Latvia, officially known as the Republic of Latvia, is a small and peaceful Baltic country. It has breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Located between Lithuania and Estonia, Latvians are resilient people who have bounced back economically many times in history. Currently, Latvia is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen region. The official currency of Latvia is Euro.
A trip to Latvia shorter than 90 days will only require a visit visa; also known as a tourist visa, which does not allow work or employment in the country during those 90 days. The country also offers immigration and citizenship options to people that meet the requirements.
Immigration by investment
Latvia as stated is a small country and relies heavily on foreign investments to sustain itself. Latvia has recently invested its resources in the tourism sector, which needs a short period before bringing sustainable wealth to the country. As a result, the Latvian government announced the Gold Visa program in 2010. According to this program, an investor is offered a residency permit valid for 5 years. This means that the awarded person can enter and exit the state as he pleases. He can work, run a business, own properties, relocate to other EU countries, etc…
Permanent residency
A person having a residency permit for 5 years or more, and spending most of this time in Latvia, is eligible to apply for permanent residency status. Having the PR of Latvia means that:
- The holder is allowed to invite family and friends
- Provisional residence of children and spouse
- Access to education anywhere in the EU
- Access to the EU market for business expansion
- Unlimited travel across the EU
- Citizenship privileges in Latvia
Immigration by education
A temporary five-year residence permit can also be obtained on the basis of education. Though, it is very difficult to obtain such a residence permit, since the applicant is required to satisfy a big number of requirements. Usually, experts in their field of study, such as the ones pursuing doctoral degrees are preferred. It is important to note that this type of residency can not be converted into permanent residency status.
Benefits of permanent residency
- Boasted to be the cheapest choice of residency in the EU region
- A Latvian resident doesn’t need a visa to travel across the EU and Schengen region, as Latvia is a member state of both blocs.
- Once an individual acquires PR status, it automatically includes his/her spouse and children up to 18 years of age.
- A PR status holder that has lived for 5 years or more in Latvia, by proving that he spent most of his time in Latvia and has good moral character can apply for long-term EU residency. A person having EU long-term residency can relocate to any EU country visa-free.
- No need to say that PR in Latvia allows the holder to work, study and travel freely. This includes investment opportunities in Europe too.
Requirements and criteria for Immigration to Latvia
While a detailed list of requirements can be downloaded from the official Latvian immigration website or consulted with an immigration lawyer, below are a few very basic requirements that will help you to proceed further.
- Filling out the online form for Latvian immigration, which can be downloaded here: https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx
- Travel documents such as photographs, valid passports, academic records, bank statements, employment certificates, payslips, etc… shall be provided along with photocopies when it is required
- Insurance coverage of up to EUR 30,000, applicable in the EU and Schengen region is compulsory.
- Travel details, such as itinerary, the purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation, financial means, etc… to be shared with the immigration authorities when demanded.
Reasons the long-term resident status can be revoked
The law of Latvia states that a person holding a resident status may lose his/her status in case of any or all of the following scenarios:
- Obtaining long-term residence of any other EU country
- Documents are found falsified
- Have stayed outside Latvia for over a year continuously or for 6 years outside the EU region.
- Has proved to be a threat to the public or the state
