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Latvia

Latvia · Europe (EU) · updated 03.09.2026

An EU and eurozone country with a relatively low cost of living. The IT sector is concentrated in Riga. Naturalisation comes after 5 years of permanent residence with a Latvian language exam; dual citizenship is allowed only with a limited group of countries. Since 2022 checks have been tightened and a language exam introduced for some permanent residents. Natural risks are minimal, but winters are cold and overcast, and proximity to Russia and Belarus adds regional tension.

Some descriptions for this country are still Russian only: 90% translated. Numbers, prices and timelines are complete.

Entry

Entry rules depend on citizenship. Choose a passport to see the requirement for that one.

Work and visas

Salary in IT
$ 13 656 – $ 101 282
Median
$ 25 036

Visa types: Work residence (on an employer's invitation) · EU Blue Card · Startup Visa (for startup founders)

Employers: MikroTik, Printful, Evolution, Tet, Accenture Latvia

Latvia's fee comes in two parts, and the halves must not be added up: first you pay for the review of the documents — EUR 160 within 30 days, EUR 280 within 10 working days, EUR 560 within five — and then, separately, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days or EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints a combined total. Beyond that, the permit has to be registered periodically, and registration is also charged: EUR 75 within 30 days, EUR 140 within 10 working days, EUR 290 within five, and for a permanent residence permit EUR 60, 140 and 290. Replacing a lost or damaged card and changing the data entered in it cost EUR 25 within three working days. Decision periods in Latvia are not statistics but a duty of the authority written into Section 33 of the Immigration Law: 30 days for a temporary and for a permanent residence permit, 10 working days for the EU Blue Card and for permits to the holder's family members, 90 days for the investment grounds where the applicant's nationality calls for additional checks, and 60 days for the Minister for the Interior. The card itself is produced within 10 working days, or two on request. When collecting the permit, the person comes to the Office in person and, besides a valid travel document, presents a health insurance policy, a certificate from a Latvian medical institution that they are free of the diseases listed in the regulations, and a document on the intended place of residence. These three papers are required on every ground and are not repeated in the checklists of individual routes. Since 20 May 2026 Section 23(1)(31) has been struck from the law — the residence permit for buying EUR 250,000 of interest-free government securities with a EUR 38,000 payment into the budget. The route is closed outright, not merely to new applicants: the law kept the right to apply again on unchanged conditions only for holders of equity, immovable property and subordinated liabilities, and Cabinet Regulation No. 564 has since mentioned the securities in one place only — the refund of money paid. From the same date the start-up ground is open only to citizens of OECD member states, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino. Since 22 September 2022 citizens of Russia and Belarus may apply for a residence permit only under the closed lists of Section 23.1: a Russian citizen may use the family grounds, employment under EU law for up to a year, studies and research projects, guardianship, divorce proceedings, loss of EU long-term resident status, the post-study job search and Latvian or Liv descent, but not the commercial, investment or pensioner grounds; a Belarusian citizen has a noticeably wider list covering employment, the Blue Card, both intra-corporate transfer routes, the start-up and studies, but likewise without the investment grounds and without the pensioner route. The long-stay visa for remote work is not issued to Russian citizens at all. The English translation of the Immigration Law on likumi.lv is itself declared out of date (valid to 28 April 2026, with the amendments of 26 March and 23 April 2026 not incorporated), so every reference to the law here points to the consolidated Latvian text.

Long-term visas and residence permits

Relative of a Latvian citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident

Family
term 6 morenewableincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. On top of it comes a second fee, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints the combined total, so the field carries the review fee alone. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, in force since 1 January 2025; the same sums are printed as a table at pmlp.gov.lv/en/state-fee-issuing-residence-permit. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Adult child of a Latvian citizen

Family
term 6 morenewableincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Spouse of a Latvian citizen or non-citizen

Family
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Spouse of a foreigner holding a permanent residence permit

Family
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Minor child of a Latvian citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident

Family
renewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Child of the spouse of a Latvian citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident

Family
renewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Parents of a Latvian citizen or non-citizen

Family
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Former Latvian citizen as of 17 June 1940 or child of a Latvian citizen

Repatriation
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Foreigner with a Latvian or Liv ancestor in the direct ascending line

Repatriation
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Residence during divorce proceedings until the child's place of residence is determined

Family
term 12 moincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Guardianship or trusteeship over or by a Latvian citizen or non-citizen

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Spouse and minor children of a temporary residence permit holder

Family
renewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Temporary residence permit for employment

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

EU Blue Card

Work
term 24 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 3 099 a monthfee $ 182processing 14 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing an EU Blue Card application, and an application by the holder's family members, within 10 working days; within five working days it is EUR 280. There is no cheaper “slow” rate for this ground: the Immigration Law obliges the Office to decide within 10 working days. On top of it comes a second fee for producing the card — EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

EU Blue Card in a shortage occupation

Work
term 24 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 2 479 a monthfee $ 182processing 14 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Intra-corporate transferee: manager or specialist

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. On top of it comes a second fee, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints the combined total, so the field carries the review fee alone. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, in force since 1 January 2025; the same sums are printed as a table at pmlp.gov.lv/en/state-fee-issuing-residence-permit. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

Intra-corporate transferee: trainee

Work
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Service provider or employee of a service provider established in a Member State

Work
renewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Board or council member of a company registered in the Commercial Register

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 4 131 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Individual merchant registered in the Commercial Register

Startup
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 4 131 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Self-employed person

Startup
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 4 131 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Representative of a foreign merchant's representation

Work
term 24 mocounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Representative of a foreign airline's representation registered in Latvia

Work
term 48 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Start-up founder

Startup
term 36 mocounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Investment in the equity capital of a company

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. For nationals of states whose applicants undergo additional checks, the same EUR 160 covers a 90-day term. On top of it comes EUR 45 for producing the card (EUR 80 within two working days). The payment into the State budget attached to the investment ground itself is not a state fee and is not included in this sum. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Acquisition of immovable property

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 2 663 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Subordinated liabilities with a Latvian credit institution

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Studies at an accredited higher education institution

Study
renewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. On top of it comes a second fee, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints the combined total, so the field carries the review fee alone. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, in force since 1 January 2025; the same sums are printed as a table at pmlp.gov.lv/en/state-fee-issuing-residence-permit. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

Education at an accredited educational institution

Study
renewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Pupil or student exchange or performance of another task

Study
term 12 moincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 0,00processing 30 days
Fee: There is no fee: paragraph 8.13 of Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024 exempts a pupil of an accredited Latvian educational institution who comes to study under an exchange programme, and the inviting party, from the fee for a long-stay visa, for approval of the invitation, for the 30-day review of a temporary residence permit application and for the 30-day registration of the permit. The expedited rates and the EUR 45 for producing the card (Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.², likumi.lv/ta/id/244579) are not covered by the exemption.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Trainee who acquired higher education within the last two years

Study
term 12 mocounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. On top of it comes a second fee, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints the combined total, so the field carries the review fee alone. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, in force since 1 January 2025; the same sums are printed as a table at pmlp.gov.lv/en/state-fee-issuing-residence-permit. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Nine months after completion of studies or a research project

Job seeking
term 9 mocounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Scientific co-operation agreement

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 0,00processing 30 days
Fee: There is no fee: paragraph 8.12 of Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024 exempts a foreigner staying in Latvia for scientific co-operation, their family member and the inviting party from the fee for a long-stay visa, for approval of the invitation, for the 30-day review of a temporary residence permit application and for the 30-day registration of the permit. Expedited review (EUR 280 within 10 working days, EUR 560 within five) and the EUR 45 for producing the card (Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.², likumi.lv/ta/id/244579) are not covered by the exemption; the Office's own document checklist nevertheless still lists a fee receipt — that is its boilerplate line.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Religious activities

Other
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. On top of it comes a second fee, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints the combined total, so the field carries the review fee alone. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, in force since 1 January 2025; the same sums are printed as a table at pmlp.gov.lv/en/state-fee-issuing-residence-permit. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Foreigner who has joined a registered cloister

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Treatment in an inpatient medical institution

Other
renewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Implementation of an international agreement or project involving Latvia

Other
renewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Provision of assistance to State or local government authorities

Other
term 12 mocounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Pensioner from a visa-free country

Retirement
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 1 401 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Stateless person status granted in Latvia

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Presence required for pre-trial investigation or court proceedings

Other
term 12 mofee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Return within three years after losing EU long-term resident status in Latvia

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Holder of an EU long-term resident permit issued by another Member State

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Temporary residence permit granted by the Minister for the Interior in the State interest

Other
term 60 mocounts toward permanent residenceprocessing 60 days
Fee: This ground has no rate of its own in the tariff: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024 names a separate price — EUR 210 — only for the Minister for the Interior's decisions concerning citizens of Russia and Belarus, and carries no line for the Minister's or the head of the Office's other decisions; where a foreigner's entry serves the State interest, paragraph 8.2 of the same regulation exempts the foreigner and the inviting party from the fee altogether. Producing the residence permit card costs EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two in any case. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

Temporary residence permit granted by the head of the OCMA on humanitarian grounds

Other
term 60 mocounts toward permanent residenceprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Temporary residence permit for Russian and Belarusian citizens granted by the Minister for the Interior

Other
term 60 mocounts toward permanent residencefee $ 239processing 60 days
Fee: EUR 210 is the only fee rate for reviewing an application for the temporary residence permit that the Minister for the Interior grants to citizens of Russia and Belarus under Section 23(3)(3) of the Immigration Law: the tariff sets no expedited rates for this ground at all. On top of it comes EUR 45 for producing the card (EUR 80 within two working days). Rate: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Victim of trafficking in human beings

Other
term 6 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30 days
Fee: There is no fee: paragraph 8.10 of Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024 exempts a recognised victim of trafficking in human beings both from the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application and from the fee for registering it.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Foreigner illegally employed in particularly exploitative working conditions

Other
term 12 morenewablefee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280, within five EUR 560. On top of it comes a second fee, for producing the residence permit card itself: EUR 45 within 10 working days and EUR 80 within two. Neither the tariff nor the Office prints the combined total, so the field carries the review fee alone. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, in force since 1 January 2025; the same sums are printed as a table at pmlp.gov.lv/en/state-fee-issuing-residence-permit. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

Three-year residence permit for Ukrainian civilians under temporary protection

Other
term 36 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 90 days
Fee: There is no fee: Section 3(4) of the Law on the Support of Ukrainian Civilians expressly prohibits charging a state fee for this permit, and paragraph 8.9 of Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024 separately exempts a person granted temporary protection from the fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

One-year long-stay visa with unrestricted right to employment for Ukrainian civilians

Work
term 12 modoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing time not published
Fee: There is no fee: Section 3(1) of the Law on the Support of Ukrainian Civilians expressly directs that no state fee be charged for reviewing the documents for this long-stay visa.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-stay visa for remote work with an employer registered in an OECD member state

Remote work
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyincome from $ 5 164 a monthfee $ 102processing time not published
Fee: EUR 90 is the fee for reviewing a long-stay visa application; EUR 180 if the application is filed fewer than three working days before the end of lawful stay in Latvia. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024. Approval of the invitation is charged separately — EUR 17 (EUR 10 through the latvija.gov.lv portal), EUR 10 for each person included in it and EUR 85 for each request for the right to employment.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-stay visa with the right to seasonal employment

Work
does not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 102processing time not published
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Permanent residence permit

Other
income from $ 888 a monthfee $ 182processing 30 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing a permanent residence permit application within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280. On top of it comes EUR 45 for producing the card (EUR 80 within two working days). Children under 12 are exempt from the fee for the 30-day review. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

Status of a long-term resident of the European Union in Latvia

Other
fee $ 182processing 90 days
Fee: EUR 160 is the fee for reviewing an application for EU long-term resident status within 30 days; within 10 working days it is EUR 280. On top of it comes EUR 45 for producing the permanent residence permit card in which the status is recorded. Rates: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024, issued in part under the Law on the Status of a Long-Term Resident of the European Union in the Republic of Latvia. That second rate is set not by the migration-services tariff but by Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 133 of 21.02.2012, item 4.² (likumi.lv/ta/id/244579).
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: Union citizen employed in Latvia

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: Documents for Union citizens have no price of their own in the migration services tariff: Cabinet Regulation No. 731 of 26 November 2024 sets fees for the long-stay visa, for residence permits and for EU long-term resident status, but does not name the Union citizen's registration certificate or the permanent residence card; nor does the Office print any sums on the pages of this branch.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: self-employed Union citizen

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: service provider or its employee

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: student at a registered educational institution

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: Union citizen with sufficient resources

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: spouse of a Latvian citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Registration certificate: Union citizen under trusteeship or guardianship

Other
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Residence card for a family member of a Union citizen

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Permanent residence card for a Union citizen

Other
family allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Family member of a UK national covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedprocessing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Programme terms change, and the final decision rests with the consulate or the country migration service. The data is collected from official sources on the date shown and is not legal advice.

Residence and citizenship

Permanent residence after
5 years
Citizenship after
5 years
Language
Latvian (an exam on naturalisation)
Dual citizenship
not allowed

Naturalisation: at least 5 years of permanent residence, a Latvian language exam, knowledge of the Constitution, history, culture and the anthem, and a lawful source of income. For third-country nationals permanent residence is usually preceded by several more years of continuous residence. Dual citizenship is allowed with EU and NATO states and a number of others (Australia, Brazil, New Zealand); Russia is not on that list, so the previous citizenship must be given up.

Documents

Document certification
apostille

The country is party to the 1961 Hague Convention: a degree or certificate is authenticated with a single apostille in the country that issued it.

Family

Partner

Timeline
on family reunification after residence is granted

The spouse of a residence permit or EU Blue Card holder can get residence through family reunification. The exact conditions for labour market access are on the PMLP site.

Children

Can be brought
yes
Age limit
up to 18 years

Minor children come under family reunification.

Parents

Route
family reunification (restricted)
Difficulty
difficult

Parent reunification in Latvia is restricted: as a rule only dependent parents unable to work and with no other carers. The exact conditions are on the PMLP website.

Partner's parents

Difficulty
difficult

Matters: In a number of countries only a biological child can sponsor a parent, in which case the spouse files the application.

Pets

Limit
5
Quarantine
no
Antibody titre test
needed
Preparation
~4 months
Cost per animal
$ 341 – $ 910

EU rules: microchip, rabies vaccination. Import from countries outside the EU “list” requires a rabies antibody titre test — blood drawn no earlier than 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before entry. No quarantine. Processing is through the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD).

Safety

Situation
advisories in place

A member of the EU and NATO. It borders Russia and Belarus; regional tension has been heightened since 2022.

Crime: A moderately safe country. The homicide rate is above the EU average, but violence against foreigners is rare; the main everyday problem is pickpocketing in Riga.

Natural hazards

Earthquakesno

The territory sits on the stable East European Platform. Noticeable earthquakes practically never occur.

Wildfireslow

Forest and peat fires are possible in a dry summer, but on a limited scale compared with southern Europe.

Floodsmedium

Spring floods on the rivers (the Daugava, the Lielupe), with a risk of flooding in the lowlands and on the coast during storm surges.

Hurricaneslow

No tropical hurricanes. In winter there are strong Baltic storms and wind-driven surges on the coast.

Droughtslow

Droughts are rare, the climate is wet.

Extreme heatlow

Heatwaves are rare, summers are moderate, and the sea tempers the temperature.

Volcanoesno

No volcanoes.

Tsunamisno

The Baltic is an enclosed sea, so there is no tsunami risk.

One of the calmest countries for natural hazards: no seismicity, volcanoes or tropical storms. The main ones are spring river floods and winter Baltic storms.

Climate

-3J
-1F
2M
7A
12M
17J
18J
18A
14S
8O
3N
0D
Type
Humid continental (Dfb); oceanic on the west coast (Cfb)

A temperate climate with four seasons. Cold winters with frequent sub-zero temperatures and snow, and short mild summers. The Baltic coast moderates temperatures. Many overcast days, especially in autumn and winter.

Quality of life

Life expectancy
76.4 years
Migration
outflow

Healthcare: A state system (the National Health Service, NVD). Basic services are covered by the state, but there are queues and co-payments; the private sector is well developed.

Flows: Long-term depopulation — one of the fastest rates of population loss in the world, caused by a low birth rate, high mortality and emigration. Since 2022 it has been partly offset by an inflow of Ukrainians.

Cities

Riga

tech hub
591 882 residents
$ 575
1 bedroom, per month

The capital and largest city, producing more than half of the country's GDP. The main IT hub, with an international airport.

2 bedrooms $ 8883 bedrooms $ 1 206utilities $ 358ticket $ 1,75monthly pass $ 35,0
To buy, per m²: centre $ 3 243 · suburbs $ 2 218

Spring floods along the Daugava and coastal flooding (moderate). Pickpocketing in the Old Town and tourist areas.

+The most IT vacancies in the country
+International airport
+A developed urban environment
+Russian is widely used in everyday life
−The most expensive rent in the country
−A cold overcast winter
−Pickpocketing in tourist areas

Daugavpils

78 112 residents
$ 376
1 bedroom, per month

The country's second-largest city, in the south-east near the Lithuanian and Belarusian borders. Industrial and inexpensive.

2 bedrooms $ 552 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 728utilities $ 211ticket $ 1,16monthly pass $ 43,7
To buy, per m²: centre $ 1 630 · suburbs $ 891

Floods on the Daugava. A weaker economy than the capital's.

+A low cost of living
+Close to the EU borders
−Few IT jobs
−Outward migration
−A border location

Liepāja

67 398 residents
$ 324
1 bedroom, per month

A port city on the western Baltic coast. A former naval base (Karosta), with a developed cultural and music scene and industry.

2 bedrooms $ 4893 bedrooms $ 660utilities $ 319ticket $ 1,74monthly pass $ 34,5
To buy, per m²: centre $ 1 551 · suburbs $ 1 148

A windy coast with storm surges. Little IT work.

+The sea and beaches
+A port and industry
+A lower cost of living than Riga
−Few IT jobs
−Windy and damp
−Distance from the capital

Jelgava

54 821 residents
$ 353
1 bedroom, per month

A town about 40 km from Riga and a university centre (the Latvia University of Agriculture). Flat terrain, a satellite of the capital.

2 bedrooms $ 478 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 603utilities $ 193ticket $ 0,98monthly pass $ 75,7
To buy, per m²: centre $ 1 906 · suburbs $ 1 205

Historically exposed to flooding from the Lielupe river.

+Close to Riga
+A university environment
+Cheaper than the capital
−Spring flood risk
−Few homegrown tech companies
−A small city

Jūrmala

51 933 residents
$ 888
1 bedroom, per month

A seaside resort town west of Riga: Baltic beaches, summer-house development, expensive property. Convenient for living with a daily commute to Riga.

utilities $ 358ticket $ 0,87monthly pass $ 20,6
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 289 · suburbs $ 1 607

Storm surges and coastal erosion. Seasonality.

+The sea and beaches
+Quiet and green
+Close to Riga (commuter train)
−Expensive property
−Almost no local IT jobs
−A seasonal rhythm of life

Grocery basket

Bread, 500 g
$ 1,44
Milk, 1 l
$ 1,32
Eggs, 12
$ 3,55
Chicken breast, 1 kg
$ 8,14
Cheese, 1 kg
$ 11,7
Rice, 1 kg
$ 2,25
Potatoes, 1 kg
$ 1,04
Apples, 1 kg
$ 2,04
Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 l
$ 2,81
Total
$ 34,3

The same set for every country, so the comparison is fair.

Cost of living across the country

Rent, 1 bedroom
$ 485 a month
Rent, 3 bedrooms
$ 914 a month
Utility bills
$ 242 a month
Home internet
$ 19,2 a month
Monthly transport pass
$ 37,9 a month
Single transport ticket
$ 1,51
Petrol, litre
$ 1,91
Cold medicine
$ 9,22 for a week

Country averages. City prices, where collected, are shown above and are more precise.

Indicators

Life expectancy
76,4 years2024
Homicides
2,8 per 100k2024
Theft
649,6 per 100k2024
Burglary
124 per 100k2024
Robbery
14,4 per 100k2024
Vehicle and vehicle-part theft
20 per 100k2024
Road deaths
9,8 per 100k2021
Unemployment
6,6 %2025
Unemployment, ages 15–24
13 %2025
Inequality (Gini)
342023
Health spending per person
$ 1 645 a year
Air pollution, PM2.5
13 µg/m³2023
Access to clean water
98,8 %2024
Internet, fixed line
138 Mbit/s2026
Internet, mobile
143,3 Mbit/s2026

Governance

Political stability
above average · 0,6
Control of corruption
above average · 0,8
Rule of law
high · 1,1
Government effectiveness
above average · 0,7

World Bank estimates on a −2.5 to +2.5 scale, higher is better.

Natural hazards

Earthquakes
0,1 out of 10
River floods
6,6 out of 10
Coastal floods
3,6 out of 10
Tropical cyclones
0 out of 10
Droughts
2,1 out of 10
Tsunamis
0 out of 10

Policy towards newcomers

Migrant integration, overall score
38 out of 100 · 2019
Family reunification
47 out of 100 · 2019
Permanent residence
46 out of 100 · 2019
Access to citizenship
24 out of 100 · 2019
Access to the labour market
33 out of 100 · 2019

Measures how favourable the law is towards newcomers, not one person's chances of getting a visa.

Each value carries the year it refers to. “Data lags behind” means this country's figure was collected noticeably earlier than the rest. Natural hazards use one 0–10 scale and are meant to be compared against each other.

Pros and cons

+An EU and eurozone country with freedom of movement in Schengen
+Pets come in under EU rules (a limit of 5, no quarantine)
+Naturalisation is possible after 5 years of permanent residence
+A low cost of living by EU standards
+The tech sector is concentrated in Riga (MikroTik, Printful, Evolution)
−Dual citizenship is allowed only with a limited set of countries; with the rest, the previous one must be given up
−Since 2022 checks have been tightened and a language exam introduced for some permanent residents
−Rapid depopulation and outward migration
−A cold overcast winter with little sun
−The homicide rate is higher than in Western and Northern Europe
−IT salaries below Western Europe
−Proximity to Russia and Belarus, heightened regional tension

Compare with other countries in the region

Austria · Belgium · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Malta · Netherlands · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden

Other countries in the region: Europe (EU)

Austria · Belgium · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Malta · Netherlands · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden

All countries by region

Official sources

PMLP — the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Visas, residence, status, documents
↗
PMLP — EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card salary threshold from 1 April 2026 is EUR 2,723 per month, or EUR 2,178 in an occupation on the government's shortage list
↗
PMLP: naturalisation
5 years of permanent residence, exams in Latvian and knowledge of the country
↗
SS.lv - flat rentals
Latvia's largest classifieds board
↗
SS.lv — property
Flats, houses, plots
↗
SS.lv — cars
The main car sales platform
↗
CSDD — the Road Traffic Safety Directorate
Licence exchange, vehicle registration, roadworthiness test
↗
PVD — the Food and Veterinary Service
Rules on the non-commercial movement of pets (dogs, cats, ferrets)
↗
VID — the State Revenue Service
Taxes, registration
↗
NVD — the National Health Service
Public medical services
↗

Reliability. Collected from open sources: official immigration service sites, statistical aggregators, industry surveys. Updated: 2026-09-03.

This is not advice. This material is for reference and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Visa rules, tax thresholds and prices change. Before deciding anything, check the official sources and consult a licensed professional in the relevant country.