A residence permit is a document providing a foreigner the rights to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a definite period of time (a temporary residence permit) or permanently (a permanent residence permit). A residence permit is necessary if you are willing to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance.
A residence permit is issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia (OCMA).
As of 2 April 2012 the residence permit is issued in the format of the identification card, therefore biometrics details must be delivered prior to receipt of the residence permit (fingerprints (starting from the age of six) and digital picture of face).
HOW TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT
Step 1 – Fill out/print/sign up the Application for requiring a residence permit
Download and fill out the Application for requiring a residence permit. Upon completion of the application form, print the form and sign it. Application form must be filled out in BLOCK letters.
!!!Note: if the submitted application form is incomplete or contains false information, your application may be denied.
Step 2 – Collect all required documentation
Carefully check that you have collected all required documentation. For the list of documents please refer to the OCMA homepage.
!!!Note: the consular officer may request additional documents upon submission depending on each individual case.
Step 3 – Legalise documents
The documents being issued abroad must be legalized if international agreements do not stipulate otherwise. When submitting copies of documents that are not certified by a notary, originals of such documents must be presented.
Document legalisation requires several steps:
- Translation into English or Latvian;
- Notarisation at the local notary office;
- Legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and/or the respective Embassy) of the county of origin;
- Legalisation at the Embassy of Latvia (or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia).
To legalise document at the Embassy of Latvia in China, fill out the Application for public document legalization, print and sign it. Please complete in legible handwriting in block letters or electronically! Submit the application form/-s and the document/-s to the consular officer, together with your passport.
For more information on document legalisation, please refer to the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
Step 4 – Arrange a submission of the documents and an interview
The reception hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30-11:30. Please proceed to the electronic appointment system.
Step 5 – Submit the application/pay fee for processing the documents
If you don't speak Latvian or English language, arrange the interpreter to attend the visit.
On the interview day, submit your documents to the consular officer and pay fee for processing the documents:
For applicants, who are planning to work in Latvia:
-
Within 30 days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 210 EUR;
-
Within 10 working days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 310 EUR;
-
Within 5 working days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 510 EUR.
For applicants, who are planning to study in Latvia or join family member:
-
Within 30 days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 150 EUR;
-
Within 10 working days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 280 EUR;
-
Within 5 working days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 480 EUR.
For applicants, who are planning to invest or buy property in Latvia:
-
Within 30 days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 260 EUR;
-
Within 10 working days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 410 EUR;
-
Within 5 working days after the receipt of the documents at OCMA – 560 EUR.
The fee is non-refundable. The Embassy is not responsible for costs that can be incurred if a residence permit is refused.
Step 6 – Decision is made by OCMA
Documents will be dispatched to Latvia and the residence permit application would be reviewed by OCMA.
!!!Note: residence permit application processing time starts at the moment the application is received at OCMA in Riga not from the moment the documents have been submitted at the Embassy.
!!!Note: Embassy is not providing any translation services!
Step 7 – Apply for D Visa
If the decision is positive, please apply for up to the 90-day Long Term D Visa.
Step 8 – Upon arrival to Latvia obtain residence permit
After arrival to the Republic of Latvia go personally to OCMA or to a regional division and receive a residence permit. For additional information please refer to the homepage of Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
CONTACTS:
In case any additional information is required, please contact OCMA Residence Permit Division directly.
Email address of the OCMA Residence Permit Division is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.