Latvia, as a member state of the European Union and the Schengen Area, has a structured system for managing the entry and stay of foreign nationals who intend to work within its borders. This system involves various visa types and work permits, designed to regulate the employment of non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and ensure compliance with national labor laws and immigration policies. Understanding these requirements is crucial for both foreign workers and the companies seeking to employ them.
Navigating the Latvian immigration framework requires careful attention to detail regarding application procedures, required documentation, and eligibility criteria. The process typically involves securing both the right to enter and reside in Latvia (via a visa or residence permit) and the right to work (via a work permit or combined permit).
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals wishing to work in Latvia typically require a long-stay visa (Type D) or a residence permit, which often incorporates the right to work. The specific type depends on the duration and nature of employment. Short-stay visas (Type C, Schengen) are generally not suitable for employment purposes, although they allow entry for business meetings or initial exploration.
| Visa/Permit Type | Purpose | Maximum Stay | Work Authorization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Type C) | Tourism, business meetings, short visits | 90 days/180 | No | Not for employment. |
| Long-Stay Visa (Type D) | Entry pending residence permit application | Up to 1 year | Often requires separate work permit or is combined | Allows entry and initial stay. |
| Temporary Residence Permit | Long-term stay for specific purpose (e.g., employment) | Up to 5 years | Yes (if purpose is employment) | Most common route for foreign workers. |
The Long-Stay Visa (Type D) is often a precursor, allowing the individual to enter Latvia and finalize the application for a Temporary Residence Permit, which is the primary document granting the right to live and work long-term.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
For most non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, obtaining the right to work in Latvia involves a process that requires active participation from both the prospective employee and the employer. The employer plays a significant role, particularly in proving the necessity of hiring a foreign national.
Employer Requirements:
- The employer must register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) for a specified period (usually 10 working days) to check if suitable candidates are available within Latvia or the EU/EEA.
- If no suitable local candidates are found, the employer can proceed with inviting the foreign national.
- The employer must submit an invitation letter (or call for invitation) to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). This invitation confirms the employment offer and the employer's commitment.
- The employer must guarantee the foreign national's accommodation and repatriation costs if necessary.
- The proposed salary must meet or exceed the average gross monthly wage in Latvia for the previous year, multiplied by a coefficient (currently 1.5 for most positions, higher for highly qualified professionals).
Employee Requirements:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Health insurance valid in Latvia.
- Criminal record check certificate from the country of origin and any country of residence for the past 10 years.
- Educational and professional qualification documents (often requiring translation and legalization/apostille).
- Employment contract signed with the Latvian employer.
- Application form for the residence permit.
Procedure:
- Employer registers vacancy with NVA.
- If no local candidates, employer obtains an invitation letter from OCMA.
- Employee applies for a Long-Stay Visa (Type D) at a Latvian embassy or consulate abroad, submitting the invitation and other required documents.
- Upon arrival in Latvia with the Type D visa, the employee applies for a Temporary Residence Permit at OCMA.
- OCMA reviews the application. This process includes checks by various state institutions.
- Once approved, the employee receives the Temporary Residence Permit card, which serves as both the residence and work permit.
Processing Times and Fees:
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the authorities.
- Invitation letter processing by OCMA: Typically 2-15 working days.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D) processing: Typically 5-15 working days.
- Temporary Residence Permit processing: Standard processing is usually up to 30 days. Expedited processing options may be available for higher fees, potentially reducing the time to 10 or 5 working days.
Fees are subject to change but generally include:
- State fee for invitation letter: Varies.
- State fee for Long-Stay Visa (Type D): Varies.
- State fee for Temporary Residence Permit application: Varies based on processing speed (standard, expedited).
- Fees for document translation, legalization, and potentially medical checks.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
After residing and working in Latvia on a Temporary Residence Permit for a significant period, foreign nationals may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.
The primary pathway involves residing legally in Latvia for five consecutive years based on a Temporary Residence Permit. During this five-year period, absences from Latvia must not exceed a total of 6 months within any single year, or a total of one year over the five-year period.
Eligibility criteria for a Permanent Residence Permit typically include:
- Proof of legal residence in Latvia for the required duration.
- Sufficient and stable financial resources to support oneself and dependents.
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
- Passing a state language proficiency test (Latvian).
- Knowledge of the national anthem and basic history/constitution of Latvia.
The application is submitted to OCMA, and processing times can vary. A Permanent Residence Permit grants the right to reside in Latvia indefinitely and work without needing a separate work permit.
Dependent Visa Options
Foreign nationals holding a Temporary Residence Permit in Latvia for employment purposes can typically apply for residence permits for their immediate family members to join them. Eligible dependents usually include:
- Spouse.
- Minor children (under 18 years old).
- Dependent parents (in specific circumstances).
The application process for dependents is similar to the main applicant's residence permit application, requiring submission of documents proving the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), the main applicant's valid residence permit, proof of sufficient financial means to support the family, and proof of accommodation for the family in Latvia. Each dependent must also meet general requirements such as having a valid passport, health insurance, and potentially a criminal record check.
Dependent residence permits are usually issued for the same validity period as the main applicant's permit.
Visa Compliance Obligations
Both employers and foreign employees have significant obligations to ensure compliance with Latvian immigration and labor laws.
Employer Obligations:
- Ensure the foreign national has the legal right to work in Latvia before employment commences (valid residence permit with work authorization).
- Register the employment contract with the State Revenue Service.
- Pay the agreed salary, which must meet the minimum threshold set for foreign workers.
- Notify OCMA of any changes to the employee's contract, position, or termination of employment within a specified timeframe.
- Maintain records related to the foreign employee's immigration status.
- Cooperate with immigration authorities if requested.
Employee Obligations:
- Maintain a valid passport and residence permit/visa at all times.
- Reside legally at the registered address in Latvia.
- Notify OCMA of any changes in personal details, address, or employment status.
- Comply with the terms and conditions of their residence permit and employment contract.
- Adhere to Latvian laws and regulations.
- Leave Latvia upon the expiry of their permit if it is not extended or a new status is not obtained.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in penalties for both the employer and the employee, including fines, revocation of permits, and potential entry bans. Maintaining open communication with immigration authorities and seeking professional advice when needed is crucial for ensuring smooth and compliant employment of foreign talent in Latvia.
