Legal assistance in obtaining 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a business plan examined by a sworn auditor for the expected period of activity;
  • documents certifying that he or she has adequate personal financial resources for commencing the activities specified in the business plan;
  • a permit (license, certificate) if such work is performed, for the performance of which a permit is necessary;
  • a business plan examined by a sworn auditor if the previous business plan has been fulfilled (starting with the second year of activity).

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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.


  • ADDITIONAL (!) Throughout the entire period of validity of the temporary residence permit, an individual merchant, according to the tax report for the past year, transfers tax payments to the state and local government budgets. If the company in which the foreigner works provides work for more than 10 employees and the annual turnover or annual balance exceeds 2 million euros, then it is not necessary to provide documents confirming the above actions.

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:

  • the commercial company or the branch of the foreign merchant must be registered in the Commercial Register for at least one year prior to requesting a residence permit, it performs active economic activity and its activity provides economic benefit for the Republic of Latvia; 
  • the equity capital of the limited liability company must be at least EUR 2800; 

For the period of authorisation, but not longer than for five years

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  •  travel documents;
  •  application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  •  a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • copies of documents attesting kinship.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+  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.


  • ADDITIONAL (!) upon requesting a registration of the residence permit, in addition to the documents referred in the Law, shall submit documents certifying that during the whole term of validity of the temporary residence permit during each of the previous accounting years the commercial company, in accordance with tax returns, has paid into the State budget and the budgets of the local governments tax payments the total sum of which is not less than EUR 21 350.

3.

Self-employed person

For a period not exceeding one year

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  •  travel documents;
  •  application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  •  a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a business plan examined by a sworn auditor for the expected period of activity;
  • documents certifying that he or she has adequate personal financial resources for commencing the activities specified in the business plan;
  • a permit (licence, certificate) if such work is performed, for the performance of which a permit is necessary;
  • a business plan examined by a sworn auditor if the previous business plan has been fulfilled (starting with the second year of activity)

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  •  travel documents;
  •  application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  •  a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • the foreign merchant has been registered abroad at least for five years prior to submitting the application on a residence permit;
  • has employed more than 50 employees over the past year;
  • net turnover thereof exceeds EUR 10 million;
  • it has no tax debts. 

For a period not exceeding two years

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  •  travel documents;
  •  application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  •  a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a business plan certifying that the business strategy of the foreign merchant for operating in the Republic of Latvia will promote the development of production or service sector;
  • a document issued by a foreign competent authority attesting to the fact that the foreign merchant has been registered abroad at least for five years prior to submitting the application for a residence permit, has employed more than 50 employees in the past year, the net turnover thereof exceeds 10 million euros and he has no tax debts. 

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  1. EUR 50,000 and it has been invested in a capital company which employs not more than 50 employees and the annual turnover or annual balance thereof does not exceed EUR 10 million. In relation to investment in the equity capital of the capital company a temporary residence permit shall be issued to not more than 10 foreigners if each of them has made the investment specified in this Clause and has paid EUR 10 000 into the State budget;
  2. EUR 100 000 and it has been performed in a capital company, which employs more than 50 employees and the annual turnover or annual balance of which exceeds EUR 10 million;
  3. EUR 100 000 and it has been invested in the equity capital of the capital company which together with one or more subsidiary undertakings registered in the Republic of Latvia employ more than 50 employees and the total annual turnover or annual balance of which exceeds EUR 10 million.

IMPORTANT (!) Additional:

  • residence permit issued to a foreigner in accordance sub-section “а” shall be valid, if during the period of validity thereof the capital company in which the relevant foreigner has invested, in each accounting year according to the data indicated in tax returns, pays into the State budget and local government budgets tax payments the total amount of which is not less than EUR 40 000 (excluding from this total amount of paid taxes the amounts of those tax payments which have been reimbursed or are to be reimbursed from the State budget), but the total amount of tax payments paid into the State budget and local government budgets for the first incomplete accounting year since the temporary residence permit was issued on average per month is not less than EUR 3300;
  • residence permit issued to a foreigner in accordance sub-section „b” shall be valid if during the period of validity thereof the capital company in which the relevant foreigner has invested, in each accounting year according to the data indicated in tax returns, pays into the State budget and local government budgets tax payments the total amount of which is not less than EUR 100 000 (excluding from this total amount of paid taxes the amounts of those tax payments which have been reimbursed or are to be reimbursed from the State budget), but the total amount of tax payments paid into the State budget and local government budgets for the first incomplete accounting year since the temporary residence permit was issued on average per month is not less than EUR 8300; 
  • residence permit issued to a foreigner in accordance sub-section „с” – the same criteria, listed in subsection “b”. Wherein tax payments settled by subsidiary undertakings registered in the Republic of Latvia shall also be included in the total amount of tax payments.

For a period not exceeding five years

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • a person does not have payment debts of immovable property tax;
  • the total value of immovable properties was paid for by a non-cash settlement;
  • the immovable property has been acquired from a legal person registered in the Republic of Latvia or a European Union Member State, European Economic Area State or the Swiss Confederation which is a taxpayer in the Republic of Latvia within the meaning of the laws and regulations governing the field of taxes of the Republic of Latvia, or from a natural person who is a citizen of Latvia, a non-citizen of Latvia, a citizen of the European Union or a foreigner who is staying in the Republic of Latvia with a valid residence permit issued in the Republic of Latvia;
  • the total cadastral value of immovable property at the time of acquisition thereof was not less than EUR 80 000. If a foreigner has acquired two immovable properties outside Riga or Jūrmala, or Ādaži, Babīte, Baldone, Carnikava, Garkalne, Ikšķile, Ķekava, Mārupe, Olaine, Ropaži, Salaspils, Saulkrasti or Stopiņi municipality, the cadastral value of each immovable property was not less than EUR 40 000 at the time of acquisition thereof. If the cadastral value is less than that specified in this Sub-clause, the value of immovable property may not be less than EUR 250 000 according to the market value of immovable property determined by a certified assessor of immovable property, or if a foreigner has acquired two immovable properties – the market value of each immovable property may not be less than EUR 125 000;
  • upon requesting the first temporary residence permit, he or she pays five per cent of the value of immovable property into the State budget;
  • the composition of the immovable property does not include land for agricultural use or forest land.

For a period not exceeding five years

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a document which attests that the payment has been made for the purchase of the immovable property by means of non-cash transaction;
  • a document which attests that he or she does not have any debts of payments of immovable property tax, if the immovable property has belonged to him or her for more than a year;
  • the opinion of a certified immovable property appraiser on the conformity of the market value of the immovable property with the value indicated in the Immigration Law.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • upon requesting the first temporary residence permit, he or she pays EUR 25 000 into the State budget.

For a period not exceeding five years

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a document issued by the credit institution of the Republic of Latvia certifying that the foreigner has subordinated liabilities to the credit institution of the Republic of Latvia for the term of transaction is at least five years. f the financial investments have been performed in foreign currency, the credit institution shall attest that the amount thereof was conforming to the amount referred to in Section 23, Paragraph one, Clause 30 of the Immigration Law on the day of entering into the contract in accordance with the currency exchange rate to be used in accounting on the day of entering into the contract.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • certificate or statement from a general educational institution;
  • a contract for studies;
  • a documents certifying that the education necessary for the commencement of studies has been obtained.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • the certification of an accredited educational institution of the Republic of Latvia that a pupil will study at this educational institution according to a particular exchange programme, or a certification issued by an accredited institution of higher education of the Republic of Latvia that a foreigner participates in an exchange programme within the framework of the international cooperation network of institutions of higher education, international (between institutions of higher education) exchange agreement or interdepartmental agreement;
  • an employment contract.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a contract for treatment in an inpatient medical treatment institution.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a document confirming that the foreigner participates in implementation of such international agreement or project, in which the Republic of Latvia, a State institution of direct administration or a derived public person participates. 

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a document, certifying that the person is providing assistance to State or local government authorities of the Republic of Latvia

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a referral letter from the foreign religious organisation;
  • an ordination document or a document comparable thereto. 

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a court ruling on the establishment of guardianship or trusteeship

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a document confirming that an application for dissolving of marriage and determination of the place of residence of the child has been accepted at the court.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents
  • + 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.

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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;

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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a contract of scientific cooperation with a scientific institution;

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • copies of documents attesting kinship.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a copy of the document certifying the marriage.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • copies of documents attesting kinship;
  • a notarially certified document or a document signed in the presence of an official of the Office or Mission on the consent to the travel of the child to the Republic of Latvia of the parent who does not enter together with the child. If the day-to-day custody is implemented by the parent with whom the child enters the Republic of Latvia and restrictions for the change of the place of residence without the consent of the other parent have not been determined, a document issued by the competent institution of the relevant country shall be submitted.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • copies of documents attesting kinship;
  • + a document certifying the marriage 

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

    • there are legal restrictions for the exit of a child from the country of residence; 
  • a child has reached legal age at the time of requesting the first residence permit;
  • a child has entered into marriage or he or she has a separate household.

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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • copies of documents attesting kinship;
  • a document certifying the marriage.
  • a notarially certified document or a document signed in the presence of an official of the Office or Mission on the consent to the travel of the child to the Republic of Latvia of the parent who does not enter together with the child. If the day-to-day custody is implemented by the parent with whom the child enters the Republic of Latvia and restrictions for the change of the place of residence without the consent of the other parent have not been determined, a document issued by the competent institution of the relevant country shall be submitted.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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
after completing a master’s or a doctoral study programme at an educational institution accredited in the Republic of Latvia


IMPORTANT (!) Condition:

  • a copy of the State-recognised higher education diploma shall be submitted not later than within two months after receipt of the temporary residence permit

For a period not exceeding five years

A citizen of a country who does NOT require a visa:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document certifying the payment of the State fee or its copy;
  • a copy of the State-recognised higher education diploma attesting to the acquisition of the study programme;

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a free form application with a descriptive information regarding the innovative product which he or she plans to create or develop and information regarding the planned commercial activities in the next three years.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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:

  • travel documents;
  • application form for a residence permit request;
  • a photograph;
  • a document confirming  sufficient means of subsistence;
  • a document confirming the prospective place of residence in Latvia;
  • a document confirming Latvian or Liiv ancestry.

A citizen of a country requiring a visa:

  • all of the above documents

+ 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?

  1. Simple procedure of residence permits registration.
  2. The costs of residence permits are on average lower than in EU countries.
  3. The costs of real estate in Latvia are on average lower than in EU countries.
  4. Bought property can be used for both personal and commercial purposes (one of the most common ways is renting).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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