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Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Latvia

Depending on the purpose and duration of your travel to Latvia, different types of visas will apply to the circumstance. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study, or work and reside there permanently, you will have to apply for a different Latvia Visa, accordingly.

For the duration of stay Latvia visa falls into two categories:

  • Short-stay (for stays up to 90 days)
  • Long-stay (for stays more than 90 days)

Each of these categories has several subcategories according to the purpose of travel to Latvia.

Latvia Schengen Visa

Latvia Schengen Visa

As a part of the Schengen area, Latvia issues uniform Schengen visas for short stay visits (type C). 

Depending on the purpose, the subcategories of Latvian Schengen visa usually consist of:

  • Business
  • Tourist
  • Visiting Family & Friends
  • Attending Cultural or Sports Events or Conferences
  • Erasmus, Other Training or EU Research programs

Depending on the type and frequency of travel to Latvia, a Schengen visa can be single-entry, double-entry, and multi-entry. The validity period of a single Schengen visa usually covers the travel period specified in the Latvian visa application form. If you frequently travel to the Schengen area, you may obtain a one-, two-, three- and five-year multi-entry Schengen visa, depending on the Latvian consulate's decision. However, you should note that you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any case. In this case, holders of multi-entry long-term Schengen visas can remain in the Schengen area maximum of 90 days every 180 days.

 

Short-stay Latvia Visa Costs

When applying for a Schengen visa, each person must pay a visa fee. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. The Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia is currently 35 EUR. These three countries benefit from reduced visa costs under an agreement with the Schengen countries. In other countries, this amount is 80 EUR for people over 12 years old, 40 EUR for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under six years old.

In most cases, if you belong to one of the following categories, you are exempt from visa fees by providing relevant evidence:

  • Close relatives of those legally living in the Schengen area (close relatives include spouse, children (including adopted), parents (or guardians), grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren);
  • Pensioners.
  • Members of official delegations, including permanent members of official delegations, participating in formal meetings, consultations, negotiations, and exchange programs, as well as events of intergovernmental organizations based on an official invitation.
  • Pupils, students, graduate students, and pedagogical staff traveling with them for research and educational purposes within the framework of the official educational program.
  • People with disabilities and accompanying persons, if necessary.
  • Participants of international sports events and persons accompanying them in connection with their professional activities.
  • Official visits of journalists and technical staff.

 

 

Latvia Tourist Visa

Latvia Tourist visa is granted for those where the intention is to visit Latvia for tourism and sightseeing without having an invitation from a Latvia referent.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Tourist Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Fully completed and signed

        In cases of minors:

  • The application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area
  • Containing at least two blank pages
  • Issued within the previous ten years

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. A Travel Medical Insurance Policy

  • Policies should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all the planned days of stay
  • The insurance validity region should cover all Schengen countries
  • The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR
  • Policies should cover your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and/ or assistance on-site, including the costs of medical repatriation of the insured person to the place of permanent residency or the repatriation in case of death.

7. Flight or Travel Reservations or Other Proof of Intended Transport

  • A round trip booking, if applicable

8. Proof of Accommodation

  • Voucher or booking from the hotel clearly indicating:
    • Name and surname of the visa customer
    • Duration of the stay
    • Contact details of the hotel

        In the case of medical treatment:

  • Confirmation of stay in a medical institution

9. Proof of Solvency

  • Original bank statements from the last 3 months; 
  • Certificate of real estate property or proof of other assets that generate regular income
  • proof of pension; or
  • Proof of other regular income

10. Document to be Provided by Employees:

  • A letter from the employer on official company paper with stamp, signature, date, and clearly mentioning:
    • Address
    • Landline telephone numbers of the employing company
    • The countersigning officer's name and position in the company
    • The name of the employee
    • Position
    • Salary
    • Duration of employment

11. Document to be Provided by Company Owners

  • Original certificate of state registration or notarized copy of the certificate on registration (extract from state registry)

12. Document to be Provided by Pupils/Students

  • Proof of enrolment in school or university

13. Documents to be Provided by Minors (Under 18 Years of Age)

  • Original birth certificate
  • The consent of the parental authority and/or legal guardian:
    • If the minor travels alone or only with one parent
    • If the minor travels without his/her legal guardian
    • If the minor is traveling with one of his/her legal guardians
    • If the first name of the parent(s) and family name are different than the ones presented in the birth certificate of the minor, the parent(s) shall provide additional documents (marriage certificate(s) or adoption paper(s) or documents proving a change of given name or surname confirming the relationship of the parent(s) with the minor

14. Documents Proving Your Intention to Leave the Territory of the Member States

  • Proof of integration into the country of residence:
    • Family ties 
    • Professional status; or
    • Proof of real estate property 
    • Long term rent; or
    • Lease agreement

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Tourist visa is 5-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Latvia Tourist Visa Fee

When applying for a Schengen visa, each person must pay a visa fee. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. The Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia is currently 35 EUR. These three countries benefit from reduced visa costs under an agreement with the Schengen countries. In other countries, this amount is 80 EUR for people over 12 years old, 40 EUR for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under six years old.

In most cases, if you belong to one of the following categories, you are exempt from visa fees by providing relevant evidence:

  • Close relatives of those legally living in the Schengen area (close relatives include spouse, children (including adopted), parents (or guardians), grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren);
  • Pensioners.
  •  Members of official delegations, including permanent members of official delegations, participating in formal meetings, consultations, negotiations, and exchange programs, as well as events of intergovernmental organizations based on an official invitation.
  •  Pupils, students, graduate students, and pedagogical staff traveling with them for research and educational purposes within the framework of the official educational program.
  • People with disabilities and accompanying persons, if necessary.
  • Participants of international sports events and persons accompanying them in connection with their professional activities.
  • Official visits of journalists and technical staff.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Tourist visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

 

Latvia Business Visit Visa

A Latvian business visa is granted for those who are visiting Latvia for business meetings.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Business Visit Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Fully completed and signed

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area
  • Containing at least two blank pages
  • Issued within the previous ten years

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. A Travel Medical Insurance Policy

  • Policies should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all the planned days of stay
  • The insurance validity region should cover all Schengen countries
  • The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR
  • Policies should cover your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and/ or assistance on-site, including the costs of medical repatriation of the insured person to the place of permanent residency or the repatriation in case of death.

7. Flight or Travel Reservations or Other Proof of Intended Transport

  • A round trip booking, if applicable

8. Proof of Accommodation

  • Voucher or booking from the hotel clearly indicating:
    • Name and surname of the visa customer
    • Duration of the stay.
    • Contact details of the hotel

        In the case of medical treatment:

  • Confirmation of stay in a medical institution

9. Proof of Solvency

  • Original bank statements from the last 3 months
  • Certificate of real estate property or proof of other assets that generate regular income
  • Proof of pension; or
  • Proof of other regular income

10. Document to be Provided by Employees:

  • A letter from the employer on official company paper with stamp, signature, date, and clearly mentioning:
    • Address
    • Landline telephone numbers of the employing company
    • The countersigning officer's name and position in the company
    • The name of the employee
    • Position
    • Salary
    • Duration of employment

11. Document to be Provided by Company Owners

  • Original certificate of state registration or notarized copy of the certificate on registration (extract from state registry)

12. Documents Proving Your Intention to Leave the Territory of the Member States

  • Proof of integration into the country of residence:
    • Family ties
    • Professional status; or
    • Proof of real estate property
    • Long term rent or
    • Lease agreement

13. Invitation Approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or a Private Invitation Letter

  • The private invitation letter should contain the following:
    • The inviting party’s full name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, Passport No, or the name of the company, its registration No.
    • The purpose of travel
    • Information on whether the inviting party will cover the expenses of the invited party during his/her stay
    • The planned time for the visit and the number of entries
    • The address of the invitee’s place of residence during his/her visit
    • The signatories name, surname, and position

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Business Visit Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Business Visit visa is 5-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Latvia Business Visit Visa Fee

When applying for a Schengen visa, each person must pay a visa fee. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. The Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia is currently 35 EUR. These three countries benefit from reduced visa costs under an agreement with the Schengen countries. In other countries, this amount is 80 EUR for people over 12 years old, 40 EUR for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under six years old.

In most cases, if you belong to one of the following categories, you are exempt from visa fees by providing relevant evidence:

  • Close relatives of those legally living in the Schengen area (close relatives include spouse, children (including adopted), parents (or guardians), grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren);
  • Pensioners.
  • Members of official delegations, including permanent members of official delegations, participating in formal meetings, consultations, negotiations, and exchange programs, as well as events of intergovernmental organizations based on an official invitation.
  • Pupils, students, graduate students, and pedagogical staff traveling with them for research and educational purposes within the framework of the official educational program.
  • People with disabilities and accompanying persons, if necessary.
  • Participants of international sports events and persons accompanying them in connection with their professional activities.
  • Official visits of journalists and technical staff.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Business Visit Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Business Visit visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

 

Latvia Cultural, Scientific or Sports Events Visa

This visa is designated for those who are visiting Latvia for Cultural, Scientific, or Sports Events.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Cultural Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Fully completed and signed

        In cases of minors:

  • The application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area
  • Containing at least two blank pages
  • Issued within the previous ten years

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. A Travel Medical Insurance Policy

  • Policies should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all the planned days of stay
  • The insurance validity region should cover all Schengen countries
  • The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR
  • Policies should cover your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and/ or assistance on-site, including the costs of medical repatriation of the insured person to the place of permanent residency or the repatriation in case of death.

7. Flight or Travel Reservations or Other Proof of Intended Transport

  • A round trip booking, if applicable

8. Proof of Accommodation

  • Voucher or booking from the hotel clearly indicating:
    • Name and surname of the visa customer
    • Duration of the stay
    • Contact details of the hotel

9. Proof of Solvency

  • Original bank statements from the last 3 months
  • Certificate of real estate property or proof of other assets that generate regular income
  • Proof of pension; or
  • Proof of other regular income

10. Document to be Provided by Employees:

  • A letter from the employer on official company paper with stamp, signature, date, and clearly mentioning:
    • Address
    • Landline telephone numbers of the employing company
    • The countersigning officer's name and position in the company
    • The name of the employee
    • Position
    • Salary
    • Duration of employment

11. Document to be Provided by Company Owners

  • Original certificate of state registration or notarized copy of the certificate on registration (extract from state registry)

12. Document to be Provided by Pupils/Students

  • Proof of enrolment in school or university

13. Documents to be Provided by Minors (Under 18 Years of Age)

  • Original birth certificate
  • The consent of the parental authority and/or legal guardian:
    • If the minor travels alone or only with one parent
    • If the minor travels without his/her legal guardian
    • If the minor is traveling with one of his/her legal guardians
    • If the first name of the parent(s) and family name are different than the ones presented in the birth certificate of the minor, the parent(s) shall provide additional documents (marriage certificate(s) or adoption paper(s) or documents proving a change of given name or surname confirming the relationship of the parent(s) with the minor

14. Documents Proving Your Intention to Leave the Territory of the Member States

  • Proof of integration into the country of residence:
    • Family ties,
    • Professional status; or
    • Proof of real estate property,
    • Long term rent or
    • Lease agreement.

15. Invitation Approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or a Private Invitation Letter

  • The private invitation letter should contain the following:
    • The inviting party’s full name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, Passport No.
    • Or the name of the company, its registration No.
    • The purpose of travel
    • Information on whether the inviting party will cover the expenses of the invited party during his/her stay
    • The planned time for the visit and the number of entries
    • The address of the invitee’s place of residence during his/her visit
    • The signatories name, surname, and position

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Cultural Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Cultural Visa is 5-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Latvia Cultural Visa Fee

When applying for a Schengen visa, each person must pay a visa fee. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. The Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia is currently 35 EUR. These three countries benefit from reduced visa costs under an agreement with the Schengen countries. In other countries, this amount is 80 EUR for people over 12 years old, 40 EUR for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under six years old.

In most cases, if you belong to one of the following categories, you are exempt from visa fees by providing relevant evidence:

  • Close relatives of those legally living in the Schengen area (close relatives include spouse, children (including adopted), parents (or guardians), grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren);
  • Pensioners.
  • Members of official delegations, including permanent members of official delegations, participating in formal meetings, consultations, negotiations, and exchange programs, as well as events of intergovernmental organizations based on an official invitation.
  • Pupils, students, graduate students, and pedagogical staff traveling with them for research and educational purposes within the framework of the official educational program.
  • People with disabilities and accompanying persons, if necessary.
  • Participants of international sports events and persons accompanying them in connection with their professional activities.
  • Official visits of journalists and technical staff.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Cultural Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Cultural visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

 

Latvia Erasmus, Other Training or EU Research Programs Visa

A Latvia Erasmus/Training visa is granted for those who undertake trips to Latvia for study or educational training, which requires staying in Latvia up to 90 days per half a year.

In case of activities, which require to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days per half a year, it is necessary to apply directly to the Embassy of Latvia for a national study visa.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Erasmus/Training (Schengen) Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Fully completed and signed

        In cases of minors:

  • The application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area
  • Containing at least two blank pages
  • Issued within the previous ten years

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. A Travel Medical Insurance Policy

  • Policies should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all the planned days of stay
  • The insurance validity region should cover all Schengen countries
  • The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR
  • Policies should cover your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and/ or assistance on-site, including the costs of medical repatriation of the insured person to the place of permanent residency or the repatriation in case of death.

7. Flight or Travel Reservations or Other Proof of Intended Transport

  • A round trip booking, if applicable

8. Proof of Accommodation

  • Voucher or booking from the hotel clearly indicating:
    • Name and surname of the visa customer
    • Duration of the stay
    • Contact details of the hotel

9. Proof of Solvency

  • Original bank statements from the last 3 months
  • Certificate of real estate property or proof of other assets that generate regular income
  • Proof of pension; or
  • Proof of other regular income

10. Document to be Provided by Employees:

  • A letter from the employer on official company paper with stamp, signature, date, and clearly mentioning:
    • Address
    • Landline telephone numbers of the employing company
    • The countersigning officer's name and position in the company
    • The name of the employee
    • Position
    • Salary
    • Duration of employment

11. Document to be Provided By Company Owners

  • Original certificate of state registration or notarized copy of the certificate on registration (extract from state registry)

12. Document to be Provided by Pupils/Students

  • Proof of enrolment in school or university

13. Documents to be Provided by Minors (Under 18 Years of Age)

  • Original birth certificate
  • The consent of the parental authority and/or legal guardian:
    • If the minor travels alone or only with one parent
    • If the minor travels without his/her legal guardian
    • If the minor is traveling with one of his/her legal guardians
    • If the first name of the parent(s) and family name are different than the ones presented in the birth certificate of the minor, the parent(s) shall provide additional documents (marriage certificate(s) or adoption paper(s) or documents proving a change of given name or surname confirming the relationship of the parent(s) with the minor

14. Documents Proving Your Intention to Leave the Territory of the Member States

  • Proof of integration into the country of residence:
    • Family ties
    • Professional status
    • Or proof of real estate property
    • Long term rent
    • Or lease agreement

15. Invitation Approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or an Invitation Letter

  • The invitation letter must contain the following:
    • The name of the inviting company and its registration No.
    • The purpose of travel
    • Information on whether the inviting party will cover the expenses of the invited party during his/her stay
    • The planned time for the visit and the number of entries
    • The address of the invitee’s place of residence during his/her visit
    • The signatories name, surname, and position

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Erasmus/Training (Schengen) Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Erasmus/Training (Schengen) visa is 5-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Latvia Erasmus/Training (Schengen) Visa Fee

When applying for a Schengen visa, each person must pay a visa fee. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. The Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia is currently 35 EUR. These three countries benefit from reduced visa costs under an agreement with the Schengen countries. In other countries, this amount is 80 EUR for people over 12 years old, 40 EUR for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under six years old.

In most cases, if you belong to one of the following categories, you are exempt from visa fees by providing relevant evidence:

  • Close relatives of those legally living in the Schengen area (close relatives include spouse, children (including adopted), parents (or guardians), grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren);
  • Pensioners.
  • Members of official delegations, including permanent members of official delegations, participating in formal meetings, consultations, negotiations, and exchange programs, as well as events of intergovernmental organizations based on an official invitation.
  • Pupils, students, graduate students, and pedagogical staff traveling with them for research and educational purposes within the framework of the official educational program.
  • People with disabilities and accompanying persons, if necessary.
  • Participants of international sports events and persons accompanying them in connection with their professional activities.
  • Official visits of journalists and technical staff.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Erasmus/Training (Schengen) Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Erasmus/Training (Schengen) visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

 

Latvia Family or Friends Visit Visa

This category of visa is designated for people wishing to stay in Latvia for a period of a maximum of 3 months per half a year to visit the member of his/her family or friend.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Family or Friends Visit Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Fully completed and signed

        In cases of minors:

  • The application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area.
  • Containing at least two blank pages.
  • Issued within the previous ten years.

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well.

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. A Travel Medical Insurance Policy

  • Policies should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all the planned days of stay
  • The insurance validity region should cover all Schengen countries
  • The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR
  • Policies should cover your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and/ or assistance on-site, including the costs of medical repatriation of the insured person to the place of permanent residency or the repatriation in case of death

7. Flight or Travel Reservations or Other Proof of Intended Transport

  • A round trip booking, if applicable

8. Proof of Accommodation

  • Voucher or booking from the hotel clearly indicating:
    • Name and surname of the visa customer
    • Duration of the stay
    • Contact details of the hotel

9. Proof of Solvency

  • Original bank statements from the last 3 months
  • Certificate of real estate property or proof of other assets that generate regular income
  • Proof of pension, or
  • Proof of other regular income

10. Document to be Provided by Employees:

  • A letter from the employer on official company paper with stamp, signature, date, and clearly mentioning:
    • Address
    • Landline telephone numbers of the employing company
    • The countersigning officer's name and position in the company
    • The name of the employee
    • Position
    • Salary
    • Duration of employment

11. Document to be Provided by Company Owners

  • Original certificate of state registration or notarized copy of the certificate on registration (extract from state registry)

12. Document to be Provided by Pupils/Students

  • Proof of enrolment in school or university

13. Documents to be Provided by Minors (Under 18 Years of Age)

  • Original birth certificate
  • The consent of the parental authority and/or legal guardian:
    • If the minor travels alone or only with one parent
    • If the minor travels without his/her legal guardian
    • If the minor is traveling with one of his/her legal guardians
    • If the first name of the parent(s) and family name are different than the ones presented in the birth certificate of the minor, the parent(s) shall provide additional documents (marriage certificate(s) or adoption paper(s) or documents proving a change of given name or surname confirming the relationship of the parent(s) with the minor

14. Documents Proving Your Intention to Leave the Territory of The Member States

  • Proof of integration into the country of residence:
    • Family ties
    • Professional status
    • Or proof of real estate property
    • Long term rent
    • Or lease agreement

15. Invitation Approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or an Invitation Letter

  • The invitation letter must contain the following:
    • The inviting party’s full name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, Passport No., statement of income (in case the inviting party will cover the expenses of the invited party during his/her stay)
    • The invited party’s full name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, Passport No.
    • Kinship of the inviter to the invitee if applicable
    • The purpose of travel
    • The planned time for the visit and the number of entries
    • The address of the invitee’s place of residence during his/her visit

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Family and Friends Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Family and Friends visa is 5-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Latvia Family and Friends Visa Fee

When applying for a Schengen visa, each person must pay a visa fee. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa result. The Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia is currently 35 EUR. These three countries benefit from reduced visa costs under an agreement with the Schengen countries. In other countries, this amount is 80 EUR for people over 12 years old, 40 EUR for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under six years old.

In most cases, if you belong to one of the following categories, you are exempt from visa fees by providing relevant evidence:

  • Close relatives of those legally living in the Schengen area (close relatives include spouse, children (including adopted), parents (or guardians), grandmothers, grandfathers, grandchildren);
  • Pensioners.
  • Members of official delegations, including permanent members of official delegations, participating in formal meetings, consultations, negotiations, and exchange programs, as well as events of intergovernmental organizations based on an official invitation.
  • Pupils, students, graduate students, and pedagogical staff traveling with them for research and educational purposes within the framework of the official educational program.
  • People with disabilities and accompanying persons, if necessary.
  • Participants of international sports events and persons accompanying them in connection with their professional activities.
  • Official visits of journalists and technical staff.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Family and Friends Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Family and Friends visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Latvia National (Long-term) Visa

Latvia National (Long-term) Visa

If you wish to reside in Latvia for an extended period (more than 90 days), you need to apply for a long-term visa.

There are the Following Types of Latvia Long-term Visas:
  • Work
  • Study

 

Visa Cost for Latvia Long-stay Visa

The state fee for examining Latvia D-visa (National) application is 120 EUR.

 

 

Latvia Work (National) Visa

When the Work Permit is obtained, you may apply for a national visa D that provides a right to work and reside in Latvia for a period of up to 1 year.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Work (National) Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Typed or written by hand in block letters and neatly.
  • Signed personally by the applicant.

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area.
  • Containing at least two blank pages.
  • Issued within the previous ten years.

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well.

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. A Travel Medical Insurance Policy

  • Policies should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all the planned days of stay
  • The insurance validity region should cover all Schengen countries
  • The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 EUR
  • Policies should cover your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and/ or assistance on-site, including the costs of medical repatriation of the insured person to the place of permanent residency or the repatriation in case of death.

7. A Confirmed Air Ticket Reservation

8. Confirmation of Labour Validity

  • A copy of the employment contract
  • Documents confirming qualifications -
    • Diplomas
    • Letters of recommendation from previous employers or certificates of work in a profession
    • A copy of the workbook

9. Documentary Evidence of Means of Subsistence in the Republic of Latvia

10. Documentary Evidence of Work Experience

11. Documents, Proving Professional Skills

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Work (National) Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Work (National) visa is 10-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Latvia Work (National) Visa Fee

Latvia Work (National) visa fee is 120 EUR. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Work (National) Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Work (National) visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

 

 

Latvia Study (National) Visa

Visas and residence permits for Students interested in studying in Latvia are acquired as part of the application and enrolment process based on a complimentary valuation of the applicant’s education documents provided by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) and a successful enrolment application. A residence permit is applied for by the university on behalf of the student for the period of studies after the student arrives in Latvia.

 

Required Documents for Latvia Study (National) Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Typed or written by hand in block letters and neatly
  • Signed personally by the applicant

  In cases of minors: 

  • The application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship

2. Photo

  • One passport photo not older than 6 months
  • Size 3,5x4,5
  • On the white background

3. Travel Document (Foreign Passport)

  • Valid for at least six months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area
  • Containing at least two blank pages
  • Issued within the previous ten years

4. Old/Expired or Another Valid Foreign Passport

  • If the applicant has previous Schengen visas in an already expired foreign passport, that passport must be submitted as well

5. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents
  • The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to Latvia

6. Confirmation/Invitation to Studies

7. Payment Proof of University Application Fees, Tuition Fees

8. Security Deposit

  • The student has to deposit 500 or 720 USD as a security amount to the university directly, which will be 100% refundable after completion of the program

9. Police Clearance Certificate for Latvia

  • Must be apostilled by Ministry of External Affairs

10. Documents Presented to the University for Admission

  • Such as diplomas, CV, Recommendation letters, etc.
  • The Highest Degree needs to be apostilled from the Ministry of External Affairs for (Bachelor/Master/Doctorate)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy

 

Processing Time for Latvia Study (National) Visa

The average processing time for a Latvia Study (National) visa is 10-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country. 

 

Latvia Study (National) Visa Fee

Latvia Study (National) visa Fee is 120 EUR. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Latvia Study (National) Visa?

You will apply for a Latvia Study (National) visa in Latvia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

FAQ

Do I have to go through an interview while applying for Latvia visa?

It depends. During the examination of an application, the consular office may call the applicant for an interview.

What documents do I have to take with me when I travel to Latvia on a Schengen visa?

Mere possession of a Schengen visa does not mean that the holder has an automatic right to enter the Schengen Area (i.e., the territory of the countries that issue Schengen permit).

At the Schengen external border, the visa holder may be requested to produce documents justifying the purpose and conditions of the intended stay and that they have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the period of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third state into which they are sure to be admitted, or are in a position to acquire such means lawfully. The applicant should also have an adequate travel medical insurance valid throughout the territory of the Member States and cover the entire period of intended stay or transit.

What is the maximum period for which a visa can be granted in case of a personal invitation/private visit?

Depending on the invitation details, a visa can be granted for up to a maximum of 90 days in 6 months (Short Term Visa) with a validity of from one year to 5 years.

Is travel insurance necessary for Latvia?

If you need a visa for traveling to Latvia (Schengen visa), then - Yes, Latvia travel insurance is necessary for applying for the Schengen visa. The Latvia visa travel insurance requirement is a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.

If you a citizen of a country that does not need a visa for traveling to Latvia, then buying travel insurance for Latvia is not mandatory for visits of less than 90 days. However, given the cost of healthcare in Latvia, and that domestic health insurance offers little health insurance outside your home country, it is strongly recommended to buy travel insurance for Latvia.

Can I change my hotel reservation after getting a Latvia visa?

You can change your hotel reservation with the condition that you notify the authority issuing the visa before your travel. There is a high possibility that your hotel will inform the Latvian embassy or consulate in the case of reservation cancellation. So, it is recommended to do it before your hotel to avoid the misunderstanding that you provided false information to the embassy/consulate. In other cases, your Hungary visa can be annulled.

Will I get my Latvian visa at the end of the visa process?

The issuance or refusal of a visa is the sole right of The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia. In the absence of sufficient evidence that you will not leave the Schengen area until the expiration date of your authorized travel, your visa application can be rejected.

Can someone else apply for a Latvia visa on my behalf?

As per the VIS rules, from 12 October 2015, all applicants applying for a Schengen visa must come to Latvia visa application center/embassy/consulate submit biometric data for ten fingerprints and a photo. In the following 59 months, the applicant can leave the application without visiting the Visa Application Center.

In case it is a child under the age of 12 for Short Stay Visa, a child under the age of 6 for a Long Stay Visa or if it is physically impossible, she/he need not come for submission in person.

If you want to submit your application through an agent/representative, he needs to present his/her own ID and an authorization letter issued by the applicant. If you have never been to the Schengen area, your visa application must be submitted by the applicant in person.

Could Latvia Embassy and Consulate request me to provide additional documents or information?

Yes, the Embassy and Consulate reserve the right to call applicants in for necessary verification or a personal interview at a later time. Likewise, the Embassy reserves the right to request additional documents not contained in the harmonized list of documents, when necessary.

Can I extend the validity of my Latvia visa?

It is possible to extend the validity of visas only in exceptional cases, such as a natural disaster. This must be done at the Foreigners’ Office covering your area of residence.

Can I work in Latvia with a Latvia Schengen Visa?

No, you generally cannot work in Latvia with a Schengen Visa. If you come to Latvia as a temporary foreign worker, you need to apply for a national visa in advance.