Residence permit of Latvia

A residence permit in Latvia gives foreigners the right to temporary residence in the country. The permit is issued on the basis of justification of the need for employment, study, family ties, business or investment. The main ways of obtaining are work contracts, family reunification or accredited educational programs. In addition, doing business in Latvia or registering as self-employed is a popular option.

To receive the document, applicants must provide evidence of the availability of financial resources for living, a medical policy and no criminal record. A residence permit allows visa-free travel in the countries of the Schengen area. After 5 years of residence with a valid residence permit and the same amount of permanent residence, foreigners can apply for citizenship.

Types of residence permit in Latvia

There are several types of permits, each of which is issued depending on the applicant's goals. The worker is issued to foreigners who have signed an employment contract with a Latvian company. The student card is intended for those who have enrolled in Latvian educational institutions. The family is available to relatives of citizens or holders of a valid residence permit, providing an opportunity for family reunification.

A common option is to allow for financial injections into the economy. It is provided to persons starting or managing a business in Latvia. The main condition is investments in the country's economy and registration of evidence of successful operation of the enterprise.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate

It provides an opportunity to invest in real estate without additional requirements for residence in the country. The owner can rent out the facility, providing himself with passive income and maintaining the right of free movement in the states of the Schengen area. The amount of necessary investments varies depending on the region: Riga, Riga district and large cities – at least 143,000€, other regions – 72,000€.

The procedure for obtaining is transparent, but requires mandatory compliance with a number of conditions, including mandatory payment of taxes and provision of certificates of absence of debt obligations for the object. Real estate must comply with the legal requirements of Latvia and not be burdened.

Necessary justifications

• Proof of payment of the value of the property in the amount corresponding to the requirements of the region.
• The object has no debts on taxes and utility bills.
• A certificate on the legality of the income used by the investor for the acquisition.
• No judicial restrictions or arrests on property.

List of documents

• The purchase and sale agreement.
• Cadastral certificate of the object.
• Confirmation of payment under the real estate purchase and sale agreement.
• An extract from the tax service on the absence of personal tax arrears and encumbrances on the object.

Student residence permits

It is issued to foreigners admitted to local educational institutions accredited by the state. It allows you to live in the country during the period of study and freely move around the countries of the Schengen area.

Students can earn extra money on the terms defined by local laws. It is usually issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Necessary justifications

• A letter of admission to a Latvian educational institution for a state-accredited program.
• Confirmation of the availability of accommodation for the duration of your stay.
• A bank certificate confirming the availability of funds – at least 3,415 € per year (285 € per month).

List of documents

• A completed application.
• A letter of admission to an educational institution.
• A housing lease agreement.
• Certificates from banks confirming the availability of financial resources.
• International passport.
• Medical insurance.
• Receipt of payment of the state fee.

Residence permit for financially independent (freelance, digital nomad)

Digital Nomad visa allows foreigners to live in the country, working remotely in a company located outside Latvia. It is issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension for the same period. After two years of legal residence, the permit can be changed to a temporary residence permit. If there is no need for a residence permit or the candidate does not meet the requirements, then after 2 years you can spend at least six months outside Latvia, after which you can apply for a visa again.

The application costs 60€ (standard review) and 120€ (expedited). The process takes up to 15 calendar days.

Important

The Digital Nomad visa allows you to live and work in Latvia remotely, but it is prohibited to get a job with local employers.

Necessary justifications

• Proof of remote work or doing business outside Latvia.
• Confirmation of financial viability and stable income.
• The presence of a place of permanent residence in Latvia for the duration of the permit.

List of documents

• A foreign passport.
• A completed application.
• A medical policy.
• Confirmation of the availability of financial resources (bank statement).
• A certificate of the availability of a place to stay (rental or purchase of real estate).

Residence permit by marriage

Foreigners who are married to citizens of the country can obtain a temporary permit for a period of 1 year at the initial registration of the application. At the second request, the status is extended for 4 years, at the third stage you can apply for permanent residence.

For registration, marriage certificates, birth certificates and other personal documentation should be legalized and provided to verify the reliability of the candidate and the legality of the marriage.

Important

If you have problems with the transcription of the name, you will need a certificate from the Latvian State Language Agency on the correct spelling.

Necessary justifications

• Creating a family with a Latvian citizen.
• Certificate of marital legal capacity.
• Legalization of documents.

List of documents

• A valid marriage certificate.
• A certificate of non-criminal record.
• Confirmation of financial independence.
• A certificate from the State Language Agency (if necessary).

Family reunion

It is suitable for those who have relatives or a spouse who is a citizen or a foreigner who already has a residence permit. To receive it, it is necessary to confirm family ties or marriage, as well as data on solvency and place of residence in Latvia.

Interesting

Family members who arrived on a family visa can work without the need to obtain an additional work permit.

Necessary justifications

• Proof of kinship or marriage with a citizen or holder of a residence permit of Latvia.
• Confirmation of the applicant's financial stability to ensure accommodation without social assistance.
• Availability of housing 
• Confirmation of readiness for integration into society.

List of documents

• Official documents confirming the relationship.
• Evidence of financial viability (for example, income certificates).
• A lease agreement or a certificate of ownership of housing.
• Completed application form.
• A copy of the passport.

Work permit

For short-term employment, the employer must submit a request for an invitation from a foreigner to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Long-term employment involves receiving a request to hire a foreign employee. The approved invitation serves as the basis for applying for a visa and obtaining a work permit.

If a temporary residence permit is available, the specialist may ask the employer to issue a permit for a spouse and minor children. The employer is responsible for the stay of the subordinate and his family in the country, including accommodation, medical care and deportation costs (if necessary).

Necessary justifications

• An employment offer from a Latvian employer.
• Justification of the need for employment of a foreigner.
• Confirmation of financial viability for living.

List of documents

• Completed application form.
• An approved invitation from the employer.
• A copy of the passport.
• Confirmation of qualifications and experience.
• Medical insurance policy.
• Bank statements or other evidence of financial resources.

Residence permit for business and sole proprietor

Individual entrepreneurs registered in the Latvian Commercial Register can apply for this type of residence permit. Spouses of entrepreneurs and children under the age of 18 can be included in the application. The maximum validity period of the permit is 5 years.

To support the application, a business plan prepared and certified by a sworn auditor must be provided. At the same time, it is necessary to demonstrate solvency for doing business in the country. Annual renewal requires payment of taxes for the previous ten months and the provision of relevant certificates – a minimum of 40,000 euros.

Necessary justifications

• Registered business.
• Confirmation of financial viability for doing business.
• Availability of a certified business plan.

List of documents

• Passport and copies of all pages.
• A completed visa application form.
• A fresh photo on a light background.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• A bank statement, an employment contract, or a certificate from a sponsor proving solvency.
• Confirmation of the availability of rented or own housing.

Extension of a residence permit

The procedure is performed once every 5 years. It is recommended to submit documents 30-90 days before the end of the current permit. An application submitted later may require accelerated processing, which increases the cost of paying fees and the allowed period of up to 7 days.

The documents must be submitted to the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, which reviews the applications.

The standard processing time is about 30 working days. State fees vary depending on the circumstances of the applicant and usually range from 20€ to 60€ (standard procedure), and in case of acceleration up to 10 days – 90€ or 5 days – 140€.