Latvia Work Permit

 

With one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expatriates and international companies. If your company is planning a Latvian expansion, a team of talented workers can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth transition. That said, recruiting employees is just one step of the process. You’ll also need to ensure that all of your employees have the visas and permits they need to live and work in Latvia legally.

Types of Work Visas in Latvia

All foreigners will need one of the following visas based on their intended stay length:

Type A, or airport transit visa: This visa is issued to foreign nationals who need to pass through the airport transit zone in Latvia as they travel to another destination.

Schengen Type C, or short-term visa: This visa is also called a unified visa. It allows a foreign national to stay within the territory of the Schengen Area.

Type D, or long-stay visa: A long-stay visa is granted to foreign nationals who are entering Latvia and need to stay for more than 90 days within a period of six months. This visa also allows the holder to travel throughout other countries in the Schengen Area during this time.

All three of these visas are available as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry within the time the visa is valid. A long-stay visa is necessary for any foreign employees who plan to obtain a residence permit and work in Latvia.

Requirements to Obtain Latvia Work Visas

To live and work in Latvia, foreign nationals will need to obtain three documents: a residence permit, a Type D visa, and a work permit.

The required documents to support a residence permit application vary by the applicant’s country of residence. Details are available online from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

The documents to support a Type D visa application include:

A passport that has at least two blank pages and three months of validity

A completed visa application form

One passport photo, which should be in color

Documentation of residence permit approval from OCMA

Proof of travel medical insurance

A copy of the applicant’s flight information for the trip to Latvia

Proof of payment for the visa fee

The requirements for a Latvian work permit include:

A passport

Proof of accommodations in Latvia

Documents supporting the employee’s job qualifications, such as a diploma and CV

A copy of the applicant’s residence permit, if available

A letter from the employer

Employees should reach out to the Latvian embassy for a full list of required documents to support each application

Application Process

While a long-stay visa is required for foreign employees, this visa alone does not allow the holder to stay for 90 days. A residence permit is also necessary and should be obtained before application for a visa.

Residence permits are issued by the OCMA, which is a division of the Ministry of Interior. To apply, employees should complete the application form, print it, and sign it. They should submit the completed form along with the required supporting documents, all of which should be notarized and legalized, to the Latvian embassy or diplomatic mission in their country. An appointment is necessary, as applicants will also need to be interviewed. Applicants should receive a decision within 30 days.

After the officials at OCMA have approved the residence permit, applicants can move on to the next step: applying for a long-stay visa. This application should also be submitted at the Latvian embassy. Visa processing typically takes about five business days. Upon approval, the applicant should return to the embassy to pick up their visa.

Before they can begin working, foreign employees will also need a Latvian work permit. To obtain this permit, employees will need to demonstrate proof of employment with a company based in Latvia. In many cases, the residence visa is also a prerequisite. Work permits are issued by OCMA. Processing for work permits may take a month, so it’s recommended that employees apply at their local embassy before traveling to Latvia.

After obtaining the appropriate visa, employees may travel to Latvia. Upon arrival, they should visit OCMA to pick up their residence permit and work permit

Latvia

 

Latvia Business Visa is explicitly designed for those who plan a business visit to the country with the aim of establishing business contacts, develop cooperation with Latvia  companies, solving issues related to joint business, participation in business conferences and negotiations with foreign partners.

Our company provides official Latvia  business invitation letter which gives you the opportunity to get a Business visa for a single/double or multiple entries valid up to 90 days. To obtain a business visa, you need to submit your application in the (VFS GLOBAL) or embassy of Latvia in your home country.

Required documents for business visa invitation

• Passport Scan Copy
• Full Permanent Address
• Planned Date Of Travel
• Business Detail (Name, Address, Phone)

Latvia Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines

Depending on the purpose of your travel to Latvia, there are different types of visas that will apply to the occasion.

Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside in Latvia permanently, you will have to apply for a different Latvian Schengen Visa, accordingly.
You can apply for the Latvian Schengen Visa since 2007 when Latvia as an EU Member country also became a member state of the Schengen Area.

As per 2016, Latvia has issued a total of 163,372 uniform Schengen visas (41,405 less than in 2014).

General required documents for Latvian Schengen visa application:

• Fill the Latvian visa online application form.
• 2 photos must be attached; the photo should be of passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background
• Your passport and copies of your previous visas – valid for at least 3 months beyond return date – are required. Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
• Europe Travel insurance confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Latvia and the entire Schengen zone.
• A cover letter stating the purpose of your travel to Latvia and itinerary
• Flight Itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Latvia
• Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in the Republic of Latvia.
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Latvia.
  • As the European Commission tells, according to the Immigration Law, foreign nationals who want to enter and reside in the Republic of Latvia, they need to attest enjoying at least 14€/day for the duration of their stay, at the moment applying for a Latvian Visa to the Latvian Embassy or Consulate.

Latvian Schengen Visa for Business Purposes:

• Invitation letter from the Latvian company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit
• A certificate from your employer stating/allowing your business travel
• If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, proof of such events must be provided
• Business bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies) Trade License (first issued and present renewal), Proprietorship/Partnership documents
• Regarding the applicant’s expenses during stay in the Schengen zone, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation 

Proof of Financial support such as :

1.  Original Bank statement for last three (03) months duly stamped and signed by the issuing bank branch.
2.  Copy of Income Tax Returns for the last three years
3.  Copy of Salary Slips for the last three (03) months (if employed)
4.  Copy of Pan Card
5. Copy of Registration certificate of the  company (if applicant is the business owner)
6. Proof of occupation.