Latvia Long Stay Visas: What Travelers Should Know

Any traveler who wants to spend more than 90 days in Latvia will need to get a visa in order to do so. (EU, EEA, and Schengen country citizens are exempt from this requirement.)

With so many different visas and requirements, learning the process can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, that's totally normal! We're here to help guide you through this process, giving you the information you need to know about long stays in Latvia.

Whether you're heading to Latvia for work, to study, to reunite with family members, or something else, this article will shed some clarity on the process.

Do I need a long stay visa for Latvia?

If you can say yes to both of the following, you likely need a long stay visa for your trip to Latvia:

• You're spending more than 90 days in Latvia (or the Schengen zone in general)
• You're not a citizen of an EU, EEA, or Schengen country

Travelers from most countries can't stay long term in Latvia unless they have a valid visa. This includes citizens of the US, UK, Canada, India, China, and more.

How do I get a Latvian long stay visa?

To get a long stay visa for Latvia, you will need to apply in your country of residence.

Generally speaking, the process is as follows:

• Figure out which Latvian long stay visa you need (we will talk about this later in this guide).
• Fill out the application and begin collecting all of the documents required for your visa application.
• Book an in-person appointment at a visa application center/Latvian consulate in your country of residence.
• Attend your visa appointment and submit your application.
• Track your long stay visa application's progress until a decision is made.

Currently, the Latvian long stay visa application process is started online and finished by attending an in-person appointment. This in-person appointment is mandatory.

Which Latvian long stay visa do I need?

Which visa you need depends entirely on the purpose of your trip. Latvia offers several long stay visas dedicated to students, family reunification, employment, and even being a digital nomad!

Latvian long stay visas can be valid anywhere from 91 days to one year. If you're hoping to stay longer than a year in Latvia, you will likely need to establish residency, which is another process in addition to the visa one.

Before looking at visa types, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a Latvia long stay visa.

Do I qualify for a Latvia long stay visa?

Only the Latvian embassy/consulate can decide whether or not your Latvian long stay visa is approved. With that said, they provide a list of minimum requirements in order to apply. These requirements are as follows:

• A valid travel document. Typically a passport, this document needs to be recognized by the country of Latvia, be valid for 3 months beyond the end of your stay in Latvia, and have 2 or more blank pages left.
• A Latvian visa application form, completed and signed.
• A photograph of yourself taken in the past 6 months against a light colored background. This photo needs to be on 35x45mm.
• You have to prove that you can support yourself (financially) for the entire duration of your trip. The Latvian Embassy can provide more information about what the minimum requirement is and how you can show proof of funds for your application.
• Travel insurance is mandatory when applying for a long stay visa for Latvia. It can't be just any travel insurance policy. It must:
• Documents showing the reason you are traveling to Latvia, why you're spending time there, etc.
• A letter of invitation that has been approved by the OCMA. You can learn more about that here.
• Proof of payment (for visa fees and any applicable service fees, such as through a visa application center).

All of these documents must be presented at your visa appointment. Keep in mind that depending on the specific type of visa you're applying for, the required documents may vary.

It's also really important to understand that there may be specific formats required for your documents. When you begin the application process, you will receive a list of the required documents for the visa you're applying for. Make sure you read it carefully.

As a general note, it's best to get all actionable information about Latvian long stay visas from the Latvian Embassy or a trusted partnering organization.

Types of Latvian long stay visas

Latvia offers several types of visas. When applying for a long stay visa for Latvia, you might see the following terms: National visa, long stay visa, and type D visa. While the names differ, they all refer to the same thing: a visa to spend more than 90 days in Latvia.

Common visa types include:

• Student visa
• Cultural event visa
• Sports/athletic event visa
• Family reunification visa (spousal, children, dependent parents, etc.)
• Work/employment permit
• Digital nomad visa

The one you need will depend on which situation you fall into.

Tips when applying for a long stay visa for Latvia

• Always get information from official websites like the Latvian Embassy or a partnering visa processor (such as VFS Global as an example).
• If you're looking to establish residency, you may need to start with a long stay visa, then apply for residency.
• Make sure that the documents in your application are as complete and thorough as possible.
• Pay attention to the details. Documents may need to be submitted in specific formats. If the requested formats aren't included, your application could be denied.
• Book your visa appointment well in advance as open slots can fill up very quickly.
• You may need to travel to another city to attend your appointment. Planning ahead of time might save you money on hotel/travel costs.
• Long stay visas are available as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. If you plan to go to Latvia and stay there, a single-entry long stay visa may suffice. If you'd like to travel while keeping Latvia your "home" base during the long stay, a double or multiple-entry visa might be more your speed.
• The Latvian visa application form can be found online and printed.

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