EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Latvia.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
Temporary residence permit for full-time studies at an accredited Latvian higher education institution; the institution files the invitation with PMLP. Issued for the academic year (up to 1 year) and renewed annually for the study duration; applicants must show subsistence funds, accommodation and health insurance, with foreign education documents assessed by the Academic Information Centre. Study years count partially toward permanent-residence qualification.
Internship / Trainee Visa
Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals undertaking a traineeship/study practice with a Latvian host organisation linked to their studies, under a traineeship agreement. Issued for the practice period (typically up to one year) and requires proof of subsistence and insurance. Does not itself lead to settlement.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
One-year Type D visa for third-country nationals employed by an employer registered in an OECD member state, or registered as self-employed in an OECD country, who work remotely from Latvia. Requires gross monthly income of at least 2.5x Latvia's previous-year average wage (EUR 4,213 in 2026) evidenced over the prior 6 months, plus health insurance with at least EUR 42,600 coverage. Renewable for one additional year; the visa gives no right to local employment in Latvia.
Self-Employment Visa
Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals registered as self-employed in Latvia. Requires a business plan, proof of personal funds sufficient to carry it out, any required licences, and proof of subsistence (PMLP's business-activity subsistence rate is about triple the minimum monthly wage, EUR 2,340 from April 2026); from the second year the business plan's fulfilment must be confirmed by a sworn auditor. Issued for up to one year at a time and renewable while the activity continues.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Temporary residence permit of up to 3 years for non-EU founders intending to create or develop an innovative, scalable product in Latvia; no minimum capital is required. The business idea is assessed by an expert committee at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), which meets monthly and decides within about 60 days; the company must then be registered in Latvia within 3 months. Subsistence of EUR 500/month for the founder (plus EUR 500 per adult and EUR 150 per minor family member) must be shown.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
Residence permit for highly qualified employment, issued for the length of the employment contract up to 5 years. Requires higher professional qualifications (or regulated-profession recognition) and gross pay of at least 1.5x Latvia's previous-year average wage (EUR 2,723/month from April 2026; about 1.2x, EUR 2,178, for shortage occupations). Examination takes 10 working days (EUR 100) with a 5-working-day expedited option; leads to EU long-term residence after 5 years.
Skilled Work Visa
Temporary residence permit (up to 5 years cumulative) for third-country nationals with a job offer from a Latvian employer; the employer must first register an approved invitation, normally after advertising the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) for at least 10 working days. Pay must meet the wage floor set by Cabinet regulation (tied to the previous year's average gross wage; sector-average or higher rates apply to some categories from April 2026, with a EUR 1,815 floor). Short assignments can instead use a one-year Type D visa with the right to employment.
Seasonal Work Visa
Type D visa with the right to seasonal employment for up to 6 months in any 12-month period, used mainly in agriculture, horticulture, food processing, tourism and hospitality. The Latvian employer must register an approved invitation and is responsible for the worker's accommodation, healthcare and conditions. The visa does not lead to residence; a fresh application is needed each season.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Permit for managers, specialists and trainee employees transferred from a non-EU entity to a Latvian entity of the same group for assignments over 90 days. Maximum total stay is 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees; mobility rules allow holders of ICT permits from other EU states to work in Latvia for limited periods. Pay and conditions must match those of comparable local workers.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Temporary residence permit (up to 5 years) for purchasing special-purpose interest-free Latvian government bonds with a nominal value of EUR 250,000, plus a EUR 38,000 payment to the state budget on first issuance. An alternative financial route is EUR 280,000 in subordinated liabilities (deposit) with a Latvian credit institution for at least 5 years, with a EUR 25,000 state budget payment. Subsistence of EUR 500/month per adult must be evidenced.
Residence by Real Estate
Temporary residence permit (up to 5 years) for purchasing real estate worth at least EUR 250,000: one functionally related property in Riga, Jurmala or 12 listed municipalities, or up to two properties (each at least EUR 125,000) elsewhere, with cadastral value of at least EUR 80,000. A one-off payment of 5% of the purchase value to the state budget is due on first issuance; property must be bought non-cash from qualifying sellers and carry no tax debts. Renewable while ownership continues; permanent residence possible after 5 years of continuous residence.
Business Investor Visa
Temporary residence permit (up to 5 years) for investing at least EUR 50,000 in the equity of a Latvian company with up to 50 employees and turnover/balance under EUR 10 million (plus a EUR 10,000 state budget payment), or EUR 100,000 in a larger company or group employing 50+ with turnover/balance over EUR 10 million. Up to 10 foreign investors may qualify per small company if each meets the conditions. Subsistence of EUR 500/month per adult must be shown; renewable while the investment is maintained.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
One-year working-holiday arrangement under bilateral agreements with Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, allowing young citizens of partner countries (generally 18-30; 18-35 for Canada, 18-34 for South Korea) to holiday in Latvia with the right to take incidental employment. Issued for up to one year and not extendable into settlement. Applicants show return funds, insurance and a clean record per the relevant agreement.
Not yet researched
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Temporary residence permit for spouses, minor children and dependants of third-country nationals holding Latvian temporary residence permits or EU Blue Cards; the permit is issued for the same period as the sponsor's permit. The sponsor must show subsistence for each family member (EUR 500/month per adult, lower child rates per Cabinet regulation) and adequate housing; genuine family ties are verified. Family-member examination fee is EUR 70 (30 days).
Spouse / Partner Visa
Residence route for third-country spouses of Latvian citizens, Latvian non-citizens or permanent residence permit holders. A staged track applies: 1-year temporary permit on first application, 4-year temporary permit on the second, and a permanent residence permit on the third, provided the marriage subsists; subsistence of about EUR 500/month must be shown. Marriages of convenience are actively screened.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Five-year temporary residence permit for third-country nationals with a Latvian or Liv ancestor in the direct ascending line, and their family members; it replaced the former repatriate status closed to new applicants on 1 January 2024. Permanent residence is available after five years of continuous residence with state-language proficiency of at least A2. Separately, Latvian exiles of 17 June 1940 citizens and their descendants may register Latvian citizenship directly (dual citizenship allowed for descendants born before 1 October 2014; decision within 4 months).
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
EU long-term resident status after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Latvia (absences under 6 consecutive / 10 total months), with state-language proficiency at A2 or higher and stable income of at least minimum-wage level with taxes paid over the preceding 12 months. The residence card is renewed every 5 years; decisions for third-country nationals issue within 3 months. Examination fee EUR 160 (30 days) or EUR 280 (10 days).
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Invitation from the institution
Ask your host, company or institution in the destination to write an invitation letter with their details, your details, and the purpose and dates of the visit. Some countries require it to be officially registered or legalised by local immigration (e.g. a notarised or authority-stamped invitation).
| Issued by | Host / inviting organisation |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Study agreement
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
State fee payment
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / payment provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies by visa |
| Typical time | Immediate–2 days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of OECD employment or self-employment
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
| Issued by | Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–consultant fee |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record statement
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police / justice ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | A few days–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Approved invitation from employer
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Employment contract
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of higher qualifications
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of bond purchase or subordinated deposit
Provide documentary proof of the qualifying investment: a bank confirmation of the deposit or transfer, share or title certificates, an escrow or blocked-account statement, or a notarised purchase contract, depending on the programme's rules.
| Issued by | Bank / notary / company registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | 1–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of property ownership
Obtain the title deed or an extract from the land registry proving ownership; for a purchase, provide the notarised purchase contract. The land-registry office issues certified copies.
| Issued by | Land registry / notary |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$100 |
| Typical time | Same day–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of family relationship
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage certificate
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of Latvian or Liv origin
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Language proficiency certificate
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
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