If you're applying for a Schengen visa, you might be asked to include a sponsorship letter, especially if someone else covers your travel expenses. This can initially seem confusing, and many people aren’t sure how to write one properly. Before getting into the details of how to write a sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa, it’s good to understand why it’s needed, who needs to provide it, and who can be your sponsor.

In 2023, Schengen countries rejected around 1.6 million visa applications, which accounted for 16% of all applications submitted that year. One of the common reasons Schengen visa applications get rejected is due to an unconvincing or poorly written sponsorship letter. If the letter lacks clear details or financial proof or doesn't match the rest of your application, visa officers may doubt the credibility of your trip and support, leading to a denial.

Don’t worry! We at Atlys have helped applicants write a strong sponsorship letter and improve their chances of getting their visas approved. Let’s get started on your European journey.

To avoid the stress and hassle of the Schengen visa process, you can count on Atlys to help you book your visa appointment on time and make the whole experience easier.

What is a sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa?

A sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa is a written statement from someone, usually a family member, friend, or organisation, who agrees to support you financially during your stay in the Schengen Area. This letter shows visa officers that you have a reliable source of support while visiting and won’t become a financial burden during your trip. It’s especially helpful if you don’t have strong proof of income or savings yourself.

The sponsorship letter usually includes:

• The sponsor’s details (name, address, contact info, legal status in the Schengen country)

• Your details (the applicant)

• The relationship between you and the sponsor

• The purpose and duration of your visit

• A clear statement that the sponsor will cover your expenses (like travel, accommodation, food, etc.)

• The sponsor’s signature and supporting documents, like proof of income or residence

It helps make your visa application stronger by showing you have a trusted person backing your trip.

How do I write a sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa application?

1. Start with the sponsor’s personal information

Include all the details about the sponsor at the top of the letter. These details help the embassy or consulate verify the sponsor's identity and legal status.

It should include:

• Full name- As per your passport or ID

• Full address- Where they currently live (this could be within or outside the Schengen Area)

• Phone number and email address- For communication if further information is needed

• Date of birth

• Passport or ID number- To prove identity

• Legal status in the country- For example, citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder. If they are in a Schengen country, they may also include a copy of their residence permit or national ID card.

John Smith  

123 Maple Street  

Amsterdam, North Holland, 1012 AB  

+31 6 12345678  

[email protected]  

April 14, 2025

2. Add the applicant’s (visa seeker’s) details

The sponsor should clearly state who they are supporting. This part should match your visa application info.

Include:

• Full name- As it appears on the applicant’s passport

• Date of birth

• Passport number

• Relationship to the sponsor- For example: cousin, friend, brother, employee, etc.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to confirm that I will sponsor my cousin, Sarah Johnson, who is applying for a short-stay Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands.

Sarah Johnson was born on March 5, 1996, and holds a valid U.S. passport (Passport No: X1234567). She is my first cousin, and we have remained in close contact.

3. Explain the purpose of the trip

Give a clear explanation of why the applicant is visiting the Schengen Area.

Include:

• The reason for the trip- Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending an event, medical reasons, business, etc.
  Trip duration- Mention the planned dates of arrival and departure

• Accommodation- State where the applicant will stay (e.g., with the sponsor, at a hotel, etc.).

If the sponsor also provides a letter of invitation, the details should match that letter exactly.

Sarah plans to visit me in Amsterdam from May 10 to May 30, 2025. Her visit is purely for tourism and to spend time with me and my family. She will stay at my home at the above address throughout her trip.

I have also extended a formal invitation and planned a short itinerary to show her around the Netherlands and nearby countries.

4. Clearly state the financial support

This is one of the most important parts of the letter. The sponsor must clearly state that they will take full (or partial) financial responsibility for the applicant during their stay.

Mention:

What expenses will the sponsor cover:

• Flight tickets (if applicable)

• Travel insurance (optional)

• Accommodation

• Daily expenses (food, transport, personal costs)

That they guarantee the applicant will not become a financial burden to the country being visited

I will be fully responsible for Sarah's trip, including her round-trip airfare, travel insurance, accommodation, food, transportation, and all other personal expenses. I assure you that she will not be a financial burden on the Dutch government or any Schengen state she may travel to.

I am currently employed full-time as a software engineer and have sufficient financial means to support her during her visit.

5. Offer to provide supporting documents

To make the sponsorship more credible, the sponsor should state they are willing to provide documents such as:

• A copy of their ID or passport

• Proof of income or bank statements
  Proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)

Mentioning this shows that the sponsor is transparent and cooperative with the visa process.

To support this sponsorship, I have attached copies of the following documents:  

• My Dutch residence permit  

• A copy of my passport  

• My recent bank statements (last 3 months)  

• Proof of employment and salary slips  

• A utility bill as proof of address

Please get in touch with me if you need any additional information or documentation.

6. Finish with closing details

End the letter in a polite and professional tone.

Include:

• A short statement offering to answer questions or provide more documents if needed

• The place and date the letter is written

• The sponsor’s full name again

• Signature of the sponsor

Thank you for considering this letter in support of Sarah Johnson's visa application. I am happy to provide further information if required.

Sincerely,  

Amsterdam, April 14, 2025  

John Smith  

[Signature]

Now that you understand how to write a sponsorship letter, here’s the official template used by the Atlys experts to help Schengen visa applicants. Feel free to use it as a guide for your letter:

Downloadable Sponsorship Letter Template.pdf

Schengen Visa Sponsorship Letter Template:

PDF format: Approved Sponsorship Letter.pdf (Curated by Atlys Visa Experts)

Here is the sample template:

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Date: April 14, 2025

To Whom It May Concern,

Subject: Sponsorship Letter for [Applicant's Full Name]

I, [Your Full Name], holding passport number [Your Passport Number], residing at [Your Address], am writing this letter to confirm that I am sponsoring the visa application of [Applicant's Full Name], who is my [Relationship to Applicant].

[Applicant's Full Name] intends to travel to [Country Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date] for tourism/business/personal reasons. I will be fully responsible for their travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, daily expenses, travel insurance, and other costs.

Here are the applicant’s details: Full Name – [Applicant's Full Name], Date of Birth – [DOB], Passport Number – [Applicant's Passport Number], Relationship – [Relationship with the sponsor], and Travel Dates – [Start Date] to [End Date].

I hereby confirm that I have sufficient funds to bear the entire expense of [his/her/their] travel and stay in [Country Name]. I am attaching copies of my financial documents and proof of identity as part of this letter.

Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Number]
[Email Address]

Who is a Sponsor for Schengen visa application?

A sponsor for a Schengen visa is someone who takes financial responsibility for your trip to the Schengen Area. If you cannot do so yourself, this person usually agrees to cover travel costs like accommodation, meals, transportation, and sometimes your return ticket.

A sponsor is often:

• A family member (like a parent, sibling, or spouse)

• A friend living in a Schengen country

• A host inviting you for a visit (e.g., for a wedding, event, or holiday)

• An employer (if it’s a business trip)

The sponsor must usually provide documents to support their role, such as a sponsorship letter, proof of income, residency permit, or ID, and sometimes even a formal affidavit of support, depending on the country.

Who needs to submit a sponsor letter for Schengen visa application?

Before starting, you must know that not everyone must submit a sponsor letter with their Schengen visa application. You usually only need one if you're not fully paying for the trip or staying with someone in the Schengen Area.

Here are some common situations where a sponsor letter is needed:

• You’re unemployed or a student, and someone else (like a parent or relative) is funding your trip.

• You’re visiting family or friends in the Schengen Zone and staying at their home.

• You don’t have strong financial proof (like bank statements or a job) and need someone to vouch for you financially.

• An organisation or company sponsors your trip for a conference, training, or business meeting.

If someone else covers your expenses or hosts you, you’ll likely need a sponsorship letter to support your visa application.

Why must you submit a sponsorship letter with your Schengen visa application?

A sponsorship letter is needed when you're not fully funding your trip. It helps prove that someone else, like a family member, friend, or organisation, will support you financially during your stay in the Schengen Area. You may be asked to submit a sponsorship letter if:

• You don’t have strong proof of income or savings

• You’re staying with someone in a Schengen country

• Someone else is covering your travel, accommodation, or daily expenses

• You’re a student, unemployed, or financially dependent.

Visa officers want to ensure you won’t be a financial burden to the country you’re visiting. A well-written sponsorship letter adds credibility to your application and shows that your trip is planned, supported, and trustworthy.

Tips for writing a strong sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa

Here are some helpful tips to make your letter more effective:

1. Keep it clear and honest: Be straightforward. Avoid over-explaining or exaggerating anything.

2. Include all important details: Ensure the sponsor and applicant’s personal information, relationship details, and travel details are included.

3. Be specific about financial support: Clearly state what the sponsor will pay for, such as accommodation, food, travel, etc.

4. Use formal but friendly language: It doesn’t have to be too stiff, but it should still sound professional.

5. Attach proof: Mention that supporting documents (like the sponsor’s ID, bank statements, or job letter) are included.

6. Match it with the rest of your application: Ensure the information in the sponsorship letter matches your flight itinerary, travel insurance, invitation letter, etc.

7. Keep it to the point: A one-page letter is usually enough if it covers everything.