The step-by-step guide to the Latvia Work Visa Process and the types of work permits for foreign nationals. Latvia is a European Union country with a population of just 1.81 million people as of May 29, 2024. The Latvia work visa is known as the National Visa. It allows holders to work in Latvia. Other than the work visa, you will also need a work permit issued by a Latvian employer and a Latvian temporary residence permit to stay in Latvia. Its capital is Riga. Latvia is located in Northern Europe on the Baltic Sea.
In this article, I will write about how non-European nationals can apply for the Latvia work visa and how they can get a Work permit. EU Nationals do not require a work permit or a work visa. They only need to register their stay and place of residence at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The application process for obtaining a Latvian Long Term National Visa is relatively simple. The details are given below.
Types of Latvian Work Permits
Check the types of work permits and choose them according to your situation and qualifications. There are four types of Latvian work visas:
A Type Permit: This is the most common type of work permit required if you want to work for a Latvian employer
C and E Type Permit: This is an intra-company transfer permit. This type of permit is required if you are being transferred to work in Latvia in the same company. C applies to employees transferred within the same company, while E applies to managers, directors, and specialists with expert knowledge.
D Type Permit: If you would like to visit Latvia for a meeting. This permit is for the Business Visitor.
Seasonal Permit: The seasonal permit is issued for a short period and in a specific field such as tourism or agricultural jobs.
How to Get a Latvian Work Permit?
You must apply for the Job and secure a position. Your employer in Latvia will apply for the work permit on your behalf.
Requirements of Latvia Work Visa
- A Valid Job offer if you are applying for a work permit.
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Permission from the OCMA decision
- Two pictures
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of accommodation
- Booked tickets or flight itinerary
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Proof of health insurance
- Employment contract
- Proof of qualifications and previous work experience.
What is meant by the Permission from the OCMA Decision?
Your employer in Latvia needs to first get permission to hire you from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia.
How to Apply for the Latvia Work Visa?
- You can only submit your application if you have a Job offer, a Valid work permit, and the OCMA permission.
- You can apply for the Latvian work visa only at the Latvian embassy if it is available in your country. Here is a List of Latvian Embassies.
- If the Latvian embassy is not available in your country then you can submit your application for a Latvian work visa at the Diplomatic or Consular Mission of another Schengen Member State.
- Submit the Latvian Long Stay National Visa application form.
- Make an appointment with the Latvian embassy.
- Submit the required documents for a work visa.
Check which countries do not need a Visa for Latvia.
Apply for the Latvia Temporary Residence Permit After Arriving in Latvia
A Latvian Residence Permit is a document that grants a foreigner the legal right to reside in Latvia for a specific period. Once your visa application is approved you can collect your residence permit from the Latvian authority where you submitted your application.
Duration of a Work Visa and a Temporary Residence Permit
The Latvia long-stay visa is valid for three months. The temporary residence permit allows you to stay in Latvia for one year with the possibility of extensions.
Remember, this is a general overview of the Latvia Work Visa Process. It’s always recommended to check the information on the official website or the Latvian embassy/consulate in your country for the latest information.
