Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Riga, Latvia

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Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Riga, Latvia

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1. Schengen Visa for Riga, Latvia

Required for non-EU/EEA citizens. Allows free movement within Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
  • Application Time: Varies by country, but usually takes around 15 calendar days.
  • Document Requirements: Includes passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay, travel health insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and invitation letter if applicable.
  • Validity Duration: Generally valid for up to 5 years, multiple entries.

2. Latvia e-Resident Visa

For digital entrepreneurs, allowing remote work in Latvia without a physical presence. Approved within 5 working days.
  • Duration: 1 year initially, renewable annually.
  • Work Permit: Not required to work as e-resident in Latvia.
  • Digital Services: Access to e-services like company registration, e-taxes, and digital signatures.

3. Crew Member Visa for Riga

For air or sea crew members, valid up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Applicable when starting or finishing work in Latvia.
  • Employment Contract: Required as part of the application.
  • Valid Seafarer's Document: Needed for sailors only.
  • Visa Processing Fee: Exempt from visa application fee.

4. Business Visa for Riga

For activities related to trade, negotiations, conferences, or training. Valid up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Invitation Letter: Required from the Latvian company invited.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Needed to prove ability to cover living costs during stay.
  • Application Submission: Can be submitted at Latvian embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.

5. Work Permit for Riga

Required to work in Latvia. Issued after a job offer from a Latvian employer.
  • Residence and Work Permit Combined: Single permit combining residence and work permissions.
  • Quota System: Limited to certain occupations with shortage of labor.
  • Processing Time: Takes up to 2 months.

6. Student Visa for Riga

For studies lasting more than 3 months. Allows work during studies and after graduation.
  • Study Program Duration: More than 3 months required for a student visa.
  • Work Authorization: Part-time work allowed during studies, and full-time after graduation.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds: Required to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

7. Short-Term Visa for Riga

For tourism, visiting family/friends, or business. Valid up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Invitation Letter: Required if staying with a host.
  • Purpose of Visit: Should be clearly stated in the application.
  • Validity Period: Can only be extended once for up to 90 days.

8. Transit Visa for Riga

For passengers transiting through Riga airport with a connection time of less than 24 hours.
  • Validity Duration: Up to 5 days.
  • Transit Through Schengen Area: If transiting through multiple Schengen countries, apply for a multi-entry Schengen transit visa.
  • Document Requirements: Includes valid travel documents, onward journey ticket, and sufficient funds.

9. Airport Transit Visa for Riga

For passengers with connections of more than 24 hours at Riga airport.
  • Visa-Free Transit: Does not allow leaving the transit area of the airport.
  • Transiting Through Schengen Area: If transiting through multiple Schengen countries, apply for a multi-entry Schengen transit visa.
  • Document Requirements: Includes valid travel documents, onward journey ticket, and sufficient funds.

10. Family Members of EU Citizens Visa

Allows family members of EU citizens to reside in Latvia. Issued for up to 5 years initially.
  • Relationship with EU Citizen: Spouse, children under 21, or dependent parents.
  • Residence Permit: Required to live in Latvia.
  • Processing Time: Takes up to 2 months.

11. Working Holiday Visa for Riga

For young adults between 18 and 30 years old from eligible countries. Allows work and travel in Latvia.
  • Eligible Countries: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
  • Duration: Up to 1 year initially, renewable once.
  • Work Authorization: Allowed for specified work during the stay.

12. Residence Permit for Investors in Riga

For investors making significant investments in Latvia. Allows permanent residence after 5 years.
  • Investment Amount: At least EUR 100,000 in government bonds or capital investment.
  • Duration: Initially for 3 years, renewable for additional 2-year periods.
  • Permanent Residence Eligibility: Eligible after 5 years of residence.

13. Residence Permit for Self-Employed in Riga

For self-employed individuals seeking to start a business in Latvia.
  • Business Plan: Required as part of the application.
  • Investment Amount: Minimum EUR 3,000 for starting a business.
  • Duration: Initially for 2 years, renewable thereafter.

14. Residence Permit for Retirees in Riga

For retirees seeking to reside in Latvia permanently.
  • Retirement Age: Applicable after reaching the retirement age of the applicant's home country.
  • Pension Income: Should have a pension income of at least EUR 590 per month.
  • Duration: Initially for 3 years, renewable thereafter.

15. Residence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons in Riga

For individuals seeking asylum or refugee status in Latvia.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Based on the applicant's well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons such as race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
  • Refugee Status Duration: Temporary and subject to periodic review.
  • Family Reunification: Possible for family members of recognized refugees.
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