Moving for permanent residence in Latvia: necessary conditions for emigration

Thousands of Russians want to move to Latvia for permanent residence and many of them have already implemented their plans to emigrate. This is a calm European country located next to Russia. Which makes it convenient to frequently visit your homeland, if necessary.

Immigration to Latvia is possible in several ways:

• Purchasing real estate for a certain value,
• Training in local educational institutions,
• Moving under the repatriation program,
• Investments in the country's economy,
• Official employment in any of the local companies.

Registration of permanent residence through the purchase of real estate

Local authorities are ready to issue a residence permit to anyone who purchases real estate in the country worth more than 250,000 euros. In Jurmala and good areas of Riga, the cost of real estate will range from 130,000 euros to 350,000 euros. Its standard validity period is 5 years, with the possibility of subsequent extension. The document applies to your entire family: your spouse and children will receive a residence permit for the same period as you.

Having this document, it becomes very easy to travel around the Schengen countries, and, of course, Latvia itself. The only caveat is that you must pay for the purchase of housing with your own money. Mortgages and other forms of credit do not count towards the credit.

How to obtain a residence permit in Latvia

The state's migration legislation provides for more than 10 options for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia for Ukrainians , Russians, and Belarusians. Depending on the basis, the validity period of a residence permit in Latvia differs. Typically, resident status is granted for 1 year or 5 years. Extension of a residence permit in Latvia is provided for if the foreigner complies with the conditions of immigration legislation. The reasons for moving are:

Doing business A residence permit in Latvia is issued to individual entrepreneurs who wish to enter the European market. You will need to confirm the existence of a business plan designed for a certain time and approved by a sworn auditor. An additional condition is the availability of funds to ensure life in the country and start activities.

Registration of a residence permit also applies to representatives of companies in Latvia - members of the management board or board of directors and other officials, provided that the part of the authorized capital they own is at least 2800 EUR.

Employment Having a signed agreement with a Latvian employer allows you to submit documents for obtaining permission to move and stay in the country for a long time. A residence permit is often issued for a period specified in the work contract. The maximum period of validity of a residence permit obtained in connection with employment in Latvia is 5 years.

Family reunification The issuance of a temporary residence permit is provided for foreign relatives up to the third generation of a Latvian citizen or resident. The right to register applies to a spouse, children, parents of retirement age and others. The procedure provides for the need to confirm the degree of relationship and the possibility of financial self-sufficiency to stay in the state.

Scientific cooperation Concluding an agreement with an organization registered in the register of Latvian research institutions allows foreigners to obtain Latvian resident status. To obtain a residence permit, you must provide evidence of cooperation and the availability of funds to cover your stay in the country. A residence permit is issued for a period specified in the contract, the maximum period can be 5 years.

Religious activities Moving to Latvia is possible with participation in religious organizations located in the country. To obtain a residence permit, you must confirm your financial security and provide a letter from the relevant organization. A residence permit is issued for the period of carrying out this type of activity with a maximum validity period of 1 year.

Acquisition of real estate The legislation provides for the possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Latvia through the purchase of real estate worth from 250,000 EUR in Riga, Jurmala or in the parishes of Adazi, Babite, Baldone, Carnikava, Garkalne, Ikskile, Kekava, Marupe, Olaine, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saulkrasti, Stopini or two objects located outside the specified territories. The acquisition of agricultural land and forests is prohibited. The validity of a residence permit for owners of Latvian real estate is 5 years.

Undergoing treatment If it is necessary to receive medical care in clinics in Latvia, which requires a foreign citizen to stay in the country for more than 90 days in a six-month period, a temporary residence permit is issued. To issue a residence permit, you will need an agreement on the provision of medical care by a Latvian health care institution. A residence permit will be issued for a specified period corresponding to the period of treatment.

Getting an education Admission to a Latvian educational institution, participation in an exchange program for students within the international network of cooperation of educational institutions is one of the ways to obtain a residence permit in Latvia . To obtain a temporary residence permit, you must provide appropriate confirmation of enrollment or completion of courses. A residence permit will be issued for the period of study.

Having Latvian citizenship before 06/17/1940 Applicants who were previously Latvian citizens have the right to obtain a residence permit. To obtain Latvian resident status, it is necessary to provide documents evidencing citizenship before the period specified in the legislation - June 17, 1940. The residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year, and upon repeated registration - for 4.

Investments Making a contribution to the capital of a new or existing enterprise is the basis for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia. This option involves investing from 50,000 EUR and employing up to 50 employees or from 100,000 EUR with more than 50 employees, the annual turnover of which is from 10,000,000 million EUR. The applicant will also need to pay a 10,000 EUR state fee. A temporary residence permit for investment will be issued for a period of 5 years.

Purchasing government bonds The Latvian government allows wealthy foreigners to purchase government bonds for special purposes and in return issues a 5-year temporary residence permit. The minimum investment in bonds is 250,000 EUR, and a fee to the state budget of 38,000 EUR is also charged.

Contribution to the capital of a credit institution A residence permit is issued to a foreign applicant who has invested EUR 280,000 in a Latvian credit institution in the form of subordinated capital and EUR 25,000 in the state budget with a mandatory retention period of 5 years. A residence permit will be issued with a maximum validity period of 5 years.

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List of documents

The list of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia depends on the existing grounds. Each option provides an individual package of confirmation of the purpose of the move. Common to all methods of obtaining a residence permit are:

• valid travel documents;
• questionnaires of the established form;
• bank account statement;
• color photographs;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• a valid health insurance policy;
• a certificate of absence of tuberculosis issued by a Latvian medical institution;
• confirmation of the intended place of residence in Latvia.

Business emigration

Investors who are ready to invest 150,000 euros or more in a local business also have the right to obtain a residence permit. The size of a business is determined by the amount of taxes paid to the budget. Latvian services will expect you to pay at least 28,000 euros in taxes per year.

In the international Doing Business ranking, the country took 22nd place out of 189. Now the company registration process takes only 5 days. Obtaining a building permit takes about six months. Company income tax is 15%. According to government services, about 50% of new companies are opened by foreigners.

Study and work

On the one hand, emigration through training is an easy and popular way to move, but in the case of Latvia, everything is not so simple. You will easily be given a visa for the entire duration of your studies, and upon completion, customs services will decide whether you have grounds to continue living in Latvia or not. And if during that time you have not acquired an official job, or have not taken advantage of other options, you will most likely be denied an extension. In addition, almost all universities in Latvia are not famous for the highest ratings, like Harvard, Oxford, Trinity College, most likely, this will not give you any special advantages when finding a job in Europe.

The two most popular and respected universities in the country are the University of Latvia (ranked among the best universities in the world) and the Riga Technical University. Training is mainly conducted in Latvian, but in addition there are programs in English, German and Scandinavian languages.

Tuition fees at Latvian universities

Work for students

Students at local universities have the legal opportunity to work 20 hours a week.

Let us present the general figures as a whole. The average annual salary is 13,960 euros. The tax rate is 24%.

Advantages of obtaining Latvian citizenship

Traveling around the world You are allowed to enter the territory of more than 175 countries without first obtaining a visa.

Residence in the EU The right to freely move for permanent residence to any of the European Union states is granted.

Legal employment Safe working conditions and the same salary level as other EU citizens are ensured.

European education The cost of studying at prestigious European universities for Latvian citizens is significantly lower.

Access to banks Opens up the possibility of opening accounts in European banks and favorable loans.

High-quality medical care It becomes available to receive medical care in clinics in any EU country.

Repatriation programs and family reunification

The number of repatriates includes those people whose direct relatives had Latvian citizenship in the past. If you have documents confirming this fact, you can contact the Latvian consulate in your country, or directly to the repatriation department at the Office of Migration and Citizenship. Qualified relatives are considered to be grandparents. You, your spouse and children will receive a residence permit. And after five years of permanent residence, you can expect to receive citizenship.

Validity period of the residence permit

The document is issued for the period corresponding to the grounds for the move. This could be the term of an employment contract, training, etc. You will have to regularly update your status by submitting documents 2 months before the expiration date of the current card. The cost of renewal procedures is similar to that paid for the initial issue. A package of papers is submitted to the Migration Department, taking into account the applicant’s place of registration in Latvia. The decision is made after an interview and verification of the applicant’s information. It is important not to violate local rules and laws during your stay.

Validity period of a residence permit, taking into account the basis:

• family reunion, marriage. The first residence permit is for 1 year, the second can be extended for 4, then a permanent residence permit;
• employment. For the duration of the employment contract, but up to 5 years;
• Individual entrepreneur, LLC – up to 5 years;
• treatment, religious activity – up to 1 year;
• education – for the duration of study;
• investors, board members – 5 years.

Cost and terms of obtaining a residence permit

The standard period for consideration of an application for a residence permit is 1 month. Long-term permanent residence can wait up to 3 months. There are a number of paid official services for expedited review of your documents. Applications for Latvian citizenship will be processed from 6 to 12 months.

Costs for obtaining a residence permit:

• Consular fee – 75 euros,
• Certificate confirming your residence in Latvia - 4.27 euros,
• Approval of invitation (if your friend or relative invites you) – 7.2 euros,
• Certificate of absence of tuberculosis – 10 euros,
• Medical insurance – 50 euros,
• ID card production in 10 days: 14.23 euros.
• Urgent production of an ID card in 2 days: 28.46 euros.

Fees for temporary residence permits

What does a residence permit in Latvia provide?

Among the advantages of obtaining a residence permit in an EU country:

• travel to other EU countries without a visa;
• studying at European universities;
• receiving medical services;
• having all the rights of local citizens, with the exception of voting;
• opening bank accounts in EU financial institutions;
• the possibility of subsequently obtaining an indefinite residence permit after 5 years from the date of issuance of the residence permit;
• issuance of a local identity card in the form of a card for presentation in all institutions of the state and municipal system;
• registration of Latvian citizenship after 10 years of permanent residence in the country and compliance with all laws;
• conducting labor activities and organizing an enterprise according to the laws of the host country;
• family reunification and cohabitation when registering a marriage with citizens of Latvia or the presence of relatives;
• being in a country with a high GDP, a favorable economic situation in the center of Europe;
• spending a pension in an EU country with a high standard of living;
• teaching children according to European standards;
• extension of all benefits and advantages to minor children of an applicant for EU resident status.

Among the disadvantages of migration in Latvia is an increase in the qualifications for purchasing real estate and organizing a business in the country. Such measures are related to the need to reduce the flow of citizens from Russia, CIS countries and other countries.

Required documents

You must submit to the consular department in your country (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, etc.):

1. Applications – 2 pcs.
2. A notarized photocopy of your passport, which will be valid for at least 16 months at the time you submit your application.
3. Birth certificates and other documents connecting you with relatives if you are going through repatriation.
4. Photos – 2 pcs.
5. Certificate of availability of sufficient funds. Typically, amounts of 5,160 euros per adult and 1,548 euros per child and above are counted.
6. Medical insurance with reimbursement of at least 45,000 euros.

When emigrating by other routes, you may need:

1. Marriage certificate.
2. Documents confirming the purchase of real estate.
3. Certificates of payment of all duties and fees.
4. Certificate confirming good knowledge of the Latvian language.

Latvian citizenship exam

One of the conditions for obtaining citizenship is confirmation of knowledge of the Latvian language. The purpose of the test is to assess the ability to use language in everyday life. The level must be sufficient for successful adaptation to life in a new society.

According to Art. 20 of the Law “On Citizenship”, the applicant is obliged:

speak freely and provide answers to questions on everyday topics;

be able to read and understand any instructions and other texts;

master the basics of spelling.

Testing is carried out in regional offices of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs throughout the country. The knowledge test must be completed within two months after registration of the citizenship application. The exam consists of two parts, which test three basic skills - listening, reading, speaking.

In the event that the applicant fails the language exam the first time, a re-attempt is available after 3 months. Parts in which the required level has not been achieved are subject to retake. The test can be retaken three times.

The right to take an exam on knowledge of the basics of the Constitution, the national anthem, history and culture of Latvia appears after successfully passing the language test. You have the opportunity to take the exam in oral or written format.

When choosing the first option, you must answer 2 questions: one about the Constitution, the second about history and culture. The second option provides answers to 18 questions.

Applicants are exempt from examinations:

with disability of group I, II or III caused by progressive mental illness or deafness;

who have received basic education or have studied at a higher education institution in the Latvian language;

aged 65 years and older.

Reasons for refusal of visas and residence permits

There is a whole list of reasons why you may be denied a visa or residence permit.

1. Service in foreign military forces of countries outside the European Union and NATO.
2. You submitted an incomplete set of documents, or you did not provide clarifying documents that the consulate requested from you.
3. Your marriage was declared fictitious.
4. There are problems and refusals in your visa history.
5. You have dangerous health problems.
6. Your documents turned out to be invalid or deliberately false.
7. You have not confirmed sufficient funds to live in Latvia.
8. You have previously committed a serious or especially serious crime on the territory of Latvia.
9. The person inviting you has withdrawn his invitation or has lost the right to it.

Residence permit in Latvia in 2021 through the purchase of real estate

When purchasing real estate, if a residence permit is required, you must comply with the requirements of the law already at the stage of completing the purchase and selecting the property:

1. The cost must be at least 250,000 euros.
2. Payment of a price tax of 5% to the state budget of Latvia.
3. Making payments exclusively in non-cash form.
4. Confirmation of legality of income.
5. The seller must be a citizen of Latvia or a person permanently residing in the country, registered in Switzerland, the EU or the European Economic Area as a legal entity.

Expert opinion

Requirements regarding the status of the seller as an organization and the amount paid for the purchase of real estate apply when completing a transaction in relation to a property located in any region of the country. There are no restrictions or benefits in this regard. The reason for establishing such a high qualification for the cost of real estate was the strong flow of migrants from Russia based on the purchase of housing in Latvia. In 2014, political forces proposed increasing the qualification due to the need to reduce the number of residents from the Russian Federation.

Reshetnikov R.N., lawyer on migration matters in Latvia

Obtaining Latvian citizenship

You can apply for Latvian citizenship after 10 years of living in the country. You will need the same documents that are submitted when applying for a residence permit. In addition, you will have to renounce your previous citizenship.

Immediately after submitting the documents, you will need to pass tests confirming your knowledge of the country’s Constitution, its coat of arms and flag, basic laws, as well as the basic history of the existence of the state.

1. Language test. Includes 4 disciplines: reading, listening, filling out a questionnaire, and writing a short essay.
2. Testing basic knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of a citizen of Latvia.

After successfully completing all stages, you will have to take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Latvia.

Why invest in the Latvian residency program?

The Latvian residence permit for investment program was launched in 2010 to attract foreign investors. The European Golden Visa program allows you to obtain a residence permit in Latvia and EU citizenship in exchange for investment in real estate. Although Latvia is not the first country that comes to mind when choosing a country of residence, we will tell you why you should pay attention to it.

Latvia is a beautiful country with its own unique identity, culture, customs and traditions. The prices there are affordable, but not at the expense of quality. By investing €250,000 or more in the purchase of real estate, you will not only purchase a luxury apartment with high-quality finishing, but also apply for a residence permit in Latvia. The process of obtaining a residence permit takes on average 30-90 days.

Cities where it's easiest to start your new life

The first place by a large margin is taken by Riga, the capital of Latvia. This is a city with a lot of businesses and jobs. Local residents, not just foreigners, are eager to move here. In Riga, it is better to live in the historical center of the city (Old Riga), or in the residential area of ​​Imanta. The best suburbs are Marupe and Baltezers.

The next most popular is the famous resort of Jurmala. Here you can stay in an apartment or villa on the coast. Housing prices here are slightly higher than in the capital, but this is more than compensated by the beautiful life and proximity to the sea.

It is in these cities that a large percentage of the Russian-speaking population of the country is located.

Average salaries in different cities of the country

Pros of moving

1. You find yourself in a single European space, where with Latvian documents you can move freely and without visas.
2. Good ecology and nature. Throughout the country there are natural parks for cultural recreation and short weekend trips.
3. Beautiful architecture. The city has preserved Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, and the historical center is included in the UNESCO heritage program.
4. Jurmala not only hosts a large number of music and concert shows, but this place is also famous for its preventive and therapeutic sanatoriums.
5. According to authorities, there are about 600 thousand Russians living in the country. Many older Latvians understand and can speak Russian. Young people prefer to learn English for the sake of international prospects.
6. This is one of the most inexpensive countries in the European Union. Your living expenses will be comparable to living in a large Russian city, such as St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Cons of moving

1. develops slowly. The standard of living here is European, but, in general, the population is aging due to the departure of progressive young people to richer EU countries.
2. There is not enough money in the country to fully maintain historical buildings in impeccable condition. Some areas dating back to Soviet times are definitely in need of renovation.
3. Some people don't like Russians. These are echoes of the story when Latvia was included in the Soviet Union against the will of its citizens. You won't encounter open negativity. The overwhelming majority of residents will be favorable to you.
4. Not everyone will like the climate of Latvia. Many people do not have enough sun: there are only 45-50 full sunny days a year. Otherwise, expect frequent clouds and a noticeable amount of rain.
5. Difficult employment. Mainly residents of the IT sector can easily come and get a job. Others will need to put in more effort to find suitable vacancies.
6. The local bureaucracy can work very slowly and in this way, in many ways, it resembles Russia.