Visa Types
Latvia Work Visa Essentials
Apply to work in Latvia, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Latvia Work 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 work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
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 Employment Visa (Singly/Double Entry): 5300 INR
For Requesting of a Temporary Residence Permit
Within 30 days: 100 Euros
Within 10 working days: 200 Euros
Within 5 working days: 400 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 a work visa (Long stay visa D) to Latvia from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the Long Stay Visa application form for employment in Latvia.
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Latvia or another Member State. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Include copies of the identification pages and pages with previous visas.
- Passport Photos: Provide two recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm).
- Invitation Letter: Include an invitation approved by the OCMA (Latvian employer's invitation). This invitation should not be older than six months from your application date.
- Employment Agreement: Submit a copy of your signed employment agreement with your Latvian employer.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Show evidence of sufficient financial means to support your stay. This includes an original bank account statement from the last three months, duly stamped and signed by the bank.
- Accommodation Proof: If your employer does not provide accommodation, provide a notarized document from the property owner or their representative consenting to your stay. Include a land registry statement proving property ownership and rental rights.
- Previous Employment Proof: Present originals and copies of your previous employment records.
- Indian Income Tax Records: Include Indian income tax return acknowledgments for the last assessment year, along with Form 26AS and Form 16/16A, if applicable.
- Previous Education Records: Submit originals and copies of your previous education diplomas and mark sheets in the same field as your planned employment.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain travel medical insurance that covers the entire Schengen area for the full 90-day visit, with a minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR. This should include coverage for urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, medical transportation, and repatriation in case of death. You can obtain this insurance in your home country, another country, or through the inviting party.
- Air Ticket Reservation: Provide an air ticket reservation that indicates your intended entry into the Schengen area. Note that the Embassy is not responsible for purchased tickets in case your visa is refused.
- Hello Verify Confirmation Slip: Include the Hello Verify confirmation slip you receive after successfully uploading your visa application supporting documents for verification.
- Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee of 60 EUR (Note: Some individuals may be exempt from this fee).
You can download the document checklist, Please click here
Travel insurance is required when visiting Schengen countries. If you haven't obtained it yet, kindly click here.
- Temporary Residence Permit for Employment:
- Job offer from a Latvian employer.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application form for a temporary residence permit.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Criminal record certificate from your home country.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Educational and professional qualifications.
- Passport-sized photos.
- European Blue Card:
- Valid job offer in Latvia meeting the Blue Card criteria.
- Passport with a validity of at least 15 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed European Blue Card application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Educational and professional qualifications.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Seasonal Employment:
- Employment contract specifying the seasonal nature of the work.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application form for a seasonal work permit.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit:
- Employment contract and documentation from the multinational company.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed ICT permit application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Freelancer Visa:
- Proof of meeting specific income and insurance requirements.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed freelancer visa application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Startup Visa:
- Documentation related to the startup business, such as business plan and financial statements.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed startup visa application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Researcher Visa:
- Proof of affiliation with an academic institution or research organization.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed researcher visa application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Working Holiday Visa:
- Proof of eligibility based on bilateral agreements.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed working holiday visa application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Posted Workers:
- Documents related to the posting by the employer in another EU/EEA country.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application form as required by specific regulations.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) Permit:
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Passport or travel document with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Completed HQS permit application form.
- Proof of payment of application fees.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Passport-sized photos.
Note: Ensure that you carefully follow the specific guidelines and requirements provided by the Latvian consulate or embassy in India, as these requirements may change from time to time. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the visa application process.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
Electronic Visa Application Form
Application Form for Requiring a Residence Permit
Important notes:
- Fill out the online questionnaire anytime, visit this link: Click Here, and use the form number and security code given after your initial submission.
- Complete all fields marked with a red asterisk (*).
- Use Latin letters only in the questionnaire, like "Vladimir" for "Владимир" in your passport.
- You need to print and sign the completed form before visiting the representative office.
- 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 Latvia Work Visa/Permit (Long term visa D type) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Find a Job: The first step is to secure a job offer from a Latvian employer. You will need a valid employment contract with a Latvian company.
- Work Permit Approval: Your prospective employer in Latvia will need to apply for a work permit for you. They will have to demonstrate that they couldn't find a suitable Latvian or European Union worker for the position. If the work permit is approved, they will receive a decision.
- Receive Work Permit Decision: Once the work permit is approved, your employer will receive a decision from the Latvian authorities. You may need a copy of this decision for your visa application.
- Apply for a Long Stay Visa (D Visa): With the work permit approval, you can apply for a long stay visa (D visa) at VFS Global visa application centres in India. You will typically need to submit the documents like: Passport, Completed visa application form, Recent passport-sized photos, Proof of accommodation, Health insurance covering your stay in Latvia, Copy of the work permit approval, Employment contract or job offer letter.
- Attend an Interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the Latvian embassy or consulate.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees, which can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
- Wait for Visa Processing: The processing time for a long stay visa can vary. It's essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
- Travel to Latvia: If your visa is approved, you will receive a long stay visa allowing you to enter Latvia for employment purposes. Make sure to carry all the necessary documents with you when traveling.
- Residence Permit: After arriving in Latvia, you will need to apply for a residence permit based on your work permit. Your employer or a legal representative can assist you with this process.
- Register with Authorities: After receiving your residence permit, you may need to register with the local authorities in Latvia.
Important notes:
- According to Latvia's Immigration Law, visa processing takes 15 days after submitting all documents through VFS Global. If more checks are needed for a long-stay visa, a decision will come within 60 days.
- People from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Myanmar going to work in Latvia under an employment agreement can get a Long Stay (D) visa by applying through VFS Global centers in India and Sri Lanka.
- For Indian and Sri Lankan applicants seeking this visa for employment in Latvia, they must first have their visa support documents verified by Hello Verify India Private Limited. You can find instructions and details on how to submit your documents on http://visa.helloverify.com.
- It's essential to complete this document verification before applying for a visa through VFS Global Latvia. Note: You must have a Hello Verify transaction number to schedule a visa application appointment with VFS; otherwise, they won't give you an appointment.
- Once the document verification with Hello Verify is done, Indian applicants can then submit their Long Stay (D) visa application through VFS Visa Application Centers in India.
To obtain more information about Residence permit, please click here
- Temporary Residence Permit for Employment:
- This permit allows foreign nationals to live and work in Latvia for a specified period, usually tied to a specific job offer from a Latvian employer. It is typically issued for one year and can be extended. The employer often plays a crucial role in the application process.
- European Blue Card:
- The European Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed to attract highly skilled non-European Union (EU) nationals to work in EU countries, including Latvia. To be eligible, applicants typically need a higher education degree and a job offer with a minimum salary requirement. It offers advantages such as facilitated labor market access for family members and the possibility of permanent residency.
- Seasonal Employment:
- This permit is for foreign workers who wish to work in Latvia for a limited duration, often in seasonal industries like agriculture or tourism. It's usually valid for up to six months, and the employer must demonstrate a need for seasonal labor.
- Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit:
- This permit is for employees of multinational companies transferring within the same company group to a Latvian branch or subsidiary. It allows them to work in Latvia temporarily, usually for a period of up to three years. Specific criteria and documentation are required for this permit.
- Freelancer Visa:
- Latvia offers a self-employment visa for freelancers and entrepreneurs who wish to establish and operate their own business in the country. Applicants typically need to demonstrate their business plan and financial viability.
- Startup Visa:
- This visa is designed to attract entrepreneurs and founders of innovative startups to Latvia. To qualify, applicants usually need to have a startup business plan approved by a recognized Latvian institution or a Latvian incubator.
- Researcher Visa:
- Researchers and scientists who intend to conduct research in Latvia can apply for this visa. It's typically issued for the duration of the research project and may require collaboration with a Latvian research institution.
- Working Holiday Visa:
- Latvia may have agreements with certain countries that allow young adults (usually between 18 and 30) to obtain a working holiday visa. This visa allows them to work and travel in Latvia for a specific period, often up to one year.
- Posted Workers:
- This arrangement involves foreign workers being sent by their employer to work in Latvia temporarily. The employer must adhere to specific rules and regulations related to posted workers, such as providing certain benefits and complying with labor laws.
- Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) Permit:
- This permit is designed to attract highly skilled professionals, often in fields with a shortage of qualified personnel, to work in Latvia. It typically offers simplified procedures and favorable conditions for the applicant, such as a shorter processing time.
Note: Please note that the specific requirements and application processes for these permits and visas can change over time, so it's essential to check with the Latvian authorities or the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information before applying.