Residence permit in Latvia | Registration of an ID card for residence permit and permanent residence

Foreigners in Latvia

According to official statistics from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, at the end of December 2021 there were 45,027 non-residents with a residence permit in Latvia, and another 53,339 people with permanent residence. At the same time, the international migration data portal provides other statistics. According to it, in mid-2021, 237.3 thousand visitors lived in Latvia (12.4% of the total population).

There is a labor shortage in the country. Because of this, in February 2021, the government simplified entry conditions for a number of foreign specialists. And in 2019, the authorities announced that they would spend more than €503 thousand on projects that will help migrants adapt.

Latvia is also interested in attracting foreign investment. Since 2010, there has been a government program here that simplifies obtaining a residence permit for foreigners who are ready to invest in the country, including buying real estate.

Now the majority of foreigners in Latvia are Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians. There are also many students from India (2100) and Uzbekistan (1371) in the country.

Residence permit is a direct path to Latvian citizenship

In reality, this is true. Only many people are haunted by the feeling of some kind of half-truth. It can’t all be that simple, there must be a catch somewhere? Indeed, the process of obtaining Latvian citizenship is long and of course not so simple.

Conventionally, the message path can be divided into stages. At the first stage, a temporary residence permit is issued (Latvian termiņuzturēšanās atļaujas). On the second, a permanent residence permit (Latvian: pastāvīgās uzturēšanās atļaujas). If necessary, there is an intermediate, third option. This is the status of a permanent resident of the EU (Latvian: ES pastāvīgā iedzīvotāja statuses). In Europe this is called long-term EU resident status. And the last, fourth stage. The coveted citizenship of Latvia. Or the so-called European citizenship, which gives the right to live and work in any country of the European Union.

At this point, many hope to receive a detailed action plan. Do it once, do it twice, do it three and you have Latvian citizenship. It should be noted that this is possible when certain actions have been completed during the passage of all stages. The harsh truth of life is that it takes 5 years to obtain a permanent residence permit. And before reaching the final stage, Latvian citizenship, there are at least 10 years.

Visas to Latvia

Ukrainian citizens can enter Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, according to the website of the Latvian Foreign Ministry. The rule applies to holders of biometric passports.

Also, holders of diplomatic passports from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus can enter the country without a visa and for a similar period of time.

Holders of general international passports from Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus must have a visa (Schengen or national) to enter Latvia.

Types of visas

There are three categories of visas with which foreigners can be present in Latvia:

A – airport transit visa (single Schengen visa).
C – short-term visa (single Schengen).
D – long-term visa (national Latvian).

The first one is intended for traveling through the airport transit zone. If a foreigner has a valid Schengen, national visa or residence permit, a transit visa is not required. It is also not needed if the tourist is in Latvia for no more than 24 hours. It is prohibited to leave the airport.

For a regular tourist trip, a short-term visa is suitable. You can stay with her on the territory of the Schengen states, including Lithuania, for up to 90 days within six months.

A long-term visa can be single, double or multiple entry. It gives you the opportunity to enter the country for the time specified on the visa, stay in the territory of the state and leave there.

Embassies and consulates of the Republic of Latvia in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Belarus

Website of the Embassy in Russia

Embassy in Moscow – Chaplygina, 3
Consulate General in St. Petersburg – 10th line V.O., 11
Consulate in Pskov – Narodnaya, 25

Website of the embassy in Ukraine

Embassy in Kyiv – Ivan Mazepa, 6B

Website of the Embassy in Belarus

Embassy in Minsk – Doroshevicha, 6A
Consulate in Vitebsk – Bogdana Khmelnitsky, 27A

Website of the Embassy in Kazakhstan

Embassy in Nur-Sultan – Kabanbay Batyr, 6/1

Documents for residence permit in Latvia

The list of documents for a residence permit differs depending on the grounds for obtaining it. The full list is posted on the website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

The basic documents you will need are the following:

International passport.
Copies of pages of a general passport with personal data and registration (the original must be presented).
Application form for a residence permit.
Color photograph on a white background 3.5x4.5 cm.
Certificate of (no) criminal record issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence.
Document confirming the living wage.
A document confirming the intended place of residence in Latvia.

A permanent residence permit in Latvia requires knowledge of the Latvian language

The first thing you need to do is master the Latvian language. Part five, Article 24, of the Immigration Law stipulates that the foreign person referred to in paragraph 7, part one of this article has the right to obtain a permanent residence permit in Latvia. Subject to a number of conditions, and also if the applicant has mastered the state (Latvian) language. Keep in mind that the minimum category of the Latvian language is 2nd degree (A2).

The volume of knowledge of the state language, the procedure for testing knowledge of the state language, benefits when passing the test. Also, categories of persons who, due to long-term or irreparable health problems, are subject to exemption from testing knowledge of the state language. In addition, the procedure for recognizing other documents indicating knowledge of the state language to the appropriate extent is determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.

You must obtain an official certificate for the 2nd degree category (A2). Such certificates are issued by the state educational content center of the Ministry of Education and Science (National Educational Center, VISC) of the Republic of Latvia.

To obtain a permanent residence permit in Latvia, knowledge of the Latvian language is required. Attention, a foreigner must provide a 2nd degree category certificate (A2).

What is 2nd degree (A2) of the Latvian language

The degree of knowledge of the Latvian language is awarded at the State Center for Educational Content. Basic A level has two degrees. The lowest grade is A1 and the highest grade is A2. In our case, a Latvian language certificate, 2nd degree (A2) is required. This is when a foreigner is able to communicate in simple sentences on everyday and familiar professional topics. He also reads and understands easy texts about daily life and work. Can complete standard questionnaires and web forms.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit

Documents for requesting the first residence permit or when changing the grounds for it are submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of Latvia outside the Schengen zone. An existing permit can be extended on the same basis as it was issued only in Latvia - at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or at any of its territorial branches. Documents must be submitted no later than 45 days before the expiration of the residence permit.

The decision to grant a residence permit is made within 5, 10 or 30 days (depending on the paid option) after receipt of the documents by the competent authorities. Indeed, it is three months, during which you need to get a temporary residence card. To do this, you need to come to Latvia and go to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. On site, you must present an insurance policy and a health certificate issued by a Latvian medical institution.

Also, when issuing a residence permit, authorities may require a document confirming the intended place of residence of the foreigner. It does not need to be presented if the document was attached to the package of documents when requesting a residence permit or the foreigner declared a place of residence in Latvia.

Before receiving the card, you must submit your fingerprints and take a photo. The ID card takes ten days to prepare.

Important

A spouse, minor children, as well as persons under guardianship may apply for a residence permit for the same period as the applicant.

Required documents

The package of documents provided to obtain a temporary residence permit includes:

passport;
a completed application form for each family member;
photograph;
for persons over 14 years of age, a certificate of no criminal record, legalized in Latvia, issued in the country of citizenship or residence (if staying there for at least a year). The certificate is valid for six months.
a receipt for each family member confirming payment of the state duty;

an entry made in the name of the applicant in the Land Register for the right to settle in property owned by the person;
consent of the property owner and a copy of the land register;
a rental agreement with a copy of the lessor's title to the property;
documents confirming the availability of funds necessary to live in Latvia for a year - a bank account statement or traveler's checks. For a child, the amount is 171 EUR per month, for an adult family member it depends on the grounds for obtaining a residence permit and ranges from 285 to 1312 EUR per month.
documents confirming relationship (birth and marriage certificates, guardianship documents).

Depending on the grounds on which a person applies for a residence permit, the following are additionally provided :

Treatment agreement;
Training agreement;
Employment contract;
Documents certifying investments in a bank or business;
An agreement on the purchase of real estate, documents confirming non-cash payment, and, if necessary, certificates confirming the absence of debt for payment of real estate tax and compliance of the market value established by law.

When requesting a permanent residence permit, you must attach a certificate of proficiency in the Latvian language (at least level 2A), as well as confirmation of your stay in the country for the period established by law.

Why can they refuse to issue a residence permit?

In some cases, a foreigner is not issued a residence permit. Reasons for refusal may be:

false information when submitting documents;
documents obtained illegally;
lack of funds to live in Latvia;
absence of a foreign passport in principle or its non-recognition in the Republic of Latvia;
illness of a foreigner that threatens the health of local citizens;
illegal stay in Latvia or assistance to third parties in illegally crossing the state border;
having a criminal record for a crime for which Latvian law provides for imprisonment for a period of at least three years (this rule does not apply to those whose criminal record has been expunged);
military service in a foreign country;
confirmed fictitious marriage with a citizen of Latvia to obtain a residence permit.

See also the list of cases in which a residence permit is not issued in Latvia on the website of the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Affairs.

How much does it cost to obtain a residence permit?

The state fee for issuing a residence permit depends on the timing of its registration and the basis on which it is issued. Thus, the standard for real estate buyers is to review documents within 30 days – €70. To speed up the process to ten days you will have to pay €140. And in order for the documents to be accepted and processed within five days, you have to pay €210.

You may also need the services of a lawyer who will help you collect a package of documents. Prices depend on the tariffs of a particular company. If a residence permit is issued on the basis of the purchase of real estate, then many developers and agencies provide their clients with legal support free of charge.

How to extend a residence permit: permanent residence and citizenship of Latvia

Foreigners who have lived in Latvia for at least five years with a residence permit, which, in turn, is renewed annually, can count on permanent residence. According to the law, during this period you must not travel outside Latvia for a total of more than a year, and the longest trip should not exceed six months.

Also, to convert a temporary residence permit into permanent residence, you must pass an exam on knowledge of the state language at least level A2.

Foreigners can obtain Latvian citizenship through the process of naturalization. To do this, you must meet the following conditions:

be over 15 years old;
reside in Latvia for at least five years with permanent residence status (a break of a year is allowed, which, however, cannot be within a year before submitting the application);
pass exams on knowledge of the Latvian language, constitution, history and national anthem;
be able to confirm the legitimacy of sources of income;
renounce citizenship of one's own country.

Important

Children under 15 years of age permanently residing in Latvia can also naturalize together with their parents.

You can read more about acquiring citizenship on other grounds on the website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, in the corresponding section.

Registration procedure

The first step in obtaining a residence permit for this country is to submit all the necessary documents with an application and photographs to one of the Latvian representative offices. After which the documents are reviewed and a decision is made by the country’s Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Depending on what fee was paid by the foreigner, the review period can vary from 5 to 30 working days if the permit is temporary, and from 10 to 90 if it is permanent .

At the same time, the time for transporting papers from the applicant’s home country is not taken into account. If the government’s decision is positive, then the residence permit will be issued for three months. If a foreigner receives it for the first time, he will need to present a policy and a certificate stating that the citizen does not suffer from tuberculosis. An additional fee is charged for a plastic card, and the foreigner receives the coveted residence permit.

A document is issued for 5 years, renewal is not required during this period, but you will need to receive a new plastic card annually.

At the same time, all the immigrant’s documents, his place of residence, compliance with the conditions under which he received a residence permit, tax payments, absence of a crime and his state of health are checked, and only after that a new card is issued.

What does a residence permit in the country provide?

Depending on the type of residence permit, its holder acquires different rights and obligations. For example, holders of “golden visas” are not required to reside in Latvia: the law does not stipulate the minimum period of stay in the country for them. But for the mandatory annual renewal of the card, a foreigner must come to Riga one to three months before its expiration.

With a residence permit in Latvia, you can work in local companies, and you can apply for any position, except for civil servants, military personnel, lawyers and some other specific professions. Children of residence permit holders, in turn, can study in kindergartens and receive education in public and private schools in the country. They have the opportunity to choose both a Russian-speaking and an English-speaking institution.

However, the residence permit of parents does not apply to students of higher educational institutions. To enter there, a person over 18 years of age must have his own residence permit - for example, on the basis of studying at a university.

What else attracts a Latvian residence permit?

Fast processing times for applications – from one to three months.
Possibility to issue invitations to close relatives for a visa to Latvia.
Freedom of movement within the Schengen countries.
Simplified procedure for obtaining visas to England, Ireland, Canada and the USA.
The ability to buy and register any vehicle in your name. Drivers who have lived in the country for more than a year must obtain a local license.

Registration of permanent residence in Latvia

Gives you the opportunity to live, work, and study in any EU country.
Registration 2.5 months.
For citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other CIS countries.
The cost of registration is 6000 euros.
Permanent residence permit is indefinite, the card is valid for 2 years, it can be extended at any consulate of Latvia.
There are no residency requirements.
Children check in with a parent for free.

Contact and write (phone, WhatsApp, Viber) to the visa center 100viz.com, which has been working with European countries for more than 7 years, providing migration services.

Central square in Riga in winter