Ready to immigrate to Latvia? This article is a guideline that answers the key questions about relocating to this country. Plus, if you need more details and legal support, our Latvian agents are at your disposal right from the start.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (Yes/No) |
No |
|
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (Yes/No) |
Yes |
|
Types of visas available |
– Schengen Visa, – National Visa |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) |
Five business days. More details about how to immigrate to Latvia are offered by our lawyers. |
| Validity of temporary residence permit |
5 years |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements |
– a document confirming non-existence of current or pending debts for real estate taxes; – a document confirming the necessary means of subsistence; – a valid health insurance policy |
| Documents for obtaining a residence visa |
– a completed residence permit application form, – a photo; – a confirmation of no criminal record; – proof of subsistence/sufficient funds; – proof of income or funds of at least 430 EUR per month; – a document confirming the planned place of residence; – the proof of payment for the state fees |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) |
5 – 30 days |
| Investor visa availability (Yes/No) |
Yes |
| Start up visa scheme availability (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Sponsorship requirement (Yes/No) | Yes. More information about how to immigrate to Latvia are offered by our team. |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship |
10 years |
| Citizenship/ Residency by investment scheme availability (Yes/No) |
Yes. More details about how to immigrate to Latvia are offered by our team. |
| Taxation of foreign citizens |
20% |
| Tax benefits for foreign citizens | Foreign citizens only pay tax on their Latvian-sourced income. |
| Residence permit issued for real estate investments in Latvia | For property purchase of at least EUR 250,000 to obtain atemporary residence permit available for 5 years |
|
Relocation to Latvia for business purposes |
Available option. EUR 50,000 is required as a minimum investment for starting a company in Latvia. |
|
Registration for stays longer than 90 days in Latvia |
With the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) |
| Registration card issued | By OCMA after registration in Latvia |
| What is the EU Blue Card? |
A residence permit issued for highly qualified workers in Latvia |
| Retirement visa available in Latvia (YES/NO) |
YES |
| Visa fee exemptions |
– for postgraduate students, – scientists from third-world countries, – representatives of non-profit organizations under certain conditions |
| Family reunification in Latvia |
For foreigners having spouses in Latvia, for children of Latvian citizens, etc. |
| When is a long-term residence permit issued? |
After at least 5 years of living in Latvia |
| Can I work in the EU with a Latvian residence permit? | Yes, Latvia is part of the Schengen area and allows residents to work in any European country without restrictions. |
| Relocating to Latvia through investments |
Available programs requiring investments of at least EUR 250,000 in a property in Latvia |
| Most popular cities for relocation to Latvia |
– Riga (the capital city), – Daugavpils, – Liepaja, – Jelgava, – Jurmala |
| Benefits of Latvian residence permit |
Allows holders to invite family members, and travel to European countries without border controls, varied social privileges, etc. |
| Reasons to choose Latvia for immigration |
– affordable cost of living, – proper education and health systems, – part of Schengen area that comes with other benefits too |
| Why choose our Latvian lawyers? | Our immigration lawyers in Latvia can assist foreigners throughout all the procedures linked to relocation to this country. |
What are the main paths for relocation to Latvia?
For:
- Employment,
- Family reunification,
- Study,
- Business.
How much time can I spend in Latvia without residency?
90 days.
Do I need a visa to enter Latvia?
There is no need for a visa if you are relocating to Latvia from an EU country. However, non-EU/EEA citizens need to apply for a Latvian visa.
What types of visas are available in Latvia?
- Short-Stay visa, which is the same thing as the Schengen visa or type C,
- National D visa for long stays in Latvia.
What are the general requirements for relocation to Latvia?
- present a valid passport,
- present a work contract or university letter,
- hold a healthcare insurance,
- present a clear criminal record,
- provide information about domiciliation in Latvia.
NOTE! All foreign documents must be translated into Latvian. An apostille must also be solicited.
Below is an infographic about immigration to Latvia:
Where do I apply for a visa and residency permit in Latvia?
There are two ways:
- At the Latvian Embassy in the country of origin,
- At the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia.
NOTE! There is an obligation to register with the local municipality before starting the process of getting the residence permit in Latvia.
What is the solicited financial proof in Latvia?
Applicants for residency in Latvia must provide at least EUR 740/month.
Are there any precautions/recommendations before relocation to Latvia?
You should:
- secure your Latvian visa,
- look for a place to stay before relocation,
- prepare customs declarations if you are immigrating to Latvia from a non-EU country,
- obtain a private healthcare policy,
- register your stay with the local authorities at the time of arrival.
NOTE! It is important to apply for a residence permit in Latvia if you relocate here for more than 90 days. If you are coming for work purposes in Latvia, the hiring company will act as a sponsor and deal with the work & residence permit.
You can also discover a video presentation on this topic:
What are the key conditions to immigrate to Latvia as a retiree?
- applicants must be at least 65 years old and come from countries with a free travel agreement signed with Latvia.
- around EUR 1,101 is the minimum monthly income required to retire to Latvia.
- only pension income can be used for retirement in Latvia.
IMPORTANT! Retiring to Latvia with a Schengen visa is not possible for non-EU citizens. There is no retirement visa available in Latvia, but specific relocation routes comprising the above-mentioned conditions.
Can I relocate to Latvia by making investments?
Yes, Latvia has a residency by investment program and these schemes:
- investing at least EUR 50,000 in a local company,
- purchasing a real estate property of at least EUR 250,000.
What is the validity of a temporary residence permit in Latvia?
5 years.
NOTE! Renewals must be made each year.
When can I apply for a permanent residence permit in Latvia?
After 5 years with a temporary residence permit in Latvia, living at least 183 days/year.
Is there a language test to get permanent residency in Latvia?
Yes. One must prove an A2 or B1 level of Latvian knowledge.
Would you like to know more about how to immigrate to Latvia? If so, please explore the legal services provided by our law firm in Latvia by contacting us today.