get your Company, visa or Resident Permit in Latvia

Any foreigner who intends to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days within a six-month period must apply for a residence permit.

If you are outside of Latvia, you can apply at a Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If you are already in Latvia, you may be able to submit your application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

While specific requirements vary based on the purpose of your stay, you will generally need to submit a completed application form, a valid travel document, and other supporting documents, which may need to be legalized. It’s important to check the OCMA website for the precise list of documents required for your situation.

The processing time for a residence permit application starts once the OCMA in Latvia receives the application, not from the date of submission at an embassy. The standard processing time is around 30 days, with an additional 10 working days for the production of the permit card.

Yes, a Latvian residence permit allows you to travel and stay in other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, it does not grant you the right to work in other Schengen states.

Whether you need a visa for tourism depends on your citizenship. Citizens of many countries are exempt from visa requirements for short stays of up to 90 days. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your country on the Latvian embassy’s website.

A Schengen visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area, which includes Latvia and 25 other European countries. A short-stay Schengen visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Commonly required documents include a completed visa application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient financial means.

Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa issued by another member state, you can generally use it to travel to Latvia.

Yes, non-EU/EEA students planning to study in Latvia for more than 90 days must obtain a long-stay visa, which is a precursor to a residence permit for studies.

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Receive an acceptance letter from a Latvian university.

2. Gather the required documents, including the acceptance letter, proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation proof.

3. Fill out the visa application form.

4. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate.

5. Pay the visa fee and attend an interview if required.

You will generally need a completed application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, an acceptance letter from a Latvian university, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. For some nationalities, additional documents like a police clearance certificate may be required.

The processing time for a student visa is typically between 15 and 30 days, but it can take longer during peak periods. It’s advisable to apply at least two months before your intended travel date.

Yes, as a student with a residence permit, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time (40 hours per week) during holidays.

Yes, Latvia is open to foreign investors and entrepreneurs. There are no restrictions on foreigners owning Latvian companies.

The most common business structure, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, is a Limited Liability Company (SIA).

Yes, Latvia offers a “Startup Visa,” which is a three-year residence permit for non-EU founders of a startup with a viable business idea.

The general steps for company registration are:

1. Choose a company type, such as an SIA.

2. Prepare the necessary documents, including the articles of association and proof of a Latvian address.

3. Register the company with Latvia’s Register of Enterprises.

4. Open a bank account.

5. Register for taxes.

To register a company, you will typically need to provide an application form signed by a Latvian notary, the company’s charter and articles of association, proof of deposited share capital, and proof of a registered address.

The minimum share capital for a standard SIA is €2,800. However, it is also possible to establish a “micro SIA” with a share capital of just €1.

Yes, one of the significant tax benefits in Latvia is the 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits.