Visa Types
Latvia Permanent Residency Path
How you can immigrate to Latvia, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Latvia.
Key Points for Latvia PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Latvia?
To visit Latvia, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Latvia visa application is made online or offline?
You can complete the visa application form online, print it, and then submit it at the Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Denmark visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Latvia?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For Requesting of a Temporary Residence Permit
Within 30 days: 100 Euros
Within 10 working days: 200 Euros
Within 5 working days: 400 Euros
For Requesting of a Permanent Residence Permit
Within 30 days: 100 Euros
Within 10 working days: 200 Euros
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- First, determine the suitable visa and check eligibility.
- Know required documents, processing time, and fees. Ensure your application complies with visa rules.
- Translate non-English documents if needed.
- When you're ready to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it along with the required documents to the Visa Application Center for submission.
- Complete the visa form, then schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- You'll receive a confirmation email and letter. For families/groups, everyone must book separate appointments.
- After applying, you'll pay the visa fee. If you print the form and take it to the Visa Application Centre, you can pay during your appointment.
- Visit the Visa Application Centre to submit your form. Walk-ins from 8 am to 11 am if no online appointment. Discover the process at the Centre.
- You'll receive an email when your decision returns to the Visa Application Centre. If you prefer SMS updates or have email issues, check with your Centre.
- You can also track your visa online with your Reference Number and last name.
To collect your visa decision:
- In-person: Bring receipt and ID. A representative can go with an authorization letter.
- Courier: Pay extra for delivery.
Check with the Visa Application Centre for options during opening hours.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for Permanent Residency in Latvia, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Application Form: Complete and sign the application form for a permanent residence permit in Latvia. The form can usually be downloaded from the official website.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay in Latvia.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet Latvian visa/residence permit photo requirements.
- Birth Certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Provide a police clearance certificate (criminal record check) from your home country and any other countries you have lived in for the past few years. The certificate should be issued by the competent authorities and authenticated as required.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of valid medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Latvia.
- Financial Means: Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in Latvia. This may include bank statements, employment contracts, or other financial documents.
- Employment or Business Documentation: If you plan to work or operate a business in Latvia, provide relevant documentation such as employment contracts, business registration certificates, or business plans.
- Housing: Proof of suitable housing arrangements in Latvia, such as a rental agreement or property ownership documents.
- Health Examination: Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need to undergo a medical examination. Check with the Latvian authorities for specific requirements.
- Language Proficiency: Some categories of permanent residence permits may require proof of Latvian language proficiency. Check the specific requirements for your permit type.
- Fees: Pay the required application fee and any other applicable fees.
- Other Supporting Documents: Depending on your specific situation and the type of permit you are applying for, additional documents may be required. Always check the official guidelines for the most current requirements.
- Power of Attorney: If you are using a representative or attorney to apply on your behalf, provide a power of attorney document.
- Declaration of Understanding of Latvia's Laws and Values: Some applicants may be required to sign a declaration indicating their understanding of Latvia's laws and values.
Investor Visa (Residence Permit for Investment):
- Investment Amount:
- Proof of the required investment amount.
- Documentation of the source of funds for the investment.
- Financial statements or bank statements.
- Business or Real Estate Investment:
- Business plan (if investing in or starting a business).
- Real estate purchase agreement (if investing in real estate).
- Business registration documents (if applicable).
- Property valuation reports (if applicable).
- Residence Permit Application:
- Completed residence permit application form.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Any other specific documents requested by Latvian authorities.
Employment-Based Permanent Residency:
- Temporary Residence:
- Employment contract or job offer.
- Temporary residence permit application form.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Continuous Employment:
- Evidence of continuous employment, such as employment contracts and pay stubs.
- Proof of social security contributions.
- Residence permit renewal application form.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
Family Reunification:
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.).
- Sponsor's proof of residency or citizenship in Latvia.
- Proof of financial stability and accommodation.
- Completed family reunification application form.
- Valid passports or travel documents for family members.
- Passport-sized photographs for each family member.
- Proof of health insurance for family members.
- Clean criminal record certificates for family members.
Long-Term Resident EU Status:
- Proof of continuous legal residency in Latvia for the required number of years.
- Residence permit renewal application form.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
Special Categories (e.g., Refugees):
- Documents related to the asylum or refugee application process.
- Identity documents.
- Evidence of persecution or risk in the home country.
- Any other documents requested by Latvian authorities.
Latvian Citizenship (Naturalization):
- Completed naturalization application form.
- Valid residence permit or temporary residence permit.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of Latvian language proficiency.
- Knowledge of Latvian history and culture.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
- Any additional documents required for specific eligibility criteria (e.g., marriage certificate, ancestry documents).
Exceptional Circumstances:
- Documentation specific to the exceptional circumstances or humanitarian reasons involved.
- Any documents or evidence requested by Latvian authorities to support the exceptional circumstances claim.
Please note that this checklist is a general guideline, and the specific document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in Latvian immigration laws and policies. Always consult with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) or seek legal advice to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information for your application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.
Application Form for Permanent residence
Application Form for Requiring a Residence Permit
- Please use capital letters when filling out the Resident Permit application form. Keep in mind that incomplete or incorrect information in your application could result in a denial.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Permanent Residence in Latvia typically involves the following steps:
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria:
- Before applying for permanent residence, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Typically, you must have legally resided in Latvia for a specific period under a temporary residence permit. The length of the required period may vary based on your circumstances, such as employment, family ties, or other factors.
- Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Holders:
- Most applicants for permanent residence in Latvia first hold a temporary residence permit for a specific purpose, such as employment, study, or family reunification. To be eligible for permanent residence, you generally need to have held a TRP for a certain continuous period, often five years.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Collect all the necessary documents, which may include: Passport, Proof of legal residence in Latvia, Evidence of financial stability, Health insurance coverage, Proof of accommodation in Latvia, Criminal record certificate from your home country and Latvia, Marriage or birth certificates (if applicable), Other documents specific to your situation.
- Application Submission:
- To apply for a permanent residence permit in Latvia, go to your nearest Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) center. You can find the center's location.
- Pay Application Fees:
- Be prepared to pay application fees, which can vary depending on your situation and the type of residence permit you hold.
- Interview and Verification:
- You may be required to attend an interview with immigration authorities or provide additional documentation to verify your eligibility for permanent residence.
- Wait for Decision:
- The immigration authorities will review your application and make a decision. This process can take several months.
- Receive Permanent Residence Permit:
- If your application is approved, you will receive a permanent residence permit, which allows you to live and work in Latvia indefinitely. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions associated with this permit.
- Renewal and Maintenance:
- Keep in mind that permanent residence permits may have renewal requirements, such as maintaining health insurance coverage and abiding by Latvian laws. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to the revocation of your permanent residence status.
It's crucial to consult the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and specific guidance on the permanent residence application process. Immigration policies and procedures can change, so it's essential to stay informed throughout the application process.
- Investor Visa (Residence Permit for Investment):
- Investment Amount: To qualify for an investor visa in Latvia, you need to make a significant investment in the country. The specific amount can vary, but typically, it involves a substantial financial commitment, which could be in the form of cash, business investment, or real estate.
- Business or Real Estate Investment: The investment can be directed towards starting a business in Latvia, investing in an existing Latvian company, or purchasing real estate in the country. The choice of investment type may affect the specific requirements and conditions of your residence permit.
- Residence Permit Application: To apply for this type of residence permit, you would typically need to submit various documents, including proof of your investment, a clean criminal record, a health insurance certificate, and other supporting paperwork. The application process involves both the submission of documents and an interview or examination of your eligibility.
- Employment-Based Permanent Residency:
- Temporary Residence: Initially, this category may involve obtaining a temporary residence permit in Latvia based on employment. This permit allows you to live and work in Latvia for a specific duration, usually tied to your employment contract.
- Continuous Employment: To transition from a temporary residence permit to permanent residency, you would need to demonstrate continuous employment in Latvia. This typically means that you've been employed in the country for a certain number of years and meet specific criteria, such as contributing to social security.
- Family Reunification: Family reunification allows family members of individuals who are already residents or citizens of Latvia to join them in the country. The specific requirements and process may vary based on the family relationship (spouse, children, parents, etc.), but it generally involves demonstrating the family ties and meeting certain financial and accommodation criteria.
- Long-Term Resident EU Status: This status is designed for non-EU citizens who have legally resided in Latvia for an extended period, often at least five years, and have met specific criteria, including financial stability and integration. It grants you long-term resident status within the European Union.
- Special Categories (e.g., Refugees): Latvia, like other EU countries, has special provisions and processes for individuals seeking asylum or refugee status. This category is governed by international and EU laws and involves a thorough assessment of the individual's need for protection due to persecution or conflict in their home country.
- Latvian Citizenship (Naturalization): To become a Latvian citizen, you typically need to go through a process called naturalization. This involves meeting specific residency requirements, demonstrating proficiency in the Latvian language and knowledge of Latvian history and culture, and showing good moral character. The requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, such as being married to a Latvian citizen or having Latvian ancestors.
- Exceptional Circumstances: In certain exceptional cases, individuals may be granted residency or visas based on unique circumstances or humanitarian reasons. These situations are typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may involve discretion from immigration authorities or government officials.
To obtain more information about Residence permit, please click here
It's essential to note that the specific requirements, processes, and eligibility criteria for each type of residency or visa can change over time and may depend on various factors, including changes in Latvian immigration laws and policies. Therefore, it's advisable to consult the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) or seek legal advice to navigate the most current and accurate information for your specific situation.