Sponsorship Guide and Greece VFS Global sample.

Why Is a Sponsorship Letter Needed in 2025?

As Schengen visa rules tighten in 2025, especially due to increased concerns around irregular migration, embassies are placing more emphasis on financial guarantees and clear travel intentions.

A sponsorship letter helps:

• Prove the applicant has financial support
• Show that they won’t rely on public assistance
• Demonstrate there is a plan for covering accommodation, meals, transport, and return travel

Many embassies now require this letter, especially for applicants under 25, without proof of employment, or with insufficient bank statements.

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What to Include in a 2025 Schengen Visa Sponsorship Letter

To be accepted by the embassy, a sponsorship letter must be well-structured and include all the required details.

1. Sponsor’s Information

Include:

• Full name
• Complete address in the Schengen country
• Phone number and email
• Nationality and resident status
• Passport or residence ID number

2. Applicant’s Information

Include:

• Full name and passport number
• Relationship to the sponsor
• Purpose of the visit
• Planned arrival and departure dates

3. Sponsorship Commitment

The sponsor must clearly state:

• They will pay for accommodation, food, local transport, medical insurance, and return travel
• The applicant will stay with them (if applicable)
• The applicant will follow all visa rules

4. Travel Itinerary

Briefly mention:

• The reason for the visit (tourism, family, medical, business)
• Duration of the stay
• Countries and cities to be visited within the Schengen Area

5. Legal Statement

Include a sentence such as:

“I acknowledge that providing false information is a legal offense. I accept full financial responsibility for the visitor’s stay and timely return from the Schengen Area.”

6. Signature and Date

• Sponsor must sign the letter by hand
• Include the date
• Attach a copy of the sponsor’s passport or residence card

Sample Sponsorship Letter for Schengen Visa (2025)

To: The Visa Officer
[Embassy of Schengen Country]
[Embassy Address]

Subject: Sponsorship Letter for [Full Name of Applicant]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Full Address], a citizen/permanent resident of [Country], with [Passport/ID Number], confirm that I will sponsor the Schengen visa application of my [relationship], [Applicant’s Full Name], who will visit me in [City, Country] from [Start Date] to [End Date].

I will cover all expenses related to their travel, stay, meals, medical insurance, and return trip. [Applicant’s Name] will reside with me at my address during their stay.

I have attached a copy of my passport/residence permit, proof of income, and proof of accommodation.

I take full financial and legal responsibility for [Applicant’s Name] while they are in the Schengen Area.

Sincerely,
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Sponsor’s Full Name]
[Phone Number & Email]
[Date]

Documents to Attach With the Sponsorship Letter

Sponsors must include the following documents with the letter:

• A copy of their passport or residence permit
• Proof of income, such as payslips or recent tax filings
• Proof of accommodation, especially if the applicant will stay at the sponsor’s residence
• An invitation letter, if applicable
• Proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate

Refer to the full visa policy and application guidance on the official Schengen Visa Information page or consult the WMA Schengen Visa Leaflet.

Preparing a clear and well-documented sponsorship letter increases your chances of getting a Schengen visa in 2025. Ensure all required documents are included, and always use honest and verifiable information.

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