Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 calendar days if additional checks needed
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Single entry
Schengen Type C visa for business purposes including meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, and professional consultations in Latvia. Business visa holders are not permitted to work in Latvia in an employed capacity. However, a work permit is not required if the intended stay does not exceed 14 days within a 180-day period for specific business activities. Visa-free nationals from Annex II countries can conduct business activities for up to 90 days without a visa. Latvia must be the main destination if the visit includes multiple Schengen countries. An invitation approved by OCMA is required for business visits.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806.
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Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, or professional consultations. Must not involve paid employment in Latvia.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means, either personal or through company sponsorship.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One recent colour photograph (35x45mm), taken within the last 6 months against a white background.
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation or confirmation from inviting company; Must cover full stay: No
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Must include company name, registration number, address, purpose of visit, duration, and contact details
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen visa application form; Form url: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/applying-visa
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents including business invitation approved by OCMA from Latvian company, employer letter, passport, photo, insurance, and financial proof.
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form indicating business as the purpose of visit.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Latvian embassy, consulate, or VFS Global centre.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 90 (or EUR 35 for visa facilitation agreement countries).
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person during your appointment.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data unless done for another Schengen visa within the past 59 months.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days.
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa sticker.