Latvia Work Visa

Latvia is a country in Northern Europe. It is home to some of the charming small towns, Europe's biggest food market, oldest zoo and architectural treasures, here is plenty of amazing things to explore. Are you considering Latvia for your workplace? If so, you need to know everything about the Latvia Work Visa before making the final decision.

What is a Latvia Work Visa?

Before applying for a work visa, the first thing you need is to check whether you need a work permit or a visa to enter the state or not. As Latvia is one of the Schengen Area states, it allows nationals of various countries to enter the state without a visa. 

1. For EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

If you are from any EU/EEA/Swiss, you do not need a visa or a work permit to enter the state for work purposes. You are allowed to work in Latvia without a visa and a work permit. But if your stay is more than 90-days, you need to register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to get a residence permit. You are eligible to get a permanent residence if you continuously remain in Latvia for up to five years.

2. For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals:

If you are from any Non-EU/EEA/Swiss country, you need to apply for a Latvia Work Visa(Long-Term Visa), if you want to work in Latvia. It will allow you to stay in the country for longer than 90-days for employment purpose.

Before applying for a work visa, you must have a job in Latvia and a work permit. Your employer needs to apply for a work permit in Latvia on your behalf. It is issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

After you arrive in Latvia with a work visa, you also need to apply for a residence permit; it will allow you to remain in the state as long as the duration of your employment contract. It will take several weeks to get a residence permit. 

Note that when you change your place of residence in Latvia, you need to register your new apartment with the residence registration authority in Latvia within one month.

Requirements for a Latvia Work Visa

You need the following documents to obtain a Latvia Work Visa.

1. Completed Latvia Work Visa Application Form

2. Valid passport or travel document

3. Passport-sized photos

4. A work permit issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA)

5. Health insurance certificate

6. A bank account statement that shows enough financial means

7. Medical report

8. Proof of accommodation in Latvia

9. Evidence of the visa fee payment

10. Marital status

11. An employment contract / Invitation letter from the employer in Latvia

Processing time for a Latvia Work Visa

The processing time for a Latvia Work Visa is not fixed.

Cost of a Latvia Work Visa

The cost of a Latvia Work Visa varies from country to country.

Is it expensive to live in Latvia?

The living cost in Latvia is less expensive as compared to many other states. You can expect to spend around €450 to €700 a month including the expenses of food, transportation, other utilities and accommodation.