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10 programs Browse by destination and category, or jump straight to the one that fits.
Required for non-EU students enrolled at an accredited Latvian higher-education institution for studies longer than 90 days. The institution must obtain PMLP's approval of an invitation before the student applies, and the permit is typically valid for one year at a time.
A long-stay (type D) visa, not a residence permit, that lets non-EU nationals live in Latvia for up to a year while working remotely for an employer or as a self-employed person registered in an OECD member state. It is renewable once, and holders may not take local Latvian employment or earn Latvian-sourced income.
Latvia's implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU workers. No labour-market test is required. The card is issued for the length of the employment contract (up to a maximum), and opens a path to long-term residence and intra-EU mobility.
For non-EU researchers carrying out research under a scientific cooperation agreement with a Latvian institution in the Register of Scientific Institutions. The hosting institution applies on the researcher's behalf, and after the research period the researcher may apply for a short permit to seek employment.
Latvia issues no separate work permit document: the right to work is endorsed directly in the temporary residence permit granted by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). It functions in practice as the EU single permit. A labour-market test usually applies unless the role is exempt or the Blue Card route is used.
After five years of continuous lawful temporary residence, non-EU nationals can apply for a permanent residence permit, and separately for EU Long-Term Resident status, which carries EU-wide rights. Both require Latvian language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency; from 2026 stricter requirements apply, including a higher language level and knowledge of the constitution and history.
A temporary residence permit for non-EU nationals running their own business or operating as an individual merchant registered in Latvia's Commercial Register. It is distinct from the startup visa and requires a sworn-auditor-reviewed business plan and substantial personal means.
A dedicated temporary residence permit for non-EU founders who want to create or develop an innovative, scalable product in Latvia. Applicants submit a description of the product and a three-year business plan to PMLP for evaluation; several founders from the same startup can use the route.
Latvia offers temporary residence on several distinct investment grounds under the Immigration Law — real estate, share capital in a Latvian company, interest-free government bonds, or subordinated bank liabilities. Each route also requires a separate one-off contribution to the state budget when the first permit is issued.
Lets family members of a Latvian citizen, Latvian non-citizen, or a foreigner holding a permanent residence permit obtain a temporary residence permit on family grounds. The sponsor in Latvia must first obtain PMLP's approval of a formal invitation and takes on legal and financial responsibility for the family member.
