EU Blue Card - Latvia
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 10 working days for Blue Card decision; residence permit card production: 10 working days (standard) or 2 working days (expedited)
- Fee
- EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
- Validity
- Valid for the duration of the employment contract plus 3 months, up to 4 years; renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The EU Blue Card is available in Latvia for highly qualified third-country nationals. Applicants must hold a higher education qualification (university degree of at least 3 years) or have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. The salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary, approximately EUR 2,636 per month (based on 2025 average of EUR 1,757/month). For shortage occupations, the threshold is 1.2 times the average, approximately EUR 2,108 per month. Blue Card holders can move between EU member states after 12 months under certain conditions. The Blue Card is processed within 10 working days, significantly faster than standard residence permits.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with high qualifications.
-
Employment
Must have an employment contract of at least 1 year with salary at least 1.5 times the Latvian average gross salary (approximately EUR 2,636/month). For shortage occupations, 1.2 times (approximately EUR 2,108/month). Must hold a university degree of at least 3 years or have 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Required status: Employment contract meeting Blue Card requirements
-
Financial
Employment contract must meet minimum salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card.
Minimum funds: EUR 2,636/month (or EUR 2,108/month for shortage occupations)
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (35x45mm).
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Proof of accommodation in Latvia; Must cover full stay: No
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
-
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
-
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
-
Private health insurance
Minimum coverage: Must cover medical expenses in Latvia
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain employment contract meeting Blue Card salary requirements. Gather passport, photos, degree certificates (apostilled), CV, insurance, and accommodation proof.
-
Online application
Submit TRP application to OCMA or at Latvian embassy abroad.
-
Appointment booking
Book appointment at Latvian embassy or consulate for identity verification.
-
Fee payment
Pay D visa fee of EUR 90 and residence permit card fee of EUR 45.
-
Document submission
Submit documents in person at embassy/consulate.
-
Biometrics
Provide biometric data.
-
Processing wait
Blue Card decision within 10 working days. Residence permit card production: 10 working days (standard) or 2 working days (expedited).
-
Visa collection
Receive decision. If approved, D visa issued for initial entry (single-entry, 30-day validity). Collect EU Blue Card residence permit after arrival in Latvia.