Latvia
General visa requirements for travelling to Latvia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (EU Blue Card - Latvia)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
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
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with high qualifications.
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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
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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
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (35x45mm).
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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
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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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
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Private health insurance
Minimum coverage: Must cover medical expenses in Latvia
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain employment contract meeting Blue Card salary requirements. Gather passport, photos, degree certificates (apostilled), CV, insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Online application
Submit TRP application to OCMA or at Latvian embassy abroad.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at Latvian embassy or consulate for identity verification.
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Fee payment
Pay D visa fee of EUR 90 and residence permit card fee of EUR 45.
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Document submission
Submit documents in person at embassy/consulate.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data.
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Processing wait
Blue Card decision within 10 working days. Residence permit card production: 10 working days (standard) or 2 working days (expedited).
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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.
Work / Immigration visa (Temporary Residence Permit for Employment)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 30-60 days standard for residence permit; D visa: 15-30 calendar days
- Fee
- EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
- Validity
- Temporary residence permit valid for up to 1 year initially, renewable; after 5 continuous years of residence and passing Latvian language test (A2 level), eligible for permanent residence permit
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Non-EU/EEA nationals wishing to work in Latvia for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) for employment. The employer is fully responsible for the foreigner's employment, stay (including place of residence and health care), and removal costs. The vacancy must have been registered as free for at least 10 working days on the State Employment Agency (NVA) CV and vacancy portal before hiring a foreign worker. The minimum salary requirement for employment-based residence is EUR 1,685 gross per month. For senior positions and commercial activities, the required salary is EUR 3,370 (double the average gross monthly wage). The TRP is tied to the specific employer. After 5 continuous years and passing the Latvian language test at A2 level, a permanent residence permit may be granted.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss).
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Employment
Must have a confirmed employment offer from a Latvian employer. The vacancy must have been registered on the NVA portal for at least 10 working days, demonstrating that the position could not be filled by a Latvian or EU citizen (labour market test).
Required status: Confirmed employment offer
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Financial
Salary must be at least EUR 1,685 gross per month. For senior positions, salary must be at least EUR 3,370.
Minimum funds: EUR 1,685 gross per month
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public order or national security.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (35x45mm), white background.
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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: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement, property ownership, or employer-provided housing confirmation; Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Temporary residence permit application form; Form url: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/employment-foreigners
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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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
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Document gathering
Secure employment offer from Latvian employer. Employer registers the vacancy on the NVA portal for 10 working days. Gather passport, photos, employment contract, CV, diploma, insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Online application
Employer applies for work permit at OCMA. Submit TRP application to OCMA or at the Latvian embassy abroad.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for identity verification.
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Fee payment
Pay the D visa fee of EUR 90 and residence permit card fee of EUR 45.
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Document submission
Submit all documents and attend identity verification at the embassy/consulate.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, 30-60 days for residence permit. D visa processing: 15-30 calendar days.
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Visa collection
Receive TRP decision. If approved, D visa for initial entry is issued (single-entry, 30-day validity). After arrival in Latvia, register with OCMA and collect the residence permit card.