Service
Migration to Latvia: visas and residence permits
Latvia offers transparent and flexible immigration solutions for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and families. Our company provides full-cycle support in obtaining national visas and residence permits — ensuring legal accuracy, timely processing, and a personalized approach at every stage.
A Latvian residence permit is one of the most accessible, fastest to obtain, and cost-effective options within the European Union. Unlike many other EU countries, Latvia offers simplified procedures, processing times of 30–60 days, a low investment threshold (from €50,000), and moderate residency requirements.
Applications can be submitted on several grounds:
– employment;
– studies;
– business activity;
– investments.
In certain cases, permanent residence in Latvia is not required, making this solution especially attractive for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and international investors seeking to benefit from EU opportunities and rights.
Who is it for:
- Foreign specialists with an employment contract in Latvia;
- Managers and founders of Latvian companies;
- Students admitted to Latvian universities;
- Family members of residents;
- Individuals awaiting residence permit approval;
- Participants of the Startup Program (during the active program phase).
What does it provide:
- The right to stay in Latvia for up to 1 year;
- The option to apply for a residence permit while already in Latvia;
- Legal status until a residence card is issued.
Processing times:
- Work permit approval: 15–30 business day;
- D visa: 10–15 business days.
Who is it for:
Foreign nationals who have signed an employment contract with a Latvian employer.
What does it provide:
- The right to legally live and work in Latvia;
- The possibility to extend the residence permit and transition to permanent residence (PMLP);
- Family reunification opportunities.
Processing time: 30–60 calendar days.
Note:
Before applying, a work permit must be obtained and a D visa issued (if applying from outside Latvia).
Who is it for:
Founders and managers of Latvian companies engaged in real economic activity.
What does it provide:
- The right to live in Latvia;
- Access to the European Union market;
- The possibility to extend the permit and obtain permanent residence
.
Requirements:
- Minimum company turnover: from €40,000 per year;
- Payment of taxes and presence of an office/team;
- Active participation in company management.
Processing time: 45–90 calendar days.
Who is it for:
Foreign entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea to develop in Latvia.
What does it provide:
- The right to obtain a residence permit for up to 3 years;
- Simplified immigration procedure;
- Opportunity to become a co-owner (100% ownership not required).
Requirements:
- Business idea must be recognized as innovative (approved by LIAA);
- Financial security of at least €6,000;
- Option to attract investment from Latvian accelerators or funds.
Processing time: 30–60 calendar days.
Program status:
Since 2022, issuance for Russian and Belarusian citizens has been suspended. The program is not officially closed — please check the latest updates with our specialists.
Investment in bank subordinated bonds
- Minimum investment: from €280,000
- State fee: €25,000
- Processing time: 30–60 days
Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum investment: from €250,000
- State fee: €5,000
- Conditions: property must be free of encumbrances and located in a designated region
- Processing time: 30–60 days
Investment in Share Capital of Latvian Companies
Minimum investment:
- from €50,000 in one small company;
- from €100,000 across multiple companies.
State fee: €10,000
Processing time: 30–60 days.
Benefits: The opportunity to acquire or establish a business and operate within the European Union.
Who is it for: Foreign students admitted to Latvian universities. What does it provide: The right to legally reside in Latvia throughout the entire study period; The opportunity to later work and change the basis of residence. Processing time: 30–45 calendar days.
Who is it for:
Spouses, children, and dependents of Latvian residents.
What does it provide:
- The right to live together with family in Latvia;
- The opportunity to work or study (depending on status).
Processing time: 30–60 calendar days.
Who is it for:
Individuals with special circumstances (e.g., medical treatment, protection, or other justified personal reasons).
What does it provide:
- Temporary residence rights in Latvia;
- Possibility to extend the permit.
Processing time: 60–90 calendar days.
What we offer
Initial assessment of your situation;
Selection of the optimal visa or residence permit basis;
Full preparation, translation, and legalization of documents;
Representation in communication with migration authorities;
Advice on extensions, status changes, and obtaining permanent residence;
Support for entrepreneurs and startup teams.
Planning a relocation, starting a business, or making investments in Latvia?
Leave your application — we will evaluate your situation, find the best strategy, and take care of the entire process for you.
Advantages of a Latvian residence permit
Living in the EU
The right to reside in Latvia for 1–5 years with the option to extend, without the need to immediately obtain citizenship.
Free Travel in the Schengen Area
Up to 90 days within a 6-month period without additional visas.
Business & Banking in the EU
Opportunity to register a company, open bank accounts, and access EU financial solutions.
Education & Healthcare
Schools, universities, and medical institutions in Latvia and the EU, with insurance that meets European standards.
Family Reunification
Spouses, children, and dependents can obtain the same residence status.
Work Rights
Full employment rights in certain cases, or the option to apply for a work permit in others.
Path to Permanent Residence & Citizenship
After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence (PMLP) and later for Latvian citizenship.
Flexible Stay Requirements
No obligation to live in Latvia a set number of days per year (depending on the basis of residence).
Easy Renewal
Quick and simple extension if basic requirements are met.
Stable Tax & Legal Environment
Low tax on reinvested profits, startup support, and strong protection of property rights.
Frequently asked questions
A D visa is a long-term national visa that allows you to stay in Latvia for up to 1 year for a specific purpose (work, studies, residence permit processing, etc.).
A residence permit, on the other hand, is a full migration status that allows you to live in Latvia from 1 to 5 years, with the possibility to extend and later obtain permanent residence (PMLP).
The most common options are:
• Employment with a Latvian company;
• Opening or purchasing a company;
• Investments (in real estate, banking instruments, or company share capital);
• Studies at a Latvian university;
• Family reunification;
• Start-up program (currently partially suspended for certain countries).
Processing time depends on the basis, but on average:
• Employment, studies, family: 30–60 days;
• Investments: 30–60 days;
• Exceptional cases: up to 90 days;
The process may be faster if all documents are complete and submitted electronically.
Yes, in most cases you can submit your application through a Latvian consulate in your country of residence or via an authorized representative. However, to receive the residence card, you must appear in person in Latvia.
It depends on the basis:
• For investment-based permits, physical residence is not mandatory;
• For work, study, or business, you must stay in Latvia at least 183 days per yea.
Yes. Your spouse, minor children, and dependents can obtain residence permits through family reunification. In some cases, a joint application with the main applicant is possible (for example, in the case of investment).
It depends on your tax residency status:
If you live in Latvia more than 183 days a year, you become a tax resident and must declare worldwide income.
Tax rates:
• Personal income tax (PIT): from 25.5%;
• Dividend tax: 20% (effectively often 25%);
• Corporate income tax: 0% on reinvested profits.
Yes. A Latvian residence permit gives you the right to travel freely within the Schengen area — up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without additional visas.
• Permanent residence: after 5 years with a temporary residence permit
• Latvian citizenship: after 10 years (of which 5 with permanent residence), subject to passing language, constitution, and history exams
It depends on the basis:
• State fee: from €100 to €400;
• Additional costs: from €5,000 (e.g., in case of investment);
• Legal support services: upon request.
We offer transparent service packages with fixed pricing.
Our team
Turning the impossible into possible
Behind our achievements stands a professional and motivated team that delivers high-quality results every day while continuously developing new solutions. Meet the people who shape our story and create value for both our clients and our company.
Still have questions?
We’ll be happy to consult you and explain all the details.