Latvia Residence Permit

Latvia offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain residence permits for various purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, or investment. There are different types of residence permits, each with its specific requirements.

To apply for a Latvia residence permit, you need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed Latvia residence permit application form, available on the OCMA website, tailored to your specific reason for needing the permit.
2. Recent passport-sized photo of yourself.
3. Certificate confirming a clean criminal record, issued within the last three months.
4. Evidence of financial means. You must demonstrate the ability to support yourself during your stay in Latvia, with a requirement of €430 per month if you are not employed in Latvia.
5. Documentation proving your place of residence in Latvia, such as a lease or rental agreement, or proof of property ownership.
6. Confirmation of paid state fees, amounting to €4.27.

To obtain a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia as a self-employed person, you are required to submit the following documents:

1. Full copy of passport (foreigners must self-certify the document's validity).
2. Completed residence permit request form.
3. Passport-sized photograph.
4. Document confirming the necessary subsistence, which is €2554 per month. If accompanied by family members, additional subsistence requirements are €500 per month for adults and €150 per month for minors.
5. Proof of payment for the state duty.
6. Business plan approved by a sworn auditor for the intended operational period.
7. Documents verifying sufficient personal financial means to initiate activities outlined in the business plan.
8. Permit (license, certificate) if engaged in activities requiring such documents.
9. If the business plan has been fulfilled in the previous year, a business plan checked by a sworn auditor for the subsequent year is required.

If accompanied by a minor child or a child under maintenance, you must submit the same documents for them (excluding the marriage approval document), along with a document confirming the relationship and notarially approved permission from the other parent for residence in the Republic of Latvia.

To obtain a job seeker residence permit in Latvia, individuals must submit the necessary documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. This typically includes a completed residence permit application, a valid passport, a recent photograph, proof of financial means, and a document confirming payment of the state duty. The applicant must demonstrate their intent to seek employment by providing a written statement outlining their job search plans. The permit is usually granted for a limited period, allowing the individual to actively seek employment in Latvia. It's important to adhere to the specific requirements outlined by the immigration authorities and ensure that all supporting documentation is accurate and up-to-date during the application process.

The temporary residence permit in Latvia grants the privilege of residing in the country for a duration ranging from one to three years. Typically, the initial permit is valid for one year, necessitating renewal, after which it can be extended for up to five years. Notably, a temporary permit in Latvia also provides visa-free access to all Schengen countries and allows the application for temporary residence permits for spouses or children. However, if the intention is to stay beyond the five-year period, it becomes necessary to apply for a permanent residence permit in Latvia.

To obtain a residence permit in Latvia for students from Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen, the process involves receiving an official invitation from the university, which is submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) by the university representative. Students must then schedule an appointment with the Consular Section of the Embassy to submit required documents, including a completed residence permit request form, passport, recent photograph, a criminal record statement, proof of necessary subsistence, an agreement on studies in Latvia, and other supporting documents. There are applicable fees, and the application is reviewed by OCMA. If approved, students can apply for a D category visa, issued within a few days to 15 days, at the VFS Global Egypt center in Cairo. The residence permit is ultimately issued by OCMA.

The Latvia Residence by Investment Program, established in 2010 as part of Latvia's economic recovery initiative, is renowned for its speed and competitiveness in Europe. Initially designed to overcome the economic challenges of 2007–2009, the program contributed over EUR 1.3 billion to Latvia's economy within five years of its launch, primarily through real estate investments (note: real estate option suspended since January 2022).

To qualify for a residence permit, foreign nationals can invest in a Latvian company, make a subordinated loan in a Latvian bank, or purchase interest-free government bonds. Notable benefits include visa-free access to the Schengen Area, a streamlined application process, no minimum stay requirement, and the option to apply for citizenship after ten years of legal residence. The investment requirements involve committing EUR 50,000 to a Latvian company and a one-time payment of EUR 10,000 to the state budget.

Applicants must also demonstrate the financial capacity to support their family's living expenses without relying on Latvian social assistance. The processing time is approximately 30–90 days, and the residence permit, valid for five years, can be renewed annually. There is no mandatory physical presence requirement for permit renewal.

After five years, investors can apply for permanent residence, requiring four years of residency and successful completion of a Latvian language test. To obtain Latvian citizenship, applicants must renounce their former citizenship, with potential exceptions. The program remains an attractive option for those seeking European residency through investment.

The Latvia Residence Permit based on real estate offers a pathway for foreign nationals to obtain residency by investing in Latvian properties. Although the real estate option has been suspended since January 2022, historically, this program allowed investors to contribute to Latvia's economy while gaining the benefit of residency. Applicants would invest in real estate, and the duration of the residence permit was contingent on the investment amount. This avenue provided an opportunity for individuals to enjoy the advantages of living in Latvia while contributing to the country's economic growth through real estate investment.

To obtain a permanent residence permit in Latvia, one must have lived continuously in Latvian territory for a minimum of five years while holding a temporary residence permit.

EU citizens are initially allowed a three-month stay in Latvia based on their valid travel documents. However, if they wish to extend their stay beyond this period, obtaining a temporary residence permit is mandatory. Following a continuous residence of five years, EU citizens have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Latvia.

It's important to note that a Schengen Visa for Latvia allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. If your intended stay in Latvia exceeds this duration, you are required to apply for a Latvian National Visa to ensure compliance with the extended period of stay.

To apply for a residence permit, follow these steps: first, complete and sign the Application for requiring a residence permit, ensuring accuracy to avoid potential denial. Next, gather all necessary documentation as outlined on the OCMA homepage, and legalize documents issued abroad through translation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalization.

Then, schedule an appointment at the Embassy using the online system, providing accurate personal information. Submit the application, along with the required fee, payable by international credit/debit card only. The processing time begins upon OCMA's receipt, not the Embassy submission. The decision on the residence permit is communicated via email.

Upon a positive decision, apply for a Long Stay visa for travel to Latvia. Note that the Embassy does not offer translation services. Upon arrival in Latvia, make an appointment to obtain the residence permit card at the OCMA or a regional division. Additional details can be found on the OCMA homepage.

The processing time for a residence permit varies from 5 to 30 days, depending on the chosen payment option. However, this period may extend to up to 90 days under certain circumstances, such as if additional documentation is requested via mail, if further verification is necessary, or in the case of applications for a spouse or minor child.