Migration questions Latvia

Latvia provides residence permits based on various grounds, including:

- Family circumstances: reunification with relatives who are citizens or permanent residents of Latvia.

- Employment or business activities: official employment or running a business in Latvia.

- Studies: attending accredited Latvian educational institutions.

- Investments: contributing to the country's economy, such as buying real estate or business investments.

The exact list of required documents depends on the chosen basis, but generally includes:

- A completed residence permit application form.

- A copy of a valid travel document (passport) certified by the applicant.

- A 3×4 cm photo.

- Documents confirming the basis for the request:

 For employment: an employment contract or an invitation from an employer.

 For studies: confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution.

 For investments: documents proving investments or real estate purchase.

- Documents proving financial solvency:

 For adults: availability of funds of at least 700 euro per month.

 For minors: at least 210 euro per month.

- Medical insurance valid in Latvia.

- A criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship or residency if you have lived there for more than 12 months.

Processing times: 

- Standard time: up to 30 days from the submission of the complete document package.

- Expedited processing: possible for an additional fee, with processing times potentially reduced to 10 working days.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

Submitting documents for a residence permit in Latvia involves the following steps:

1. Determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit. 

2. Prepare the required documents.

3. Submit the application: 

- From abroad: submit documents at the Latvian diplomatic or consular representation in your country.

- In Latvia: if you are legally in the country, you can submit your application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in person or online on the official migration service portal (www.pmlp.gov.lv).

4. Payment of the state fee: The fee amount depends on the basis for obtaining a residence permit and the urgency of processing. It is recommended to verify current rates on the official website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

5. Receive a decision: After your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit that allows you to legally reside and, if necessary, work in Latvia.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area have several advantages when staying and working in Latvia due to the principle of free movement.

Staying: EU and EEA citizens have the right to stay in Latvia without registration for up to 90 days within a half-year. If planning to stay for more than 90 days, it is necessary to register the stay with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia. For this, a valid passport or identity card is required, along with documents confirming the purpose of stay, such as an employment contract or confirmation of studies.

Work: EU and EEA citizens have free access to the Latvian labor market and are not required to obtain a work permit. The employer must register the employee with the State Revenue Service by submitting the appropriate information.

Social guarantees: After registering in Latvia, EU and EEA citizens gain access to social services and medical care on par with Latvian citizens. It is important to note that in order to receive the full spectrum of social guarantees, registration in the social security system and payment of corresponding contributions may be required.

Recognition of Qualifications: If you plan to work in a profession requiring a specific qualification, it is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the procedures for recognizing foreign diplomas and qualifications in Latvia. This can be done through the Academic Information Center, which is responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia and the State Revenue Service.

Citizens of countries outside the European Union should consider the following when planning their stay and work in Latvia:

Entry and short-term stay: 

- Visa: For entry into Latvia, citizens of most third countries require a Schengen visa. The stay under such a visa is limited to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some countries have visa waiver agreements; the current list is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

Long-term stay: 

- Residence permit: If the stay is planned to exceed 90 days, a temporary residence permit is required. Grounds may include employment, study, family reunification, investments, and others. Detailed information on procedures and requirements is available on the website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

Employment: 

- Work permit: To officially work in Latvia, citizens of third countries require a work permit. Usually, the employer initiates the process of obtaining such a permit by submitting the necessary documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The procedure includes checking for local candidates for the vacancy and may take several weeks.

Social guarantees: 

- Social insurance: After official employment, the worker is subject to mandatory social insurance, providing access to medical services, pension savings, and other social guarantees.

Recognition of Qualifications: 

- Diplomas and certificates: If your profession requires a specific qualification, recognition of foreign diplomas may be necessary. This is handled by the Academic Information Center of Latvia.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

To extend a residence permit in Latvia, the following steps must be taken:

1. Determine the type of your residence permit.

2. Prepare the necessary documents: 

- Completed application for the extension of the residence permit. 

- Copy of a valid travel document (passport), certified by the applicant. 

- Documents confirming the basis for the extension. 

- Documents confirming financial solvency. 

- Medical insurance valid in Latvia. 

- Payment document confirming payment of the state fee.

3. Submit the application: 

- Submission deadline: it is recommended to submit the application for extension no later than 30 days before the expiration of the current residence permit.

- Place of submission: documents are submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

4. Consideration timelines: 

- Standard term: up to 30 days from the submission of a complete set of documents.

- Expedited consideration: possible for an additional fee, timelines can be reduced to 10 working days.

5. Payment of the state fee: The amount of the fee depends on the basis for the extension of the residence permit and the urgency of consideration. It is recommended to check the current rates on the official website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

6. Receiving a decision: After approval of your application, you will receive an extended residence permit, allowing you to legally continue residing and, if necessary, working in Latvia.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

To obtain a residence permit in Latvia, it is necessary to have medical insurance that meets the legislative requirements.

Requirements for a medical insurance policy:

- Coverage of medical expenses: the policy must provide coverage for emergency medical care and inpatient treatment.

- Coverage of repatriation expenses: the policy must cover expenses for repatriation due to medical reasons or in case of death.

- Area of coverage: the policy must be valid in Latvia and other Schengen Agreement countries.

- Duration of validity: the policy must be valid for the entire intended period of stay in Latvia.

Procedure for obtaining medical insurance:

Select an insurance company: Numerous insurance companies operate in Latvia, offering medical insurance for foreign citizens (If P&C Insurance AS, Baltijas Apdrošināšanas Nams, Gjensidige).

Application submission: Contact the chosen insurance company via their official website, by phone, or visit the office in person. Provide necessary documents such as your passport and confirmation of your purpose of stay in Latvia.

Policy payment: After agreeing on the insurance terms and calculating the policy cost, proceed with the payment in a way convenient for you.

Policy receipt: After payment, you will receive the medical insurance policy, which is required when submitting documents for a residence permit.

Important: It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the insurance terms in advance and, if necessary, consult with specialists.

In Latvia, citizenship can be obtained on the following grounds:

Birth

By the right of blood: If at least one parent of the child is a citizen of Latvia, the child automatically becomes a citizen regardless of the place of birth.

For children of non-citizens or stateless persons: A child born in Latvia can obtain Latvian citizenship if the parents officially declare this during the registration process of the child.

Naturalization

Latvian citizenship can be obtained through naturalization if the following conditions are met:

- Continuous residence in Latvia for at least 5 years based on a permanent residence permit.

- Proficiency in the Latvian language at level A2 or higher.

- Knowledge of the basics of the Constitution, the national anthem, as well as Latvian history and culture.

- Having a legal source of income.

- Renouncing the citizenship of another country (unless otherwise provided by Latvia's agreements).

Restoration of citizenship

For individuals who have lost Latvian citizenship (e.g., emigrants and their descendants):

- If citizenship was lost as a result of emigration, it can be restored.

- The process requires submitting an application and confirming the status of a former citizen.

Exceptional contributions to Latvia

- Citizenship may be granted to a person who has made a significant contribution to the development of the state, science, culture, economy, sports, or other areas.

- The decision is made by the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia.

Citizenship registration (repatriation)

- Persons of Latvian origin or representatives of the Livonian ethnicity can register as citizens by providing supporting documents.

- Descendants of deported or repressed citizens also have the right to simplified citizenship acquisition.

Marriage to a Latvian citizen

Marriage to a Latvian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship but facilitates the process of obtaining a residence permit, which can lead to naturalization after 5 years.

Each basis for obtaining citizenship may have its additional conditions and procedures, so it is recommended to contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia for clarifications. 

Yes, possessing a temporary residence permit in Latvia grants you the right to leave and return to the country freely. A temporary residence permit allows for multiple border crossings within Latvia without the need to obtain additional visas.

Features of exit and re-entry:

Travel within the Schengen zone: With a temporary residence permit, you can freely move within the Schengen Agreement countries, staying up to 90 days in each 180-day period.

Compliance with length of stay requirements: It is important to note that prolonged absence from Latvia may affect the possibility of extending the residence permit or obtaining a permanent residence permit in the future. It is recommended not to be absent from the country for more than six consecutive months or more than one year in total during the validity period of the temporary residence permit.

Documents for crossing the border: When exiting and entering Latvia, you must have a valid passport and a residence permit card (eID card) with you. Ensure that both documents are valid at the time of crossing the border.

Recommendations:

Informing authorities: If planning a long absence from Latvia, it is advisable to inform the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of your plans to avoid possible misunderstandings upon return.

Compliance with the law: Always follow the rules and requirements established by Latvian law to maintain your resident status and avoid potential problems when crossing the border.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

If you are denied a residence permit in Latvia, it is recommended to take the following steps:

1. Understand the reason for refusal: 

- Receive official notification: The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia is obliged to provide a written explanation of the reasons for refusal.

- Analyze the grounds: Carefully study the reasons given to understand which requirements were not met.

2. Assess the possibility of addressing the reasons for refusal: 

- Gather missing documents: If the refusal is due to missing certain documents, try to provide them.

- Correct errors: In case of errors or inaccuracies in the submitted documents, prepare correct versions.

3. Resubmit the application: 

- Address identified shortcomings: After addressing all remarks, submit a new application for a residence permit.

- Respect deadlines: Ensure you submit documents within the time limits set by law.

4. Appeal the refusal decision: 

- Filing an appeal: If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal in the administrative court of Latvia.

- Appeal deadlines: The appeal must be submitted within 30 days from the receipt of the refusal notice.

- Legal assistance: It is advisable to consult a qualified lawyer specializing in migration law to prepare and submit the appeal.

5. Consider alternative options: 

- Explore other grounds: You may qualify under other criteria for obtaining a residence permit, such as studying, working, or family circumstances.

- Consultation with experts: Contact consultancy centers or migration specialists to assess your possibilities. 

It is important to act promptly and in accordance with Latvian legislation. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

During migration procedures in Latvia, such as applying for a residence permit or citizenship, official documents may need to be translated into Latvian. In some cases, a notarized translation is required.

How to find a translator:

Translation agencies: There are many translation agencies in Latvia that provide translation and notarization services.

Online services: Some companies offer online translation services with the option of delivering notarized documents.

Consulting professional translators will help avoid errors and delays in the migration procedure process.