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Latvia Immigration Services
Newland Chase offers full support with all aspects of corporate immigration to Latvia. Please find an overview of the typical corporate immigration processes below. Every situation is unique, so please do get in touch, either through your usual Newland Chase contact or using the details on the right hand side of the page. Our immigration experts will be glad to discuss your needs in greater detail.
Immigration Summary
Important Note: Due to the current situation between Russia and Ukraine, Latvian authorities have temporary suspended visa processing for Russian and Belarussian citizens.
Non-EEA nationals working in Latvia normally require a Temporary Residence Permit for Employment. After labour market testing, an application for an invitation letter is submitted to the immigration authorities (OCMA), and then a residence permit application is submitted at the relevant consulate or, if applicable, post arrival in Latvia directly to the OCMA. Visa-required nationals must obtain a D-type visa to enter the country. Finally, all applicants must visit the OCMA post arrival in Latvia to provide biometrics and finalize the process.
The Intra-Company Transfer Permit (EU Directive 2014/66) is only applicable to intra-company assignees falling into management/specialist or trainee categories sent to Latvia for over 90 days from outside the EU and has a maximum total duration of stay of three years for managers/specialists and one year for trainees.
ICT permits under Directive 2014/66 allow mobility within EU member states - i.e. work permission is not required for EU ICT permit holders to work in other member states for less than 90 days and a streamlined Mobile ICT permit application may be applicable if working in other member states for longer than 90 days.
The Blue Card is an EU-wide (with some exceptions) immigration process for highly-skilled employees with a concrete job offer in the destination country and a salary at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary for the specific job to be done. The Blue Card offers some concrete benefits to the applicant. In Latvia, for shortage occupations, a streamlined process and lower salary requirements apply.
EEA/EEA/Swiss nationals on assignment to or employed in Latvia do not need work permits. However, if staying for longer than 90 days, a registration must be carried out.
