Latvia Immigration: Comprehensive Guide
(2025 Update)
Your path to residency in Latvia begins here
Key Immigration Pathways
Latvia offers multiple immigration options for individuals seeking to live, work, or invest in the country. These include:
- Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) (Employment, Study, Business Investment, Family Reunification)
- Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) (For long-term residents)
- EU Blue Card (For highly skilled workers)
- Investor Residence Permit (For business and real estate investors)
- Digital Nomad Visa (For remote workers)
2025 Updates
- Stricter Requirements for Foreign Workers:
Employers must now register vacancies with the State Employment Agency (NVA) and justify the need for hiring foreign nationals. - Extended Approval Process:
Before offering a job, employers need an official opinion from the NVA, issued within 10 working days. - Increase in Consular & Migration Fees:
Fees for work-related residence permits increased from €110 to €140, and general consular services rose by 25%. - Enhanced Monitoring of Job Openings:
Employers must provide clear reasons for rejecting NVA-proposed candidates.
These changes aim to prioritize local workers, prevent misuse of immigration routes, and ensure smooth migration procedures.
1. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
Eligibility Criteria:
● Employment: Job offer from a Latvian employer.
● Studies: Enrollment in a Latvian educational institution.
● Family Reunification: Family members of Latvian citizens or residents.
● Business Investment: Investment or establishment of a Latvian business.
Financial Requirements:
● Minimum proof of income: €430/month.
Processing Time:
● Standard: ~30 days.
● Expedited: ~10 days.
Application Procedure:
1. Gather necessary documents (passport, application form, proof of funds, employment contract, health insurance, etc.).
2. Submit application at Latvian embassy/consulate or Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
3. Provide biometric data (fingerprints & photograph).
4. Await decision and apply for a D visa if approved.
2. Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
Eligibility Criteria:
● Lived in Latvia for 5 years on a valid TRP.
● Basic proficiency in the Latvian language.
● Proof of stable income and registered accommodation.
Processing Time:
● 5 to 30 days.
Application Procedure:
1. Submit proof of continuous residence, financial means, and language proficiency certificate.
2. Submit application to OCMA.
3. Receive decision notification.
3. EU Blue Card (For Highly Skilled Workers)
Eligibility Criteria:
● University Degree from a program lasting at least 3 years.
● Job Offer for a minimum of 1 year.
● Salary 1.5 times the national average wage.
Processing Time:
● 10 to 15 working days, extendable to 60 days in special cases.
Application Procedure:
1. Submit employment contract, proof of education, passport, health insurance, and financial documents.
2. Apply at OCMA or Latvian embassy.
3. Provide biometric data.
4. Await decision and collect EU Blue Card.
4. Investor Residence Permit
Eligibility Criteria:
● Real Estate Investment: Minimum €250,000.
● Business Investment: Minimum €50,000 in a Latvian company.
Processing Time:
● 30 days.
Application Procedure:
1. Complete investment in real estate or business.
2. Submit proof of investment, passport, health insurance, and financial statements.
3. Apply at OCMA or Latvian consulate.
4. Provide biometric data and receive residence permit.
5. Digital Nomad Visa
Eligibility Criteria:
● Remote worker for a company based in an OSCE country.
● Monthly income ≥ €4,043.
● Health insurance covering the stay.
Processing Time:
● Up to 30 days.
Application Procedure:
1. Submit proof of employment, income, and health insurance.
2. Apply at Latvian consulate.
3. Provide biometric data.
4. Await approval and collect visa.
Final Insights
Latvia’s immigration programs cater to students, professionals, investors, and remote workers.
● Best for Fast Processing: EU Blue Card (10-15 days).
● Best for Long-term Stability: Permanent Residence Permit (PRP).
● Best for Investors: Real Estate & Business Investment Visas.
● Best for Remote Workers: Digital Nomad Visa.
With the 2025 updates, stricter recruitment measures, increased consular fees, and additional job market regulations are in place.
