Latvia (LV)
Latvia is a parliamentary republic and EU member state on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Latvia.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live and work in Latvia freely under EU free movement rights — no visa or work permit required for any duration. They must register at PMLP within 3 months of establishing residence. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UK (post-Brexit), and most Western countries can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules. For stays exceeding 90 days or to work, an appropriate permit is required. Check pmlp.gov.lv for the current visa regime and country list.
All non-EU immigration to Latvia is handled by PMLP (Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde — Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) at pmlp.gov.lv. Applications are made in person at PMLP offices or in some cases via authorised representatives. Latvia applies an annual immigration quota for non-EU/EEA nationals (excluding certain categories like EU Blue Card holders, family of citizens, and highly skilled workers). The quota is limited and can be exhausted — check current quota status before planning. Latvia participates fully in the Schengen Area. Latvia uses the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers at external Schengen borders (phased implementation from 2025–2026).
EU Registration Certificate
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens establishing residence in Latvia for more than 3 months.
Same day or 1–3 business days at PMLP
- ✓Valid EU/EEA/Swiss passport or national ID
- ✓Proof of economic activity: employment contract, business registration, or proof of self-sufficiency (bank statements) plus health insurance
- ✓Latvian residential address (dzīvesvieta deklarācija)
Temporary Residence Permit — Employment
Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Latvian employer.
30 calendar days standard; 5 business days expedited (€200 fee)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Valid employment contract with Latvian employer
- ✓Employer confirmation that the position is approved (or NVA exempt)
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Latvia
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓No criminal record from home country (apostilled)
Temporary Residence Permit — Self-Employment / Business
Non-EU nationals who establish and operate their own business in Latvia.
30 days standard
- ✓Registered Latvian company (SIA or IK) with the applicant as shareholder/director
- ✓Proof of viable business activity (business plan, financial projections or actual revenue)
- ✓Investment in Latvia of at least €50,000 (for SIA-based applications) — lower thresholds for certain innovative startups via LIAA
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Health insurance
EU Blue Card Latvia
Highly qualified non-EU workers with a job offer meeting salary and qualification thresholds.
30 days standard
- ✓Valid employment contract for at least 1 year
- ✓Annual gross salary at least 1.5x the average gross salary in Latvia (approximately €28,000+/year in 2026)
- ✓Recognised higher education qualification (3+ years) or 5+ years relevant professional experience
- ✓Health insurance
Temporary Residence Permit — Family Reunification
Spouses, minor children, and dependent family members of Latvian citizens, non-citizen permanent residents, or lawfully residing non-EU nationals.
30 days
- ✓Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificate, apostilled and translated)
- ✓Sponsor's residence permit or citizenship documentation
- ✓Accommodation proof
- ✓Financial means (sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income)
- ✓Health insurance
Student Temporary Residence Permit
Non-EU nationals enrolled full-time at an accredited Latvian higher education institution.
30 days
- ✓Admission letter from Latvian accredited institution
- ✓Proof of financial means (at least €400/month)
- ✓Health insurance covering the study period
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of accommodation
Permanent Residence Permit (non-EU)
Non-EU nationals who have resided continuously and lawfully in Latvia for 5 years.
30–90 days
- ✓5 years of continuous lawful residence (shorter for certain categories)
- ✓Latvian language proficiency B1 level
- ✓Stable and regular income (employment or self-employment)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓No significant criminal record
- ✓Knowledge of the basic principles of the Latvian Constitution (may be tested)
Digital Nomad Visa (Latvia)
Digital NomadNon-EU/EEA nationals who work remotely for employers or clients registered in OECD member countries. Freelancers with a business registered in an OECD country are also eligible. Must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €2,857 from remote work. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need this visa — they have free movement rights and can work remotely in Latvia without any permit.
Decision normally within 15 business days of document submission; up to 60 days if additional information is required.
- ✓Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- ✓Proof of employment by an OECD-country-registered company OR freelance/service contracts with OECD-country clients
- ✓Proof of monthly income of at least €2,857 (last 3–6 months bank statements)
- ✓Health insurance valid in Latvia
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Latvia (rental contract or hotel booking)
- ✓Completed application form
Visa & Immigration
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