With one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expatriates and international companies. If your company is planning a Latvian expansion, a team of...
Read MoreWith one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expatriates and international companies. If your company is planning a Latvian expansion, a team of talented workers can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth transition. That said, recruiting employees is just one step of the process. You'll also need to ensure that all of your employees have the visas and permits they need to live and work in Latvia legally.
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With one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expatriates and international companies. If your company is planning a Latvian expansion, a team of talented workers can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth transition. That said, recruiting employees is just one step of the process. You’ll also need to ensure that all of your employees have the visas and permits they need to live and work in Latvia legally.
All foreigners will need one of the following visas based on their intended stay length:
All three of these visas are available as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry within the time the visa is valid. A long-stay visa is necessary for any foreign employees who plan to obtain a residence permit and work in Latvia.
To live and work in Latvia, foreign nationals will need to obtain three documents: a residence permit, a Type D visa, and a work permit.
The required documents to support a residence permit application vary by the applicant’s country of residence. Details are available online from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
The documents to support a Type D visa application include:
The requirements for a Latvian work permit include:
While a long-stay visa is required for foreign employees, this visa alone does not allow the holder to stay for 90 days. A residence permit is also necessary and should be obtained before application for a visa.
Residence permits are issued by the OCMA, which is a division of the Ministry of Interior. To apply, employees should complete the application form, print it, and sign it. They should submit the completed form along with the required supporting documents, all of which should be notarized and legalized, to the Latvian embassy or diplomatic mission in their country. An appointment is necessary, as applicants will also need to be interviewed. Applicants should receive a decision within 30 days.
After the officials at OCMA have approved the residence permit, applicants can move on to the next step: applying for a long-stay visa. This application should also be submitted at the Latvian embassy. Visa processing typically takes about five business days. Upon approval, the applicant should return to the embassy to pick up their visa.
Before they can begin working, foreign employees will also need a Latvian work permit. To obtain this permit, employees will need to demonstrate proof of employment with a company based in Latvia. In many cases, the residence visa is also a prerequisite. Work permits are issued by OCMA. Processing for work permits may take a month, so it’s recommended that employees apply at their local embassy before traveling to Latvia.
After obtaining the appropriate visa, employees may travel to Latvia. Upon arrival, they should visit OCMA to pick up their residence permit and work permit.
Latvia is a member of the European Union (EU), which means citizens of other EU member states are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa or residence permit. However, they will need to register with OCMA if they plan to remain in Latvia for more than 90 days.
Globalization Partners has all the resources and experience you need to succeed as you navigate the global expansion process. To learn more about how our solution can take the stress out of your endeavors in Latvia, contact us today.
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