Travel to Latvia for work

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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Latvia’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Latvia to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Latvia) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Latvia is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Latvian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Latvia’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Latvia. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Latvia’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

translated
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Latvia, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Latvia’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Latvia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

running or attending job interviews
going to court as a witness
attending trade fairs
attending board meetings
meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
fact-finding visits
negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
attending, speaking or presenting at a conference as long as you’re not being paid
studying
team-building activities
visiting business partners
conducting research or developing professional contacts

Or for the following types of training as long as it’s for the same company or group:

receiving classroom-based training
receiving on-the-job training
shadowing someone’s job

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Latvia’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities in Europe do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

The following may not require a visa or permit in Latvia:

artists and admin staff involved in a touring performance or concert for up to 14 days
freight and passenger carrier workers, including seafarers
those invited by an educational or scientific institution to conduct scientific research work, or implement educational programmes, for up to 14 days
those registered in the Latvian commercial register, a member of a board or council, a proctor such as an agent or attorney, an administrator, a liquidator or member of a company partnership who has the right to represent the partnership, for up to 90 days in a 6-month period
those authorised to represent a non-Latvian company in activities related to its branch in Latvia, for up to 90 days in a 6-month period
self-employed work, for up to 90 days in a 6-month period
temporary work assignments for a UK employer, for up to 14 days in a 180-day period
trainee internships up to 2 years after completing higher education studies
traineeship as part of a study programme

EU intra-company transfer permits from other countries

If you have an intra company transfer permit (EU ICT) from another country you can use this to work in Latvia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Your employer has to notify the State Labour Inspectorate and wait for a response before you can start work.

Exemptions are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
employment confirmation
a contract or after-sales agreement
proof of required qualifications, such as degree and professional certificates
CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Latvia’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Latvia’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

You will not be able to get dependant visas for any family members if you’re working on a Schengen C or national D visa. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa rules.

There are different rules for taking families if you have a temporary residence permit. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

Visas and residence permits

You need one of the following visas depending on how long you’re working in Latvia:

You need a temporary residence permit if you’re in Latvia for more than 1 year because you’re:

Temporary residence permits are valid for up to 5 years depending on which one you need.

Schengen C and national D visas for short-term work

To qualify for a Schengen C or national D visa you must:

have an employment contract with either a company in the UK or Latvia
stay on UK payroll if employed by a UK company, or on Latvian payroll if employed by a Latvian company
meet minimum monthly income requirements – check with the authorities as this amount may change over time

For regulated professions:

have the professional qualifications relevant to the job

For professions that are not regulated:

have the professional qualifications or work experience relevant to the job or
have confirmation from your employer that you will undergo on-the-job training

The Schengen C and national D visas take up to 8 weeks to get. The Schengen C visa is valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The national D visa for up to 1 year.

How it works

You submit a visa application to the Latvian consulate or embassy.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of the job vacancy publication with the State Employment Agency, if you have an employment contract with a company in Latvia
completed visa application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months beyond the expected expiry date of the visa
employment contract or service agreement
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
confirmation from your UK employer that you’ve been employed by them for at least 6 months, if working on a temporary assignment
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)

Transferring long term to a Latvian branch of a UK-based company

You need an EU ICT permit if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Latvia to work for:

up to 3 years
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee

For regulated professions:

have the professional qualifications relevant to the job

For professions that are not regulated:

have the professional qualifications or work experience relevant to the job or
have confirmation from your employer that you will undergo on-the-job training
have worked for the UK company for at least 6 months before the transfer
meet minimum salary requirements – check the amount with the authorities as this may change over time
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

An EU ICT permit can take up to 16 weeks to get. You can not extend it beyond 3 years or 1 year if you’re a trainee. You’ll need to wait for 6 months before you can apply for a new one.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

The branch in Latvia requests permission from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to employ you.
You submit a residence permit application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy.
You make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You’re tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
You make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
diploma or other qualification certificate and transcripts relevant to the job
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
proof that the UK and Latvian branches belong to the same group of companies
confirmation that you’ve been employed by the UK company or group of companies for at least 6 continuous months
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

You will also need to provide a letter from your UK employer, which includes the following information (if not already covered by the employment contract):

duration of the transfer
confirmation that you will hold a manager, specialist or trainee employee position
salary information
confirmation that after staying in Latvia you will continue employment with the UK company that transferred you to Latvia

Working for a company in Latvia on a Latvian contract

You need to apply for one of the following permits if you’ve been offered employment with a company in Latvia:

They have different minimum salary requirements. You need a higher income for the EU Blue Card.

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:

have an employment contract with a company in Latvia for at least 1 year
be placed on Latvian payroll
have a 3-year bachelor or higher-level degree relevant to the position, or have at least 5 years’ professional experience
meet minimum salary requirements you need to check the amount with the authorities as this may change over time

An EU Blue Card can take up to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 5 years. This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 5 years if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer requests permission from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to employ you.
You submit an EU Blue Card application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or at the Latvian consulate or embassy.
You make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You’re tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
You make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
degree certificate and transcripts for at least 3 academic years, relevant to the job in Latvia
original or certified copies of letters from current and former employers showing your work experience, if you have not got a degree certificate
original or certified copies of official tax documents proving you’ve been employed as stated in your work experience confirmation letter, if you can not provide a degree certificate
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
signed employment contract or a draft employment agreement with a company in Latvia
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Residence permit

To qualify for a residence permit you must:

have an employment offer with a company in Latvia for at least 1 year

For regulated professions:

have the professional qualifications relevant to the job

For professions that are not regulated:

have the professional qualifications or work experience relevant to the job or
have confirmation from your employer that you will undergo on-the-job training
meet minimum salary requirements – check the amount with the authorities as this may change over time
be placed on Latvian payroll

A residence permit can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 5 years. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer advertises the job vacancy in Latvia’s State Employment Agency.
Your employer requests permission from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to employ you.
You submit a residence permit application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy.
You make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You’re tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
You make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
diploma and transcripts relevant to the job
original or certified copies of letters from current and former employers showing your work experience, if you have not got a degree certificate
original or certified copy of official tax documents showing you’ve been employed as stated in your work experience confirmation letter, if you can not provide a degree certificate
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
signed employment contract or a draft employment agreement with a Latvian company
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Providing services to a client in Latvia

You can apply for a residence permit if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Latvian company for at least 1 year.

To qualify for a residence permit to provide services you must:

For regulated professions:

have the professional qualifications relevant to the job

For professions that are not regulated:

have the professional qualifications or work experience relevant to the job or
have confirmation from your employer that you will undergo on-the-job training
keep your UK employment
stay on UK payroll

A residence permit to provide services can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 5 years and you can not extend it.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer requests permission from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to employ you.
You submit a residence permit application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy.
You make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You’re tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
You make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
diploma or qualification certificate and transcripts relevant to the job
original or certified copies of letters from current and former employers showing your work experience, if you have not got a degree certificate
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
signed UK employment contract
contract or work order between your UK employer and the Latvian company
registration certificate of UK employer
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Self-employed work

You need a residence permit to carry out self-employed work or set up a business in Latvia.

To qualify you must:

be registered as self-employed in Latvia
have a business plan
have the personal financial means to start the activities outlined in your business plan

A residence permit for self-employment can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

submit a residence permit application and biometrics to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy
get tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia
with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, payslips
police clearance certificate
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
a business plan approved by a sworn auditor in Latvia, covering the expected duration of business
proof you have enough funds to carry out the activities in the business plan
a licence or certificate if you’re carrying out activities that require one
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Digital nomads (remote work visa)

You can apply for a long-stay visa for remote work.

To qualify you must be:

able to perform your duties remotely while staying in Latvia
employed by a company registered in the UK (or another OECD country) or self-employed
paid at least 2.5 times the average monthly salary in Latvia

A remote work visa takes up to 15 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for another year. After 2 years in Latvia, you may be able to switch to a temporary residence permit. If not, you will need to spend at least 6 months outside Latvia before reapplying for another remote work visa.

You are not able to bring your family members with you with this visa type.

How it works

You submit a visa application to the Latvian consulate or embassy.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process.

If you are an employee you will need:

completed visa form
UK passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
document certifying your current employment issued by HM Revenue and Customs
statement from your employer, confirming:
you’ve worked there for at least 6 months
your monthly salary
you can work remotely

If you’re self-employed you will also need:

completed visa form
UK passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
document from HM Revenue and Customs showing your income from work in the last 6 months

Investing in Latvia

If you want to invest in Latvia you may be able to apply for a residence permit under the Golden Visa scheme.

To qualify you must meet minimum income and investment requirements – you need to check with the authorities on the amounts as these may change over time.

The residence permit for investors can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 5 years and you can extend it. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

The company in Latvia requests permission from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to submit an application.
You submit a residence permit application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy.
You make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You’re tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
You make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Establishing a start-up in Latvia

You need to apply for a temporary residence permit if you want to establish a start-up company in Latvia.

To qualify you must:

have an innovative start-up idea (usually in technology)
meet minimum income requirements – you need to check the amount with the authorities as this may change over time

The start-up permit can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Submit a residence permit application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy within 1 year of the start up being registered.
Make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You are tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
Make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
descriptive information about your innovative product and planned commercial activities for the next 3 years
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Actions needed once you get the permit

You need to register as a member of the board of the start-up within 3 months of getting your permit. The start-up needs to be registered in Latvia within a year of applying for the permit.

You also need to submit information showing an early stage venture capital investment equal to the amount you specified when applying for your permit. You need to do this within 12 months of getting your permit.

Alternatively, you can submit a progress report on the activities implemented by the company within 12 months after the permit was issued. This should show the company’s ongoing development, production or improvement of the innovative product.

Research work

You can apply for a temporary residence permit for research you’ve been offered work with a recognised research institution in Latvia.

To qualify you must:

work for a research institution in the UK
have a signed cooperation agreement between your UK employer and the research institution in Latvia
meet minimum monthly income requirements – check the amount with the authorities as this may change over time

A researcher permit can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. It may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a spouse or children under 18 they can join you by applying for dependant permits. Check with Latvia’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Latvia’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

The research institution in Latvia requests permission from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to employ you.
You submit a residence permit application to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or to the Latvian consulate or embassy.
You make an appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and submit biometrics.
You’re tested for tuberculosis (TB) in Latvia.
You make a second appointment with the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Latvia’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed application form
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply for the residence permit
passport-standard photo taken within 6 months of applying
cooperation or employment agreement between the UK and Latvian research institutions
proof of travel and medical insurance cover for the duration of your permit
proof of your accommodation in Latvia
proof of agreement of studies in Latvia, if applicable
proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or payslips
proof you’ve paid the government application fees (state duty payment)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificate for any children, if applying with family

Latvian government guidance

Read official Latvian government information on visas and permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check foreign travel advice for Latvia, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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Travel to Latvia for work

Entry requirements

Visa and permit documents

Check if you need a visa or permit

Border checks

Check Latvia’s exemptions

EU intra-company transfer permits from other countries

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Visas and residence permits

Schengen C and national D visas for short-term work

How it works

Application documents

Transferring long term to a Latvian branch of a UK-based company

How it works

Application documents

Working for a company in Latvia on a Latvian contract

EU Blue Card

How it works

Application documents

Residence permit

How it works

Application documents

Providing services to a client in Latvia

How it works

Application documents

Self-employed work

How it works

Application documents

Digital nomads (remote work visa)

How it works

Application documents

Investing in Latvia

How it works

Application documents

Establishing a start-up in Latvia

How it works

Application documents

Actions needed once you get the permit

Research work

How it works

Application documents

Latvian government guidance

Check for travel changes

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