How to Move to Latvia
Latvia combines the right to work directly into your visa or residence permit rather than issuing a separate work permit. From 2026, standard work permits require A2-level Latvian language proficiency, alongside increased minimum income thresholds. The EU Blue Card route has a lower salary threshold for shortage occupations. Your employer drives the process; you submit documents at a Latvian mission or through a Schengen partner embassy.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Latvia embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Latvia has NO confirmed embassy in Nigeria or Kenya. We could not verify a reliable, current address for a Latvian mission in South Africa either — some listings online are outdated or inaccurate. Use the official locator to confirm the nearest mission for your country, which may mean applying through another Schengen country's embassy that represents Latvia locally.
Find the nearest Latvia embassy / visa centre2–3 months total (labour market test, invitation, visa, permit review).
Type D visa ~€90 + temporary residence permit ~€160 (standard) or ~€280 (10-day expedited).
Typically up to 1 year, tied to the employer; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer meeting the minimum salary (~€1,685/month gross for 2026).
- A2-level Latvian language proficiency (new 2026 requirement for standard permits).
- Employer registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) first.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
Secure an offer meeting the minimum salary threshold.
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2
Employer registers & sponsors
Your employer registers the vacancy with NVA and submits a sponsorship request to OCMA.
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3
Meet the language requirement
Obtain A2-level Latvian proficiency certification — a 2026 requirement for standard work permits.
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4
Apply for your D-visa
Submit your visa application at a Latvian mission or a Schengen partner embassy representing Latvia.
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5
Travel & register
Enter Latvia and complete your residence permit registration with OCMA.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- The 2026 Latvian language requirement is new — start language preparation early if you're applying for the standard route.
- The EU Blue Card route has a reduced salary threshold for shortage occupations and does not require the same language proof.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
Latvia has no standalone "work permit" — the right to work is endorsed directly inside your visa or residence permit. Your employer registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) and submits a sponsorship request to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) before you apply for your visa.
View official portalSeveral weeks.
Visa/permit fees roughly €100–160 combined.
Course length, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a recognised Latvian institution.
- Proof of funds.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Apply to a Latvian university and receive your acceptance letter.
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2
Apply for your visa
Submit your student visa application at a Latvian mission or partner embassy.
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3
Travel & register
Enter Latvia and register your residence permit with OCMA.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Once you have completed immigration procedures with a valid permit, you can invite close family to join you.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your No unified online portal — apply via employer and OCMA first
Latvia has no standalone "work permit" — the right to work is endorsed directly inside your visa or residence permit. Your employer registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) and submits a sponsorship request to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) before you apply for your visa.
Create accountStart your Student residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks to a few months.
Visa fee ~€60 + residence permit €100–400 + card €15 + state fee €4.27.
Tied to sponsor's status; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Sponsor holds a valid Latvian residence permit.
- Proof of subsistence (~€500/month adult, ~€150/month child).
- Health insurance covering at least €42,600.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Your sponsor must hold a qualifying Latvian residence permit.
-
2
Gather documents
Legalise marriage/birth certificates and arrange health insurance.
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3
Apply for your visa
Submit your family reunification application at a Latvian mission or partner embassy.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Latvia, declare your residence and complete a required medical screening.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- A chest X-ray/medical screening is required after arrival — factor this into your first-week planning.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your No unified online portal — apply via employer and OCMA first
Latvia has no standalone "work permit" — the right to work is endorsed directly inside your visa or residence permit. Your employer registers the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA) and submits a sponsorship request to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) before you apply for your visa.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Latvia work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Latvia — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Latvia visas
How much does the Latvia Employment-based residence permit cost?
The Latvia Employment-based residence permit costs: Type D visa ~€90 + temporary residence permit ~€160 (standard) or ~€280 (10-day expedited). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Latvia Employment-based residence permit take?
Processing for the Latvia Employment-based residence permit takes 2–3 months total (labour market test, invitation, visa, permit review). This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Latvia Employment-based residence permit valid for?
The Latvia Employment-based residence permit is valid for typically up to 1 year, tied to the employer; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Latvia Student residence permit cost?
The Latvia Student residence permit costs: Visa/permit fees roughly €100–160 combined. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Latvia Student residence permit take?
Processing for the Latvia Student residence permit takes several weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Latvia Student residence permit valid for?
The Latvia Student residence permit is valid for course length, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Latvia Family reunification cost?
The Latvia Family reunification costs: Visa fee ~€60 + residence permit €100–400 + card €15 + state fee €4.27. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Latvia Family reunification take?
Processing for the Latvia Family reunification takes several weeks to a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Latvia Family reunification valid for?
The Latvia Family reunification is valid for tied to sponsor's status; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.