Legal assistance in obtaining a residence permit in Latvia
How to obtain a residence permit based on an employment contract?
What are the advantages of a residence permit in Latvia?
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At present, an obtaining of residence permits through investments is very actual in Latvia, as on July 01, 2010, amendments to the Immigration Law became effective, allowing foreign investors to obtain a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Latvia. A residence permit provides a foreigner the rights to permanently reside in the Republic of Latvia, and also a free travelling and staying in the member states of Schengen without visa.
CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT IN LATVIA
№ | Residence permit | Validity | Documents to provide |
1. | Individual merchant registered in the Commercial Register | For a period not exceeding 5 years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months.
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2. | Registered in the Commercial Register as a member of the board or a member of the council, proctor, administrator, liquidator or a member of a partnership having the right to represent the partnership, or a person who is authorised to represent a merchant (foreign merchant) in activities related to a branch IMPORTANT (!) Conditions:
| For the period of authorisation, but not longer than for five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months.
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3. | Self-employed person | For a period not exceeding one year | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
4. | 1) Based on employment 2) Intra-corporate transferee intra-corporate transferee – a foreigner who does not permanently stay in any of the European Union Member States and who has been transferred for professional or training purposes from the undertaking which does not perform commercial activities in a European Union Member State to the undertaking which performs commercial activities in the Republic of Latvia or in the Republic of Latvia and another European Union Member State. In this case, the transfer is carried out within the group of undertakings. Group of undertakings is when two or more undertakings recognised as linked in one of the following ways: a) an undertaking, in relation to another undertaking directly or indirectly, holds the majority of the subscribed capital of such undertaking; b) controls the majority of the votes attached to another undertaking of such undertaking; c) an undertaking as a participant (shareholder) of another undertaking is entitled to appoint or revoke the majority of members of the executive body or supervisory body of the undertaking 3) employee-trainee who is transferred within the framework of an intra-corporate transfer | For the period of employment, but not longer than five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. IMPORTANT (!) Employer is as an inviter in drawing up a sponsorship for a foreigner whom it is intended to employ in the Republic of Latvia. |
5. | Representative of a representation of a foreign merchant IMPORTANT (!) Must meet all of the listed below requirements:
| For a period not exceeding two years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
6. | Person, who has invested in the equity capital of the capital company, increasing it, or has invested in the equity capital of the capital company, founding a new capital company, and, upon requesting the first temporary residence permit, has paid EUR 10 000 into the State budget IMPORTANT (!) Must meet one of the following requirements:
IMPORTANT (!) Additional:
| For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
7. | Person, who has acquired in Riga or Jūrmala, or Ādaži, Babīte, Baldone, Carnikava, Garkalne, Ikšķile, Ķekava, Mārupe, Olaine, Ropaži, Salaspils, Saulkrasti or Stopiņi municipality and he or she owns one functionally linked and built-up immovable property (except the case the immovable property is a vacant land) the value of which is not less than EUR 250 000, or outside the abovementioned administrative territories – not more than two immovable properties (except where the immovable property is a vacant land) and each of them is a functionally linked and built-up immovable property the total value of which is at least EUR 250 000 IMPORTANT (!) if the following conditions exist concurrently:
| For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
8. | Person, who has subordinated liabilities with a credit institution of the Republic of Latvia in the amount of not less than EUR 280 000. IMPORTANT (!) Requirement:
| For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
9. | Person, who purchases interest-free State securities dedicated to a specific purpose with the nominal value EUR 250 000 | For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
10. | Full time student of an accredited educational institution of the Republic of Latvia | For the period of studies | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
11. | Person participating in a student / student exchange program, study practice or internship | For a period not exceeding one year | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
12. | A patient in hospital treatment in a medical institution | for the period indicated in the contract for treatment in an inpatient medical treatment institution | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
13. | If it is necessary for the implementation of such international agreements or projects in which the Republic of Latvia, State institution of direct administration or a derived public person is participating | For the period which is necessary for the implementation of such international agreements | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
14. | If it is necessary for the provision of assistance to State or local government authorities of the Republic of Latvia | For a period not exceeding one year | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
15. | 1) Religious person 2) Person, who has joined a cloister | For the period of the performance of religious activities, but not longer than a year | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
16. | Person for which guardianship or trusteeship is established over this person or the person has been appointed as a guardian or trustee for a citizen of Latvia or a non-citizen of Latvia | 1) For the period for which guardianship or trusteeship is established; 2) If the trusteeship has been established, a residence permit shall be issued for a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
17. | The person participating in the trial, where as a result will be the decision to divorce and determine the place of residence of the child | For the period until the day of the entering into effect of a court judgment, but not longer than one year if the marriage is dissolved and there are children in the marriage who are Latvian citizens or non-citizens of Latvia | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
18. | A person whose residence in Latvia is necessary for the pre-trial investigation institutions or a court in order to complete investigation or trial. | For a period not exceeding one year | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
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19. | Person, who has received the status of a refugee or alternative status, or temporary protection in the Republic of Latvia | For the period for which status of a refugee or alternative status temporary protection has been granted | 1) To obtain refugee status or alternative status, you are entitled to express a wish to acquire refugee or alternative status in oral form or in writing to the State Border Guard at the border crossing point or in the border crossing transit zone before entering the Republic of Latvia. 2) The state provides temporary protection to persons by the decision of the Cabinet, taking into account a decision of the Council of the European Union. |
20. | Family member of a person, who has received the status of a refugee or alternative status, or temporary protection in the Republic of Latvia | For the period for which status of a refugee or alternative status temporary protection has been granted | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
21. | Person, who has lost European Union long-term resident status in the Republic of Latvia when exiting to another country IMPORTANT (!) residence permit must be requested not later than three years after exiting | For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
22. | Person, who has a valid residence permit of a long-term resident of the European Union issued by another Member State of the European Union | For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
23. | Person who has reached pensionable age, and who does not need a visa | For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy. |
24. | Person, to whom a stateless person status has been granted in the Republic of Latvia IMPORTANT (!) This condition shall not apply to a foreigner to whom prior to the granting of the status of a stateless person in the Republic of Latvia a residence permit has been issued in accordance with another purpose of entry | For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
25. | Person who entered into co-operation agreement between scientific institutions included in the register of scientific institutions | for the period provided for by the scientific co-operation agreement, but not longer than for five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
26. | Person is a relative of a Latvian citizen or of a non-citizen of Latvia or of a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit, up to the third degree in direct line or third degree in a collateral line, or also affinity to the third degree | Once in a calendar year for a period which does not exceed six months | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
27. | A person who is the spouse of a Latvian citizen or a non-citizen of Latvia | When submitting documents: 1) first time – a temporary residence permit for one year; 2) second time – a temporary residence permit for four years; 3) third time – a permanent residence permit | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
28. | Underage child of a Latvian citizen or non-citizen of Latvia, or of a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit | Permanent residence permit | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
29. | Parents of a Latvian citizen or a non-citizen of Latvia who have reached the pensionable age and their spouses (no age limit) | When submitting documents: 1) first time – a temporary residence permit for one year; 2) second time – a temporary residence permit for four years; 3) third time – a permanent residence permit | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
30. | A child of the spouse of a Latvian citizen or non-citizen of Latvia, or of a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit IMPORTANT (!) Exceptions:
| For the period of the residence permit issued to the spouse of a Latvian citizen or a non-citizen of Latvia, or a spouse of a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
31. | A person, who is a pupil of an educational institution accredited in the Republic of Latvia or a full-time student IMPORTANT (!) Condition:
| For a period not exceeding five years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
32. | A person who plans activity in Latvia related to the development or production of the innovative product. | For a period not exceeding three years | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
33. | A person one of whose relatives is a Latvian or a Liiv in direct ascending line | Permanent residence permit | A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:
A citizen of a country requiring a visa:
+ a statement issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence on the criminal record (for the foreigner older than 14 years of age), if the foreigner has resided therein for more than 12 months. |
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How to get a residence permit in Latvia under a employment contract?
How to get a residence permit in Latvia under a labour contract?
To obtain a temporary residence permit for employment purposes in that case, if the enterprise is engaged in active economic activities, has a share capital not less than 2800 Euro and shall pay all required taxes and has no tax debts.
The acceptance of a foreign employee into a Latvian company as an employee is based on an employment contract. Also, the employer needs to register the employee in the State Revenue Service. A foreign worker has the same employee rights as an employee from Latvia or the EU countries.
How to get a job for a foreigner in Latvia
For employment on the basis of a labour contract, the Latvian employer must call the foreigner by applying an application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
To register a call, the employer must publish the vacancy in the portal of the State employment agency. The employer has the right to issue a challenge for a foreign employee only when in prepared position, Latvian citizen or non-citizen or a resident of the EU with the necessary skills was not adopted.
In order for the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs confirm the call, the employee must have an education to the claimed position or have a document confirming the experience in this position for at least 3 years.
If the employer wants to hire an employee for a position for where licenses, permits and registration in specific public or private institutions are required, then these documents must be submitted when processing the call.
An employer who wants to invite a foreign employee on the basis of a labour contract should not submit an application for a vacancy to the State Employment Agency in cases when a foreign specialist wants to work in the Republic of Latvia as:
• A specialist of high qualification;
• Coach;
• Artist;
• Administrator, technical assistant at the company that organizes concerts;
• Head of cultural activities for the money from the budget;
• A professional athlete;
• The teacher in the accredited institution;
• The specialist providing services to governmental organizations, or participating in the project on a global scale, where Latvia is participating;
• The employee has a contract on cooperation.
Application for the position does not apply to students coming to Latvia for practical training or internship in a Latvian educational institution.
Obtaining a residence permit in Latvia based on investments
- Person who in Republic of Latvia purchased and owns one functionally related real estate with buildings in the Republic of Latvia and the total value of the real estate is at least EUR 250 000, if the following conditions exist concurrently: a) Person has no real estate tax debts and you have never had such debts, b) The payment of the total real estate value has been made by non-cash settlement, c) The real estate has been purchased from a legal entity registered in the Republic of Latvia or a Member State of the European Union, any country of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation and the legal entity is a taxpayer in the Republic of Latvia within the meaning of the tax laws of the Republic of Latvia; or the real estate has been purchased from a natural entity who is a citizen of the Republic of Latvia, a non-citizen of the Republic of Latvia, a citizen of the European Union or a foreigner who is staying in the Republic of Latvia on the basis of a valid residence permit, d) The total cadastral value of the real estate is at least EUR 80 000 at the moment of purchase. If the cadastral value is below the amounts referred to in this sub-clause, the total value of the real estate in accordance with the real estate market value determined by a certified real estate appraisal shall not be below EUR 250 000; e) Upon applying for a first temporary residence permit, the person must pay 5% of the real estate purchase value into the state budget; f) The real estate must not comprise agricultural land or wooded land.
- If person wish to obtain a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia as a person who has invested in the share capital of a company for the purpose of increase thereof or who has invested in the share capital of a company upon founding of a new business company, provided that: a) such investment is at least EUR 35 000 and is made in a business company with the number of employees not exceeding 50, such company’s annual turnover or annual balance does not exceed EUR 10 million and it pays the total of at least EUR 40 000 in taxes into the state and municipal budgets; by investing in the share capital of one and the same business company not more than 3 foreigners may apply for the temporary residence permit, or b) such investment is at least EUR 150 000 and is made in a business company with the number of employees exceeding 50 and such company’s annual turnover or annual balance exceeds EUR 10 million.
- If person wish to obtain a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia as a person who has subordinate liabilities toward a credit institution of the Republic of Latvia in the amount of at least EUR 280 000 and the term of the transaction entered into with that credit institution is at least five years. Upon the receipt of the first temporary residence permit, the applicant must pay 25 000 euro into the state budget.
- If person want to receive a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia as a person who acquires interest-free government bonds determined for special purpose with the nominal value of 250 000 euro. When receiving a first time temporary residence permit, the recipient shall make a payment in the State budget of EUR 25 000.
Obtaining a residence permit in Latvia under the repatriation program
A Latvian residence permit by repatriation can be obtained by a person whose immediate relatives were Latvians or Livs before June 17, 1940.
A residence permit issued by repatriation is valid for 5 years.
Other options for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia
Immigration Law provides that a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia can be acquired also in the context of:
- family unification;
- commercial activity (member of the Board of an enterprise, an individual merchant, self-employed person);
- a representative of a foreign corporate entity;
- labour (a labour agreement or an enterprise agreement);
- cooperation in scientific work;
- studies at an accredited educational establishment;
- treatment in the stationary medical institution;
- religious activity;
- high qualification of a foreign person;
- being a citizen or a non-citizen of the Republic of Latvia prior to acquiring the citizenship of another country.
Every particular situation requires a detailed analysis and an individual approach according Your expectations.
Law Office “INLAT PLUS international” can provide a full range of legal services ranging from settling a deal of a real estate property purchase in order to obtain ownership rights on Your name or preparing all necessary documents for a company registration etc. (depending on what kind of a residence permit program is the most suitable for You) and ending with a preparation and submission of documents for a residence permit in Latvia for You and Your family.
For example, in case of an acquisition of a real estate property in order to obtain a residence permit the range of the Law Office’s services includes, but not limits to the following steps as below:
- a selection of real estate objects of interest to You;
- an analysis of documents of a property to ensure conformity to immigration requirements, to detect encumbrances, claims of third parties and possible additional costs associated with the continued use of real estate;
- a development of a concept of a deal taking into account the analysis of documents and an aim to obtain a residence permit;
- an agreement with the seller of the property on terms of a contract of sale with a protection of Your interests;
- a preparation, drafting and receipt of all documents required for the deal and registration of an ownership of real estate property in the state institutions;
- a representation of Your interests in all state institutions in Latvia related to the acquisition of real estate property in order to obtain a residence permit;
- a representation of the Yours interests in Latvian banks for the transaction of purchase and sale of real estate in order to obtain a residence permit;
- a provision of receiving necessary information from Latvian medical institution and insurance company;
- an accompaniment of a client and legal support on all related issues in all private and public institutions in Latvia;
- other necessary actions related to the acquisition of real estate and obtaining a residence permit.
What are the advantages of a residence permit in Latvia?
- Simple procedure of residence permits registration.
- The costs of residence permits are on average lower than in EU countries.
- The costs of real estate in Latvia are on average lower than in EU countries.
- Bought property can be used for both personal and commercial purposes (one of the most common ways is renting).
- Obtaining a residence permit in Latvia allows a foreign citizen not only reside in the territory of the Republic of Latvia, but also freely enter in and travel between the Schengen countries without a visa.
- A foreign citizen who has received a residence permit in Latvia is not obliged to reside permanently in Latvia and also there are no requirements regarding the minimum amount of time spent in the country.
- In addition, the spouse and minor children of a person with a residence permit in Latvia can also benefit from rights to obtain a residence permit, which provides them with a perspective of a completely unrestricted residing in Latvia itself and being in the countries of the Schengen zone.