Work Permit in Latvia

Latvia is an attractive country for many foreign specialists due to its developing economy and favorable geographical location. A foreign citizen can be legally employed in Latvia only after he or she has obtained a work permit. In this article, we would take a closer look at the main issues about obtaining a work permit and the key requirements that have to be met for this purpose.

Main Categories of Work Permits

Document Requirements

Processing of Application

• The processing may take a few weeks up to several months depending on how busy migration services are, whether your case is straightforward, or vice-versa.
• Other supporting documents may be required or additional clarification.

Work permit renewal

For the renewal of the work permit, a new application needs to be submitted some months in advance of the expiration date, supported by new documents showing that the employment relationship has continued and proof of means to cover living expenses.

What is the Latvia work visa?

Latvia as a state-member of the European Union attracts many foreign specialists by its economic opportunities and strategic location. Foreign citizens will have to go through the process of obtaining a work visa to work legally in Latvia. Here we will consider only the main aspects related to obtaining a work visa for Latvia.

Main types of work visas

Conditions for acquiring a work visa

In order for an immigrant to have a legal right to enter Latvia for work, certain requirements must be complied with and official documentation submitted.

The documents that will be required include:

Foreign passport

• The document must be valid for at least six months after the end of the intended stay.

Completed Visa application form

• The work visa application form needs to be downloaded from the official website of Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia, OCMA, or filled through the consulate.

Labour contract

• Original and a copy of the contract with the employer in Latvia including labor conditions, position, salary and term.

Evidence of qualification

• Diplomas, certificates and other documents confirming your professional qualifications and work experience.
• All documents should be translated to Latvian or English and notarised.

Health insurance

• A health insurance policy covering the whole period of your intended stay in Latvia.

Criminal record certificate

• A document from the state of permanent residence confirming the absence of a criminal record. The certificate should be translated to Latvian or English and notarised.

Proof of financial solvency

• Bank statements or other documents confirming that you have sufficient means to live in Latvia for the whole period of stay.

The work visa application process

Preparing of the documents

• Prepare all the required documents, including a passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, health insurance and a criminal record certificate.

Application submission

• You can apply for a visa in person at the Latvian consulate or embassy in your country. It is also possible to use the OCMA online platform.

Awaiting judgement

• The application process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the workload of the consular services and the complexity of your case.

Obtaining a visa

• After your application gets approved, you will be issued a work visa that will also serve as your residence permit in Latvia.

How to apply for the Latvia work visa in 2024?

Latvia, due to its economic opportunities and strategic location in Europe, remains attractive to foreign professionals. Foreigners have the right to work legally in Latvia provided they obtain a work visa. In this paper, we describe in detail the step-by-step procedure of applying for a working visa to Latvia in 2024 and give some recommendations on main requirements.

Steps to Obtain a Work Visa in Latvia

How to obtain a Latvian work visa and permit?

Due to its strategic location and developing economy, Latvia becomes more and more attractive for foreign specialists. The right to be legally employed in Latvia will need to be granted with receipt of a work visa and a work permit. We are going to look into the main steps and requirements of receipt of such documents in the following article.

Steps to Obtain a Work Visa and Permit in Latvia

What documents do I need for Latvia work visa application?

Latvia enjoys a strategic location in Europe, with a host of economic opportunities. This places it as a destination for many foreign specialists who will be issued with a work visa upon an application. In this article, we look at some of the documents required for a work visa application to Latvia.

Basic documents

Foreign passport

• The passport should be valid for at least six months after the intended end of the period of stay.
• You need to provide copies of all relevant pages of your passport, including the personal data page and photo.

Application Form for a Visa Completed

• Application form for a work visa, which is downloadable from the official website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia -OCMA, or can be filled in via an online platform;
• The application form should be completed in Latvian or in English without errors and crossings-out.

Photos

• Two recent passport-size photos that conform to the requirements for visa documents.

Labour contract

• Original and a copy of the contract concluded with the Latvian employer, specifying the labour conditions, position and salary, and the term of the contract.
• The contract is to be signed by both parties.

Evidence of qualification

• Diplomas, certificates and other documents proving your professional qualifications and work experience.
• The documents have to be translated into Latvian or English, and notarised.

Health insurance

• Medical insurance policy valid in the whole territory of Latvia and corresponding to the whole period of your stay in Latvia.
• The amount of insurance should correspond to the minimum limits established by the Law of Latvia.

Criminal record certificate

• Document from the country of permanent residence about the absence of criminal records.
• Document translated into Latvian or English and notarised.

Proof of financial solvency

• Bank statement or other documents confirming sufficient financial resources to stay in Latvia for the whole period of time. Usually, proof corresponding to the minimum monthly salary in Latvia is requested.

Depending on the circumstances of your application and the consulate requirements, you may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as a letter of recommendation from previous employers, confirmation of accommodation or rental bookings in Latvia, and other documents that prove the purpose of your stay.

Application process

1. Collection of all required documents
   • Make sure all the documents are collected and properly filed.
2. Appointment
   • Make an appointment at a Latvian consulate or embassy if applying in person.
3. Submitting the Application
   • Filing can be done through the online platform of OCMA or in person at the consulate.
   • Ensure the completion and uploading of all documents appropriately.
4. Pending Review
   • After sending in the documents, you will have to wait for the decision by the consulate or migration service.
   • The application process may take anything from a few weeks to a few months.

Where and when can you apply for a Latvia work visa?

The strategic geographical position and economic opportunities of Latvia attract foreigners. For a foreign citizen to work legally in Latvia, he must apply for a work visa. Below in the article, we will consider where and when you can apply for a work visa to Latvia, as well as the main stages of this process.

Where to apply for a work visa

Consulate and embassy of Latvia

You can submit an application for a work visa to the consular section of the Latvian embassy or consulate that is responsible for your country of residence. Addresses and contact information for consular offices can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

Consular sections: receive applications, interview and issue visas.

Centres of Application for Visas: Some countries have visa application centres accredited to make the process easier and give advice in the process.

OCMA online platform

For most types of work visas, the application can be submitted by using the online platform of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia-OCMA. This will reduce the time needed to submit the documents and also avoid a personal visit to the consulate.

When to apply for a work visa

Advance filing

It is recommended to apply for a work visa 2-3 months in advance from your estimated start date. The reason being, the processing time usually ranges from a few weeks up to several months, depending on the workload of the migration services and particulars of your case.

Accounting for seasonal fluctuations

Consider the seasonal work of consulates, as during summer holidays or festive periods, the processing times are usually greater. Be very well in advance with your application to avoid all delays and get your visa in time.

The key steps of the submission process

1. Prepare all the documents required, which are the passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate.
2. Book an appointment at the consulate or the visa application centre for submission in person. In cases of online submission, all the documents are to be uploaded on the OCMA platform.
3. Application Submission: Documents can be submitted either in person to the consulate or through the online platform. Ensure that all documents are duly completed and uploaded accordingly on the online website.
4. Waiting for a Decision: You will have to wait for a decision from the consulate or the migration service after your documents are submitted. You can be asked for more documents or some clarifications during this period of time.

For how many years is the work visa valid in Latvia?

Latvia, having a stable economy with favorable conditions for foreign specialists, can boast a great number of job opportunities. In order to be legally employed in Latvia, it is necessary to obtain a work visa. In this article, we will discuss the issue of how long a work visa to Latvia is valid and also learn about the possibility of its extension.

Types of work visas and their validity periods

Conditions for extending a work visa

There exist some conditions to extend a work visa for which some corresponding documents should be filed. Let us consider the main requirements of extension:

1. Existence of a labour contract
   • The labour contract with the Latvian employer shall be valid on the date of submission of the application for extension.
   • The employer shall confirm the further continuation of the employment relationship.
2. Health insurance
   • To have a valid health insurance which covers the entire period of intended stay in Latvia;
3. Evidence of financial solvency
   • Bank statements or other documents confirming the sufficient means to live in Latvia for the whole period of visa extension.
4. Compliance with labour legislation: The employer and employee must follow all conditions of the labor contract and Latvian legislation, including timely pay of wages and observance of working conditions.

The process of applying for an extension

1. Document Preparation: Preparation of all the required documents, which includes a valid employment contract, health insurance, and proof of financial solvency.
2. Application: You may apply for an extension to your work visa through the online facility provided by OCMA or in person at a local office of the Latvian Citizenship and Migration Board.
3. Application processing: The process of application for an extension may take some weeks to months and, therefore, must be done with due time to avoid delays.

Are foreigners allowed to work in Latvia?

Having in mind its position and developing economy, Latvia is open to a wide range of workplaces for foreign specialists. The question of whether foreign citizens can work in Latvia has a pretty unambiguous answer – yes, they can provided that some legal requirements and procedures are met.

Legislative framework

The labour activity of foreign citizens in Latvia is regulated by a number of legislative acts the main ones being:

Labour Law: Defines conditions and procedures for hiring national and foreign workers.

Immigration Law: Rules conditions for entry, stay and work on the territory of Latvia.

Categories of Foreign Workers

• EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals
  • Has the right to free movements and employment in Latvia without needing a work permit.
  • Should be registered with the local police at your place of residence and receive a certificate of registration.
• Third-country nationals
  • In order to be able to work in Latvia, a work visa and work permit are required.
  • The procedure includes several steps that must be taken: getting a job, preparing documents and submitting an application for a visa and permission.

The procedure for a work permit

It means that the following steps are taken for third-country nationals in order to obtain a work permit:

1. Job offer receipt
   • A foreigner must receive a labor contract from an employer in Latvia. The second party is obliged to confirm the fact that the employer cannot find the candidate among the residents of Latvia as well as EU/EEA citizens.
   • The employer or applicant shall submit the application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (OCMA) through an electronic portal, in person, through a Latvian consulate/embassy.
2. To get a visa
   • Once the work permit application has been granted, the foreigner should apply for a D-type visa for entry and residence in the Republic of Latvia.

Documents that have to be submitted upon application

Such a residence permit and visa – these mean for third-country nationals – can be successfully obtained upon presenting the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Labour contract with a Latvian employer.
• Evidence of qualifications and experience.
• Health insurance covering the whole period of stay.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Evidence of financial solvency.

All the rights and duties of foreign workers in Latvia are equal to those of locals, including the right to receive adequate salary appropriate labour safety, and social security. Employers are obliged to adhere to all the laws regulating labour and to provide decent working conditions to their employees.

Types of work visas in Latvia

Having the strategic location and developing economy, Latvia attracts a lot of foreign specialists. In order to be legally employed in Latvia, foreign nationals need to apply for an appropriate work visa. In this article we will consider the main types of work visas, their peculiarities and conditions for obtaining them.

Main categories of work visas

Work visa application process

Receiving an employment offer means to find a Latvian employer ready to offer you employment and prepare all the required documents. An employer has to confirm that they could not find the appropriate candidate for the particular vacancy among the local residents and EU/EEA nationals.

Preparation of documents: Collect a passport, employment contract, document for qualification, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate.

All these papers need to be translated into Latvian or English and notarized.

Application Submission: An application may be submitted electronically, via the online system OCMA, or at the consulate/embassy of the Republic of Latvia in your country. It is desirable not to have single mistakes or corrections while filling in the visa application form.

Waiting for the decision

• The time taken for processing could take from mere weeks to some months, depending on the work load of the immigration services and on the complexity of the case.
• Additional documents could be requested or further clarification sought out if needed.

Latvia work permit requirements

Latvia, being a country with a strategic location and developing economy, provides multiple attractive possibilities for foreign specialists. In order to give foreign citizens the legal right to be employed in Latvia, the permission to work is required. Further on we will outline the basic requirements and procedure related to obtaining this document.

Main categories of work permits

General document requirements

For a work permit to be obtained in Latvia, the following should be presented:

1. Foreign passport
   • Should be valid at least for six months after the end of the intended period of stay;
2. Questionnaire filled
   • A work permit application form, which can be downloaded from the official website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (OCMA) or filled in via an online platform.
3. Labor contract
   • Original and a copy of the contract with the Latvian employer, including labour conditions, position, salary and contract term.
   • The contract must be signed by both parties.
4. Evidence of qualification
   • Diplomas, certificates and other documents confirming your professional qualifications and work experience.
   • All documents have to be translated into Latvian or English and notarised.
   • Health insurance
     • An insurance policy covering health for the entire period of your intended stay in Latvia.
     • The sum covered should correspond to at least the minimum provided for in the legislation of Latvia.
   • Criminal record certificate
     • A document from the country of permanent residence confirming the absence of a criminal record.
     • The certificate has to be translated into Latvian or English and notarised.
5. Evidence of financial solvency
   • Bank statements or other documents confirming that you have sufficient funds for living in Latvia during the whole period of stay.
   • Usually evidence of the funds corresponding to a minimum monthly salary in Latvia is requested.

Application procedure

1. Gathering of all required documents
   • Ensure that all documents are gathered and duly filed.
2. Application Submittal
   • The application can be submitted online via the OCMA online platform or in person at the consulate/embassy of Latvia in your home country.
   • The work permit application form is to be completed with no mistakes or corrections.
3. Application Consideration
   • Depending on the workload of the migration services and the complexity of the case, some weeks to several months can be the timeframe for the application process. Also, it is possible that the requested documentation may be asked for further or its clarification might be required.
   • For a permit to be renewed, an application has to be filed some months in advance of the date of expiration of the permit, supplementation of documents confirming the continuation of the employment relationship and availability of means for living.

Obtaining a work permit in Latvia requires careful preparation; it is necessary to comply with all the legal requirements at the very outset. Correct paperwork coupled with submission on time increases the likelihood of successfully obtaining permission for employment in Latvia through legal means.

Work Permits in Latvia

Latvia offers a great number of opportunities for foreign specialists willing to come for work in this country. Nevertheless, in order to be allowed to commence labour activity, foreign citizens are obliged to get appropriate permits depending on the purpose and period of staying in the country.

General requirements and conditions

Foreign citizens arriving for work in Latvia should consider the following regulations:

1. For short-term work – up to 90 days per half year: It shall be necessary to obtain a visa (if required by nationality) and also obtain a work permit.
2. For long-term stay and work – over 90 days: It will be necessary to issue a temporary residence permit and work permit.

How to get a work permit

A work permit in Latvia is issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and is based on the following criteria:

1. Categories of foreign workers eligible for work permits:
   • Students from accredited educational institutions who have come for an internship or practicum;
   • Consultants or experts assisting in the implementation of international projects or treaties;
   • Members of partnerships and other key persons of commercial organisations registered in Latvia;
   • Founders of companies whose rights are registered with the Commercial Register.
2. Specialised Professionals:
   • Scientists, cultural workers, IT specialists with higher education and experience of more than 3 years, evaluators, educators in accredited educational institutions – based on the opinion of the competent institution or at the request of the Cabinet of Ministers, or the Employment Department of the State Employment Agency.

Papers to be submitted in order to be granted a work permit

• Application form of a work permit;
• Documents proving the identity and right to stay in Latvia legally;
• Evidence of an invitation by the employer agreed with the local authority;
• Evidence of qualifications and professional experience.

The local labor permit issuance in Latvia involves preliminary ground work of accurate preparation with careful consideration of requirements under national law. Observance of all the conditions above and a full package of documents will speed up the process of obtaining all the necessary permits for the commencement of employment in Latvia.

Being a European Union country, Latvia has a lot of career opportunities open for foreign workers. Hence, Indian, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Maldivian, and Myanmar nationals who will travel for work should apply for the long-term D visa. This document shall provide an explanation on how to apply for this type of visa in detail.

Application Process for Long-Term D Category Work Visa in Latvia

Obtaining a long-term work visa to Latvia is a multi-step process, which requires attention to detail and strict adherence to the procedure. Following these steps and preparing the documents with due care will increase the chances of a successful visa application and subsequent employment in Latvia.

Employment of foreigners in Latvia

A foreigner in the meaning of Latvian legislation is a person who is not a citizen of the Republic of Latvia or is a non-citizen who resides in Latvia permanently. Mainly, two categories of foreigners are distinguished:

• Union citizens: The citizens of the EU and EEA (EU plus Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway) and Switzerland have equal rights with Latvian citizens to enter, stay, and work in Latvia.
• Third-country nationals: Third country nationals – nationals from non-EU/EEA countries with specific conditions for entry, stay, and work.

Employment of citizens of the Union

Union citizens may start working in Latvia immediately after entering into a labor contract. If they plan to stay in Latvia for more than three months, they shall apply to the Citizenship and Migration Board for registration and receive a registration certificate. Still, it is not necessary to be registered in the cases of employment for a period of up to six months.

Employment of third-country nationals

If they are third-country nationals, the procedure is quite complex and involves the following steps:

Registration of the vacancy: The employer has to register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency in order for confirmation that there are no suitable EU citizen candidates.

Invitation from the employer: The employer shall submit an application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, together with the employment contract and proof of the foreigner’s qualifications.

Getting a visa: A foreigner sends a visa application to the Latvian consulate, appending documents confirming the right to employment.

Registration as a taxpayer: Upon arrival in Latvia, a foreigner shall register with the State Revenue Service.

Long-term employment

Long-term employment of third-country nationals is subject to the obtaining of a residence permit, which includes the following steps:

Employer sponsorship: Submit a sponsorship application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Getting a residence permit: The right to apply for a residence permit, which is issued with the right to work.

Permanent residence

After five years of continuous residence, foreigners have the right to apply for permanent residence, provided they pass the state language proficiency test.

The employment process in Latvia is considerably simplified for EU citizens compared to third-country nationals, who need to go through many stages of registration and obtaining relevant permits.

Visa Requirements to Work in Latvia

Correct understanding of visa requirements, against the background of globalization and labor mobility, is one of the crucial factors for successfully carrying out employment abroad. In this regard, foreign specialists who are going to work in the Republic of Latvia should be aware of whether they need a visa and which documents should be prepared to legalize their employment.

General Provisions

Latvia is a member state of the European Union and the Schengen area, and it provides the basic framework of entry and stay for foreign citizens. The main difference in visa requirements comes according to the applicant’s nationality and period of intended stay.

Categories of foreign workers

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA): Citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter, stay or work in Latvia. However, if the duration of their stay exceeds three months, it is necessary to register with the local Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and obtain a confirmation of registration.

Third-country nationals: Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries require a long-term stay visa (type D) if they plan to work in Latvia. This type of visa is granted on the basis of a labour contract with a Latvian employer and requires prior approval from Latvian migration authorities.

Visa procedure for third-country nationals

Submission of Application: An employer in Latvia must first submit a request to the State Employment Agency to register a vacancy. This is necessary to confirm that there are no suitable candidates from among local residents and EU citizens.

Invitation and Sponsorship: After registering the vacancy, the employer will submit an invitation for the future employee through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. This invitation will be the basis for the visa application.

Visa Application: The applicant must apply for a visa at the Latvian consulate in his/her home country, providing all necessary documents, including a labour contract, an invitation from the employer, proof of qualification and a financial guarantee.

Registration and obtaining a residence permit: After arriving in Latvia and starting work, a foreigner must register in the local system and apply for a residence permit, which will allow him/her to legally reside and work in the country.

The process of obtaining a work permit in Latvia for foreigners requires careful planning and attention to detail. Understanding local legislation and visa requirements is crucial to successfully completing all the necessary documents for legal employment in this country. EU and EEA nationals have a much simplified process, while third country nationals need to study and follow migration procedures in detail.

Types of Work Permit in Latvia

Latvia, being a member of the European Union, has provided several kinds of work permits for foreign nationals who intend to work in Latvia. Therefore, knowing the different types of permits available is of great importance to the companies that intend to attract international talents and to foreign professionals who plan their career in Latvia.

Main Types of Work Permit

The whole process starts with the application of an employer to OCMA for permission to invite a foreign worker. It must be shown that the post was open to local and European nationals first, but no suitable candidate was found. The invitation, once approved, will enable the worker to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit, where required.

The type of work permit, which shall be necessary, depends on the candidate’s qualification, the type of work offered, and the duration of the intended stay in Latvia. Full understanding of these matters will lead to the successful and legal employment of foreign nationals, as well as their effective integration into the Latvian labor market.

What documents are required for work permit in Latvia?

Obtaining a work permit in the Republic of Latvia is an activity that requires serious preparation and the submission of certain documents. Below follows a general review of the documentation foreign professionals and employers need to provide with the purpose of applying for a work permit in the Republic of Latvia.

General overview of requirements

Permits to work in Latvia-the process of receipt is within the competence of OCMA, which prescribes the correspondence to attach documents that confirm the qualification of the applicant, the purpose of the arrival, and the existence of a labor contract from a Latvian employer.

Basic documents for obtaining a work permit

Procedural aspects

After collecting all the above-mentioned papers, an employer or applicant should submit them to the Citizenship and Migration Board. The standard period of issuing the first work permit is for one year and can be extended if the employment relationship is ongoing and all legal requirements of Latvia are met accordingly.

Careful observance of the documentation requirements significantly simplifies and accelerates the work permit procedure in Latvia. A correct understanding of these requirements helps to avoid possible delays and successfully employ foreign specialists in the jurisdiction of Latvia.

EU blue card in Latvia

The EU Blue Card is a privileged document granted to highly qualified third-country nationals, enabling them to reside and work in Latvia or in any other EU member state. The procedure and requirements, as well as the benefits entailing an EU Blue Card in Latvia, are discussed in great detail in the article. Thus, this provides very relevant guidance to potential candidates.

Qualification criteria

Basic qualitative and quantitative conditions to be found in an applicant in order for him or her to be considered a candidate for the EU Blue Card:

Higher Education: You must have a higher education degree corresponding to at least three years of study at an accredited institution.

Work Contract or Job Offer: The applicant must have a valid contract or binding job offer in Latvia for at least one year in a field requiring high qualifications.

Salary: the proposed salary shall be at least 1.5 times the average annual salary in Latvia, confirming the high level of the proposed position.

Application process

Preparation of the Application: The applicant needs to prepare all the necessary documents needed for the application, like a diploma, employment contract, proof of qualification and health, and proof of eligibility based on salary.

Application Submission: Documents are to be submitted via the Latvian Migration Management System or to the Latvian Consulate in the country where the applicant resides.

Waiting for the Decision: Generally, it takes a few weeks up to several months to get the application processed.

Advantages of the EU Blue Card:

Intra-EU mobility: A major plus of this card is that it allows the holder to move and work freely anywhere within the territory of any of the given EU countries; hence, immense possibilities open for their professional development.

Family Migration: The immediate family of the candidate can also be eligible to migrate and stay in the EU, which will be one more security for those migrating to another place.

Permanent Residence: The Blue Card allows for an application for permanent residence after a certain period of stay in the EU.

The EU Blue Card is an attractive and valuable tool for highly qualified professionals who would like to develop their careers in Latvia and beyond in the European Union. Strict requirements and a detailed application process ensure that only the most prepared and qualified candidates will be able to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their professional and personal horizons.

Applying for a Latvia work visa

Depending on a visitor’s nationality, some of them will be obliged to get a visa before their entry into Latvia. Moreover, the purpose of a visit is determining what kind of visa should be obtained: tourist, working, studying, visiting or another type. Further, it will be discussed how the main ways and places to apply for a visa.

Visas to Latvia: General provisions

Obtaining a visa before travelling: Citizens of most countries should apply for a visa at Latvian consular representations abroad or at consulates of Schengen Agreement Member States, which are authorised to process Schengen visa applications for travel to Latvia.

Visa application by post: For some visa categories, such as tourist or business visas, it is allowed to apply by post. However, if the purpose of entry is work-related, the visa application must be submitted in person at a Latvian embassy or consulate.

Special cases

Force majeure, state interests or humanitarian considerations: In such cases it is possible to obtain single-entry individual transit visas and short-stay visas directly at Latvian state border control points.

Visa extension: Extension of stay in Latvia is possible only in exceptional cases. An application for extension of Schengen visa can be submitted by post to the Citizenship and Migration Board.

Main places to apply

In Riga: Citizenship and Migration Board.

In regional centres: Daugavpils, Jurmala, Liepaja, Valmiera, Ventspils.

Abroad: Diplomatic and consular representations of Latvia.

Airport transit visas

Such visas are issued only at diplomatic or consular missions of the Republic of Latvia abroad and cannot be issued upon arrival at the airport.

Obtaining a visa to Latvia is quite detailed and precise, following the consular instructions to the letter. Understanding the requirements and subsequently following the procedures will definitely ensure successful visa application and travel planning.

Documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia

Applying for a visa to Latvia needs to be prepared carefully and with a full package of documents. Here is a list of the main documents needed to apply for a Schengen visa.

Basic list of documents

A completely prepared and submitted full set of documents will increase manifold your chances of getting a Schengen visa. Always check current requirements on official resources or consult the visa specialist to comply with all the regulations.

Overview of Types of Visas in Latvia

Visa types are different according to the purpose and validity of the stay. Latvia offers different types of visas, including type A, C, and D, each for a different purpose and with different validity.

Types of Visas In Latvia, there are three main types of visas:

The purpose of the trip needs to be clearly defined when applying for a visa, in order to pick up the proper type. Each type of visa will have different requirements as pertains to the documents and conditions of stay that should be taken into consideration when planning a visit to or through Latvia.

Latvia work visa processing time

One of the decisive factors in an international professional’s strategy of moving and working in Latvia is the factor of work visa processing time. It is also an essential factor in the human resources policy of companies. Understanding the process, requirements, and expected timeframes helps applicants and employers to plan better and reduce possible risks of delays.

Types of work visas and processing times

Depending on the purpose of stay and from which country, there are several types of work visas in Latvia. The main types include a short-term work visa, type C, and a long-term work visa, type D.

Factors that determine processing time

The time to process a work visa is determined by various factors:

• Completeness of documents: If the package of documents is incomplete or not filled out correctly, it can greatly extend the processing time.
• Seasonality: The periods in the year when applications are at their peak—for example, summer or just before public holidays—may prolong processing considerably.
• Applicant’s individual characteristics: For instance, the requirement of additional verification because of previous visa or migration law infringements.

Recommendations for Applicants

• Present your documents in advance: that is, already prepared on time: This should be complete and precisely as required.
• Apply on time: Early application is sensible in view of possible delays.
• Consultation with professionals: In complicated cases, or in case of doubts, one should look for the services of a specialized agency or lawyer.

Understanding the process and timeline for the processing of work visas is an important aspect of successfully working in Latvia. Minimizing delay and ensuring a smooth commencement of work in a new country can be facilitated by planning ahead and providing accurate and complete documents. Application timelines vary, and so prospective employees need to remain fully aware of these procedures and their timing.

Visa requirements to work in Latvia

A work visa for Latvia is a significant legal document that gives a chance to foreign citizens to be legally employed and reside in the country for some period of time.

Basic requirements for a work visa to Latvia

For successful application of the work visa to Latvia, applicants need to meet several conditions:

Application process

Under the standard procedure, an application for a work visa should be submitted personally through the Latvian consular office at the applicant’s place of residence or through a visa agency accredited by the consular office. Processing usually takes several weeks and may drag on up to two months.

How can Regulated United Europe help with work permits in Latvia?

Obtaining a work visa to Latvia requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. Meticulousness in fulfilling all the criteria significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining a visa and makes the process of integration into the social environment and working routine in Latvia easier. It is an important step to finding wider professional horizons when working in Latvia.

How can Regulated United Europe help with the work permit in Latvia? To obtain a work permit in Latvia, it is not enough to know the local legislation; one also needs to organize the process of submitting the documents efficiently. Regulated United Europe provides a full spectrum of services for foreign specialists who wish to carry on professional activities in the Republic of Latvia. In the present article we describe how precisely Regulated United Europe can support work permit application, job search and communication with potential employers.

Drawing up the necessary documents

Regulated United Europe has extensive knowledge of Latvian migration legislation and offers a wide scope of services for its clients at all stages of work visa and permit processing. The company’s specialists help to proceed with a:

1. Collection and preparation of documents:
   • Advisory support on all the documents required for the issuance of a work visa/work permit.
   • Filling in questionnaires and forms to be submitted to the relevant Latvian migration authorities.
   • Arranging the apostilisation and translation of documents into Latvian or English.
2. Application Submission:
   • Co-ordination of the process of submission of documents to the respective State authorities of Latvia.

Job finding via recruitment agency

For candidates who have not found a job in Latvia yet, Regulated United Europe is ready to offer services for job finding via trusted recruitment agencies. Co-operation with recruitment agencies includes:

• Analysis of applicant’s skills and qualification to find the most appropriate vacancies.
• Registration of CVs in data base of leading Latvian recruitment agencies.
• Organization of interviews with possible employers matching candidate’s profile and wishes.

Facilitation in sending of CVs to possible Latvian employers

Regulated United Europe closely cooperates with companies of various industries of Latvia; due to this it is possible to provide a quick dissemination of the information about qualified foreign specialists. Services include:

• Professional Resume writing and adaptation according to the requirements of the Latvian labor market.
• Marketing campaign of CVs to prospective employers, including direct mailing of CVs to the HR departments of leading companies.
• Follow up from the employer’s side and assistance in job offer negotiations.

Regulated United Europe goes for complex support of foreign specialists who would like to work in Latvia: from document processing and job search to support in negotiations with the employer it becomes a reliable partner for the clients in achieving their professional and personal goals in a new country.