Obtaining a residency visa in Latvia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Latvia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.
- Gather the necessary documents for residency status in Latvia:
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Submit the documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the OCMA to process the application.
- Receive a residence permit card.
- Apply for a Tax Number:
- Visit the State Revenue Service website.
- Fill out the application form.
- Submit the form along with the required documents.
- Wait for the State Revenue Service to process the application.
- Receive the Tax Number.
What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Latvia?
“If you plan to stay in Latvia for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit, a permanent residence permit, or a long-term visa. You will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and a valid address in Latvia. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on the type of residence permit or visa you are applying for,” said one expat living in Latvia.
“In order to visit Latvia, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Latvian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. In order to obtain residency in Latvia, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of the purpose of their stay in Latvia, such as a job offer, a study permit, or a family reunification permit,” commented one member living in Latvia.
