A foreigner can be invited to visit the Czech Republic in two ways: by an officially verified invitation (form) or unofficially (invitation free-style letter).

Officially verified invitation is submitted as a form whereby the inviting party (private person or company) undertakes the obligation to provide the foreigner with accommodation or financial means for the stay or both.  The form is provided and verified by the Alien Police Inspectorate according to the permanent residence of the inviting party, who needs to visit the Inspectorate in person. The inviting party mails the original of the invitation form to the foreigner who attaches it to the visa application.

This form of invitation serves as a proof of the purpose of travel and, according to the extent of the obligations undertaken by the inviting party, also accommodation, financial means and travel health insurance for the Czech Republic. The foreigner is subsequently required to add any possible additional documents, as well as the travel health insurance for the entire Schengen Area.

Unofficial invitation takes a form of an invitation free-style letter, in the case of a company issued on a letterhead, and signed by the authorized person. The inviting party specifies in the invitation letter the name, date of birth and passport number (if known) of the foreigner and provides a brief description of the travel – purpose, duration, stay location etc. The inviting person mails the invitation letter in its original by post or as a scanned copy by e-mail to the foreigner who attaches it to the visa application.

This form of invitation serves as a proof of the purpose of travel only. Supporting documents on accommodation, financial means and others need to be attached to the visa application by the applicant – see the Schengen (short-stay) visa articles according to the purpose of travel for more information on supporting documents.

Legal sources:

• Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code)
• Act No 326/1999 Coll., on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic and Amending Certain Acts (mainly § 15)

Useful links:

• Alien Police Inspectorate - general, invitation a contacts