Every year, hundreds of thousands of MRE invite a relative from Morocco to visit them in Europe. To obtain a short-stay Schengen visa (type C), the applicant often needs an accommodation certificate or invitation letter from the host. This document proves the visitor has lodging and a guarantor in the destination country. Here is the complete procedure for France, with adaptations for Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands.
Understand the difference between accommodation certificate and invitation letter
In France, the attestation d'accueil is an official document issued by the town hall. It is mandatory for tourist or family visits. The invitation letter is a personal letter you write yourself to support the visa application. Both documents are complementary. In Belgium, the equivalent is the annexe 3bis. In Spain, it is the carta de invitación issued by the police. In the Netherlands, an invitation letter with proof of income usually suffices.
💡 Tip — Even if the accommodation certificate is not always required by the consulate, providing it significantly strengthens the application and reduces the risk of refusal.
Obtain the accommodation certificate at your town hall (France)
Book an appointment at your local town hall. Bring: your ID (residence permit or French ID/passport), proof of address less than 3 months old, proof of income (last 3 payslips or tax notice), the visitor's passport or copy, and the EUR 30 fiscal stamp (purchasable online at timbres.impots.gouv.fr). The town hall verifies your home can accommodate the visitor and issues the certificate within 1 to 7 working days.
💡 Tip — Some town halls require a home visit before validating the certificate. Allow 2-3 weeks before the visitor's visa appointment date.
⚠️ Warning — The accommodation certificate is valid for 6 months. Do not request it too early relative to the planned travel date.
Write the invitation letter
The invitation letter is a free-form letter addressed to the consulate. It must include: your full details, your status in France, the visitor's full details including passport number, relationship to the visitor, exact dates of the planned stay, commitment to cover accommodation and living costs, and your handwritten signature. Write in the language of the destination country. Attach a copy of your ID and last 3 payslips.
💡 Tip — Be specific about dates and purpose. A consulate is more likely to refuse a vague application ('family visit') than a detailed one ('stay from 15-30 July to attend my son's wedding on 22 July').
Compile the complete application
The applicant in Morocco submits their file through TLScontact (France), BLS International (Spain) or VFS Global (others). Beyond the accommodation certificate and invitation letter, the file includes: completed visa form, valid passport, 2 biometric photos, travel insurance covering EUR 30,000 minimum, bank statements for the last 3 months, return flight reservation, and proof of professional or student status in Morocco. Visa cost: EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children 6-12 (EU rate since June 2024).
💡 Tip — Both the applicant's AND the host's financial proof are examined. If the visitor has limited means, strengthen your file by showing you have the financial capacity to support them.
⚠️ Warning — Never provide false documents. Consulates verify and a false document results in permanent refusal and visa ban.
Track the application and prepare for arrival
Processing time averages 15 calendar days, up to 45 days during peak periods (March-June). The applicant can track status on the TLScontact website. If refused, the reason is stated on the notification. An appeal is possible before the appeals commission or administrative court. If accepted, verify the visa validity dates and number of authorised entries. The visitor should carry a copy of the accommodation certificate to present at the border if requested.
💡 Tip — If refused, analyse the reason and submit a new application correcting the identified weaknesses. The refusal rate for Moroccans is 20% in 2024, meaning 80% of applications succeed.
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Requesting the accommodation certificate too late (allow 2-3 weeks before the visa appointment)
- ✕Forgetting the EUR 30 fiscal stamp when visiting the town hall
- ✕Writing a vague invitation letter without specific dates or detailed trip purpose
- ✕Not attaching your own proof of income to the invitation letter
- ✕Providing false financial documents (permanent refusal and visa ban)
🔗 Official links and resources
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