Latvia : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

Latvia is a member state of the European Union (EU) and does not apply any restrictions on the access to its labour market by citizens of other EEA countries or the Swiss Confederation. Visitors holding a British passport can remain in Latvia for up to 90 days without a residence permit.

British nationals intending to live and work in Latvia will need to obtain a residence permit from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia.

If you are offered a job, a residence permit will be issued for up to five years. For a visa or resident permit extension, contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia. Visitors without a residence permit may not work in Latvia. If you are going to study in Latvia you will require a letter from the institution at which you intend to study. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, contact the Embassy of Latvia in London.

How do I apply for a visa?

If you are from a non-EU country, contact the Latvian embassy in the country where you are currently residing.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

Temporary residence permits are issued for a period of time from one to five years (depending on the reason of application) and can be prolonged after they expire. Only after five years of residency can you apply for a permanent residency permit.