Latvia is a destination of choice for many international workers and companies. If you are planning a Latvian expansion, building a team of talented workers will be key in ensuring a smooth transition. That said, recruiting employees is just one step of the process. You’ll also need to ensure that every international employee has the visas and permits they need to live and work in Latvia legally.
Types of work visas in Latvia
All international workers will need 1 of the following visas based on their intended length and purpose of stay:
- Type A, or airport transit visa: This visa is issued to nationals from other countries who need to pass through the airport transit zone in Latvia as they travel to another destination.
- Schengen Type C, or short-term visa: This visa is also called a unified visa. It allows an international worker to stay within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. This visa is typically issued for a maximum period of 5 years.
- Type D, or long-stay visa: A long-stay visa is granted to non-nationals who are entering Latvia and need to stay for more than 90 days within a period of 6 months. This visa allows the holder to travel throughout other countries in the Schengen Area during this time but for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
All 3 of these visas are available as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry within the time the visa is valid. A long-stay visa is necessary for any international employees who plan to obtain a residence permit and work in Latvia.
Requirements to obtain Latvia work visas
To live and work in Latvia, nationals from other countries, with the exception of EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, will need to obtain a visa (for entering), a residence permit, and the right to employment.
The required documents to support a type D visa on the basis of the residence and work permit vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence. Details are available online from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
Some of the documents to support a Type D visa application may include:
- A passport that has at least 2 blank pages and at least 3 months of validity beyond the visa’s expiration date.
- A completed visa application form.
- 1 passport photo, which should be in color.
- A letter of invitation from the employer in Latvia approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) or, depending on the duration of employment, a sponsorship request from the employer in Latvia approved by OCMA.
- Proof of travel medical insurance.
- A copy of the applicant’s flight information for the trip to Latvia.
- Proof of payment for the visa fee.
Some of the requirements for a Latvian residence and work permit may include:
- A passport.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Documents supporting the employee’s job qualifications, such as a diploma and CV.
- A copy of the applicant’s residence permit, if available.
- A letter from the employer.
Application process
While a long-stay visa is required for international employees, this visa alone does not allow the holder to stay for a longer duration. A residence permit is necessary and should be obtained before applying for a visa.
Residence permits are issued by the OCMA, which is a division of the Ministry of Interior. To apply, employees should complete the application form, print it, and sign it. They should submit the completed form along with the required supporting documents, all of which should be notarized and legalized, to the Latvian embassy or diplomatic mission in their country. An appointment is necessary, as applicants will also need to be interviewed. Applicants should receive a decision within 30 days.
After the officials at OCMA have approved the residence permit, applicants can move on to the next step: applying for a long-stay visa. This application should also be submitted at the Latvian embassy. Visa processing typically takes about 5 business days. Upon approval, the applicant should return to the embassy to pick up their visa.
Before they can begin working, international employees will also need a Latvian work permit. To obtain this permit, employees will need to demonstrate proof of employment with a company based in Latvia. Typically, the work permit is often processed concurrently with the residence permit. Work permits are issued by OCMA. Processing for work permits may take a month, so it’s recommended that employees apply at their local embassy before traveling to Latvia.
After obtaining the appropriate visa, employees may travel to Latvia. Upon arrival, they should visit OCMA to pick up their residence and work permit card.
Other important considerations
Latvia is a member of the European Union (EU), which means citizens of other EU member states, as well as EEA and Switzerland, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa or residence permit. However, anyone planning to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days will need to register with OCMA.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
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