Longterm Travel in Latvia: 2026 Requirements

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, it can be hard to know where to start. This page contains information on long-term travel in Latvia, from the entry requirements to additional tips.

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

Who needs a long-stay visa for Latvia

If you are not an EU/EEA Country citizen, and you want to spend more than 90 days in Latvia, you should apply for a long-stay visa or residence.

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 to get a long-stay Latvian 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 (more details about this can be found further down on this page).
• 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.
• Await a decision!

Currently, the Latvian long-stay visa application process starts online and ultimately includes an in-person appointment.

Which Latvian long-stay visa do I need?

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

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

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, you need to make sure that you can meet the Latvian long-stay visa requirements. Typically, the requirements include:

• A valid travel document. Usually 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. This can vary from things like work contracts to marriage licenses.
• A letter of invitation that has been approved by the OCMA. You can learn more about that here.
• Proof of payment of the visa fees and potentially 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 has several types of visas that travelers can apply for. When applying, 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 that allows you to spend more than 90 days in Latvia.

Common visa types include:

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

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.

FAQs:

Do I need a long-stay visa for Latvia?

Can I stay in Latvia for a year?

Which Latvia long-stay visa do I need?

How long can you stay in Latvia?