IR — Practice Area
Immigration & Residency Law in Latvia
A practical guide to Latvian residence permits, EU Blue Cards, investment-based residency, and full relocation legal support — and how S‑Baltic coordinates the right specialist for your situation.
What we handle
Immigration matters we coordinate
S‑Baltic acts as your single point of contact. We map your situation, assign an immigration specialist from our network, and manage the process — from document preparation through to the issued permit.
Start your application- Temporary residence permit (TRP) applications
- Permanent residence permit (PRP) applications
- EU Blue Card for highly skilled employees
- Investment-based residency (real estate, business, bonds)
- Family reunification permits
- EU citizen registration in Latvia
- Startup and self-employment visa
- Document preparation, translation coordination, and OCMA filing
- Full relocation legal support for individuals and families
Permit types
Which residence permit applies to you
Latvia offers several routes depending on your nationality, purpose of stay, and personal circumstances. The four main categories cover the majority of cases S‑Baltic handles.
Temporary Residence Permit
Who: Non-EU/EEA nationals staying longer than 90 days
The most common route. Issued on grounds of employment, investment, family reunification, study, or self-employment. Work rights depend on the grounds stated on the permit.
Permanent Residence Permit
Who: Non-EU/EEA nationals after 5 years of TRP
Requires 5 years of continuous legal residence, A2-level Latvian language test, no criminal record, and proof of stable income and accommodation.
EU Blue Card
Who: Highly qualified non-EU employees with a job offer
Requires a recognised university degree and a salary of at least 1.5× the Latvian average gross wage. Faster processing than a standard TRP and easier path to permanent residence.
EU Citizen Registration
Who: EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals staying beyond 3 months
EU nationals do not need a permit but must register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA/PMLP) if remaining longer than 3 months. Registration is straightforward but carries a deadline.
Investment residency
Residency through investment in Latvia
Latvia allows non-EU nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit through qualifying investment. Four routes are available under the Immigration Law (Imigrācijas likums). Thresholds are set by law and reviewed periodically — current figures are below.
Property must be purchased in Latvia. A one-time state fee (currently €10,000) applies. The property cannot be agricultural or forest land. One of the most widely used investment residency routes.
Direct equity investment into a registered Latvian company with at least 5 employees and annual tax contributions above a set threshold. Suitable for entrepreneurs setting up or acquiring a business.
Subordinated capital contribution to a Latvian bank or credit institution. A more passive investment route — no active business involvement required.
Purchase of Latvian government bonds. Low-risk, passive route. Bonds must be held for the duration of the permit.
Investment amounts and qualifying conditions are defined in the Cabinet Regulations No. 564 and are subject to change. S‑Baltic verifies current thresholds at the time of each application.
The process
How S‑Baltic handles your application
Immigration applications in Latvia are processed by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA, Latvian: PMLP). The process involves document preparation, translation, notarisation, and in-person filing. S‑Baltic coordinates every step so you do not need to navigate this alone.
- 01
Issue mapping
We assess your situation, identify the right permit type, and outline the documents needed. You receive a written checklist before anything is filed.
- 02
Specialist assignment
We assign an immigration specialist from our network — a lawyer who handles only immigration matters — and brief them on your case.
- 03
Document preparation
The specialist prepares and reviews all documents. Foreign documents require certified Latvian translation and, in most cases, apostille or legalisation. We coordinate this.
- 04
OCMA filing
The application is filed with the OCMA. Standard processing is up to 30 days. We track the application and respond to any OCMA requests for additional information.
- 05
Permit issued
Once issued, we review the permit details with you, confirm all conditions, and flag any renewal timelines or follow-up obligations.
FAQ
Common questions about Latvian residency
How long does it take to get a Latvian residence permit?
The standard OCMA processing time is up to 30 days from the date a complete application is accepted. An express service is available (typically 10 working days) for an additional fee. Processing can take longer if documents are incomplete or require additional verification — which is the most common cause of delay.
Does a Latvian residence permit allow me to travel in the Schengen area?
Yes. A valid Latvian temporary or permanent residence permit, combined with a valid passport, allows visa-free travel within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It does not grant the right to live or work in other EU member states — for that, you would need a separate permit in the relevant country.
Can I work in Latvia with a temporary residence permit?
It depends on the grounds of your permit. A TRP issued for employment purposes includes the right to work for the named employer. Investment-based or family-based TRPs do not automatically include the right to take up employment — a separate work permit from the State Employment Agency (NVA) is required for employment under those routes. EU Blue Card holders may work for the employer named in their Blue Card.
What Latvian language level is required for permanent residence?
A minimum A2 level in Latvian is required for a permanent residence permit application. The test is administered by the Latvian Language Agency (Latviešu valodas aģentūra). EU Blue Card holders and certain other categories may qualify for an exemption or reduced requirement — this depends on the specific circumstances.
What is the minimum real estate investment for residency in Latvia?
The minimum purchase price is €250,000 for property located anywhere in Latvia. A one-time state fee (currently €10,000) is payable separately on top of the purchase price. The property must be residential or commercial — agricultural and forest land does not qualify. These thresholds are set by Latvian law and are reviewed periodically.
Can my family join me under my residence permit?
Yes. Spouses, minor children, and in some cases dependent parents can apply for family reunification TRPs once the primary applicant holds a valid Latvian residence permit. Each family member applies individually. The primary applicant must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family.
Get Started
Ready to start your application?
Send us a short note about your situation — your nationality, purpose of stay, and timeline — and we will map the right route and assign the right specialist within one business day.