Business visitors for establishment purposes (BVEPs)
Short-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Short-term visa (type C) up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application and photo,
- documents proving financial means,
- information on intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay.
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 80 EUR (or fee indicated in bilateral agreements concluded between the EU and the respective country), processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 90 days within any 180-day period.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- Purpose of entry still exists.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Accompanying dependents can apply for a tourist visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Schengen Visa Code and Immigration Law
Long-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Long-term visa (type D) for a period up to one year.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application and photo,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay.
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 60 EUR, processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- A long-term visa cannot be extended. A person shall apply for a new visa or for a residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Conditions for a long-term visa do not include a possibility to travel together with dependants, they are eligible to apply for a short-term visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.676 “Visa Regulation” (30.08.2011.).
Short-term business visitors (STBV)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Short-term visa (type C) up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application and photo,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay (it might be an invitation from a Latvian company).
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 80 EUR (or fee indicated in bilateral agreements concluded between the EU and the respective country), processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 90 days within any 180-day period.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- Purpose of entry still exists.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Accompanying dependents can apply for a tourist visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Schengen Visa Code and Immigration Law.
Contractual service suppliers (CSSs)
Short-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Short-term visa (type C) up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required if the intended stay does not exceed 14 days within a 180-day period. If a period of stay is longer, then there is a requirement to obtain a visa with a right to employment. For that a company that receives services, approves an invitation for a CSS.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay (it might be an invitation from a Latvian company which is mandatory in case an intended period of stay exceeds 14 days within a 180-day period).
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 80 EUR (or fee indicated in bilateral agreements concluded between the EU and the respective country), processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 90 days within any 180-day period.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- Purpose of entry still exists.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Accompanying dependents can apply for a tourist visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Schengen Visa Code and Immigration Law.
Long-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Long-term visa (type D) for a period up to one year.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit required. A company that receives services, approves an invitation for a CSS.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application and photo,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- an invitation.
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 60 EUR, processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- A long-term visa cannot be extended. A person shall apply for a new visa or for a residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Conditions for a long-term visa do not include a possibility to travel together with dependants, they are eligible to apply for a short-term visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.676 “Visa Regulation” (30.08.2011.).
Temporary residence permit
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Temporary residence permit.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit required. A company that receives services, approves an invitation for a CSS.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- residence permit application form and photo,
- an invitation,
- state fee,
- statement about a criminal record (not required from citizens of visa-free countries).
Where and how to file an application
- Documents shall be submitted in person at consular representation abroad or sent by ordinary post if a person is staying in Latvia.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 100 EUR (200 EUR for accelerated procedure 10 working days / 400 EUR for 5 working days).
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- After 1 year, a person can re-apply for a new residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Family members can travel together with a sponsor and obtain residence permits for the same period as a sponsor. Family members will be granted unrestricted access to the labour market.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.564 “Regulations Regarding Residence Permits” (21.06.2010).
Independent professionals (IPs)
Short-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Short-term visa (type C) up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required if the intended stay does not exceed 14 days within a 180-day period. If a period of stay is longer, then there is a requirement to obtain a visa with a right to employment. For that a company that receives services, approves an invitation for an IP.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay (it might be an invitation from a Latvian company which is mandatory in case an intended period of stay exceeds 14 days within a 180-day period).
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 80 EUR (or fee indicated in bilateral agreements concluded between the EU and the respective country), processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 90 days within any 180-day period.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- A visa can be extended if an initial length of validity did not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period and if the purpose of entry still exists.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Accompanying dependents can apply for a tourist visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Schengen Visa Code and Immigration Law.
Long-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Long-term visa (type D) for a period up to one year.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit required. A company that receives services, approves an invitation for an IP.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application and photo,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- an invitation.
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 60 EUR, processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- A long-term visa cannot be extended. A person shall apply for a new visa or for a residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Conditions for a long-term visa do not include a possibility to travel together with dependants, they are eligible to apply for a short-term visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.676 “Visa Regulation” (30.08.2011.).
Temporary residence permit
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Temporary residence permit.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit required. A company that receives services, approves an invitation for an IP.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- residence permit application form and photo,
- an invitation,
- state fee,
- statement about a criminal record (not required from citizens of visa-free countries).
Where and how to file an application
- Documents shall be submitted in person at consular representations abroad or sent by ordinary post if a person is staying in Latvia.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 100 EUR (200 EUR for an accelerated procedure of 10 working days / 400 EUR for 5 working days).
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- After 1 year, a person can re-apply for a new residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Family members can travel together with a sponsor and obtain residence permits for the same period as the sponsor. Family members will be granted unrestricted access to the labour market.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.564 “Regulations Regarding Residence Permits” (21.06.2010).
Investors
Short-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Short-term visa (type C) up to 90 days within a 180 day-period.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required, there is a remark “BUSINESS” on a visa, allowing to carry out operational management of the company.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay (if a company has been established, it is considered as sufficient proof).
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 80 EUR (or fee indicated in bilateral agreements concluded between the EU and the respective country), processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 90 days within any 180-day period.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- A visa can be extended if an initial length of validity did not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period and if the purpose of entry still exists.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Accompanying dependents can apply for a tourist visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Schengen Visa Code and Immigration Law.
Long-term visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Long-term visa (type D) for a period up to one year.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required, there is a remark “BUSINESS” on a visa, allowing to carry out operational management of the company.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- visa application and photo,
- documents proving financial means,
- documents proving the intended place of stay,
- state fee,
- documents proving the purpose of stay (if a company has been established, it is considered as sufficient proof).
Where and how to file an application
- The visa application shall be completed electronically and it can be filed either at consular offices or at the office of the external service provider (VFS Global).
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 60 EUR, processing time: 15 days.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- A long-term visa cannot be extended. A person shall apply for a new visa or for a residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Conditions for a long-term visa do not include a possibility to travel together with dependants, they are eligible to apply for a short-term visa (type C).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.676 “Visa Regulation” (30.08.2011.).
Temporary residence permit
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Temporary residence permit.
Work permit requirements
- Work permit not required, there is a remark “BUSINESS” on a residence permit allowing to carry out operational management of the company.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- valid travel document,
- residence permit application form and photo,
- an invitation,
- state fee,
- statement about a criminal record (not required from citizens of visa-free countries).
Where and how to file an application
- Documents shall be submitted in person at consular representations abroad or sent by ordinary post if a person is staying in Latvia.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- 150 EUR (300 EUR for an accelerated procedure of 10 working days / 450 EUR for 5 working days).
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- 1 year.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- After 1 year, a person can re-apply for a new residence permit.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Family members can travel together with a sponsor and obtain residence permits for the same period as the sponsor. Family members will be granted unrestricted access to the labour market.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A negative decision can be appealed at the administrative body that has taken the decision and after that – at the administrative court.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Immigration Law, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.564 “Regulations Regarding Residence Permits” (21.06.2010).