Certificate of Accommodation in 2026: Practical Guide

A certificate of accommodation (also called a letter of hosting or proof of accommodation) is a document in which a person certifies that they are housing someone at their address. It is frequently required for various administrative procedures. While free and simple to draft, it must follow specific formalities to be accepted.

When Is It Required?

A certificate of accommodation is needed whenever a person does not have a utility bill or lease in their own name. Common situations include:

• ID card or passport application: to prove your address when living with a third party
• Visa application: many short-stay visas require proof of accommodation in the host country
• Voter registration: when you have no personal proof of address
• Opening a bank account: banks accept accommodation certificates as proof of address
• Social benefits applications: for housing benefits, healthcare registration, etc.
• School or university enrolment: to justify your place of residence

Required Information

For the certificate to be accepted, it must include:

• Full name, date and place of birth of the host
• Complete address of the accommodation
• Full name, date and place of birth of the hosted person
• Start date of the accommodation
• A sworn statement: "I hereby certify on my honour that I am hosting [name] at my address"
• A mention of penalties for false declarations
• Date, place, and handwritten signature of the host

Supporting Documents

The certificate alone is not sufficient. The host must also provide:

• A copy of their valid ID (passport, national ID card)
• A recent proof of address (less than 3 months old): utility bill, rent receipt or tax notice

The hosted person must provide a copy of their own ID document.

False Certificate: Criminal Penalties

Issuing a false certificate of accommodation is a criminal offence in most jurisdictions. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment. The certificate must reflect a genuine, verifiable situation. If used to obtain residency permits or visas fraudulently, the penalties are significantly more severe.