Emigration to Latvia: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

Latvia will remain open and welcoming to Ukrainians in 2025, so they will continue to travel there regularly for work, study or long-term tourism. Find out what rules the Latvian Migration Service has established for Ukrainians, in which cases you need to apply for a visa to this country and how to obtain a residence permit in Latvia.

Legal advice on migration issues

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Ukrainians in Latvia say that the atmosphere here is pleasant and the people are nice, although they have a completely different mentality. Cultural similarities, employment opportunities and education are the main factors influencing the high level of migration to Latvia. At the same time, this process has its nuances. In accordance with current legislation and international agreements, these details are available on the following websites:

– Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP);

– Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia;

– Information portal for Ukrainians in Latvia ‘Ukraine to Latvia’;

– EUdoc portal;

– Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine;

– European Immigration Portal (European Commission – EU Immigration Portal)

To make entry into Latvia quick, convenient and successful for Ukrainians, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions in this article:

– How is assistance provided to Ukrainians in Latvia?

– How to extend a residence permit in Latvia for Ukrainians?

– In what cases is a visa to Latvia issued to Ukrainians?

Read more about this and other topics below.

Are you planning to emigrate to Latvia? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Visa to Latvia for Ukrainians in 2025: main types and requirements

Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so Ukrainians do not need a visa for short trips – only a biometric passport. A stay in the country of up to 90 days within 180 days is considered short-term. If you plan to stay for a longer period, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

Visa types vary in duration – they are short-term and long-term.

Short-term visas include:

– business;

– transit;

– invitation;

– tourist.

Long-term visas include:

– student;

– work;

– family reunification.

If we focus on visa categories based on the length of stay in the Schengen area, short-term visas are A (for airport transfers), B (transit – for travel by bus or car) and C (for short stays in the country). In the context of emigration, we are most interested in the D visa, as it is this visa that subsequently provides grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

Student visa

To obtain a student visa to Latvia, the first step is to be officially enrolled in an accredited educational institution, which will provide you with a confirmation letter. With this letter and other necessary documents, such as a foreign passport, proof of financial solvency and medical insurance, you need to contact the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country to apply for a visa. After consideration of your application and, possibly, an interview, you will receive a student visa if the decision is positive.

Upon arrival in Latvia, you must contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) within 90 days to apply for a temporary residence permit on the basis of study. It is important to find out the exact list of documents and requirements in advance on the official website of the PMLP or at the consulate, as they may change. Start the visa application process as early as possible to avoid delays.

Important! A student visa is required if your studies will last longer than 3 months. No visa is required for short-term exchange programmes.

Earlier, we reported that Ukrainians in Latvia can open a free bank account online.

Work visa

Ukrainian citizens seeking employment in Latvia must obtain a work visa.

Types of visas for employment in Latvia

A long-term visa (type D) is required to work in Latvia for more than 90 days. To obtain it, you must have a job offer and a residence permit.

The EU Blue Card is intended for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries who have a valid job offer in Latvia.

A seasonal work visa is suitable for temporary work in sectors such as agriculture or tourism.

In general, Latvia offers various types of work visas to meet different needs and provide flexibility for short- and long-term stays.

Documents required to obtain a work visa for Latvia

1. Valid passport.

2. Employment contract.

3. Proof of qualifications.

4. Proof of residence.

5. Medical insurance policy.

6. Proof of financial means.

Find information on how to renew your temporary protection status in Latvia on the Visit Ukraine portal.

How to move to Latvia: preparation stages

The process of moving to Latvia for a long-term stay involves several main stages

First step: choose the type of visa

Determine the purpose of your stay in Latvia (work, study, family reunification, etc.) and make sure you meet the requirements for the relevant type of visa.

To choose the type that is right for you, it is worth contacting a qualified visa specialist. They will review your situation in detail, recommend the best options and help you prepare a package of documents so that the application process is quick and successful.

Step two: submit your documents

Collect the necessary documents in accordance with the requirements for the type of visa you have chosen. Submit the completed visa application form and other documents to the Latvian consulate in your country. The list of required documents should be checked directly with the consulate.

Step three: biometric data

For most types of visa applications, including work and student visas, you will need to provide biometric data, which will be used to identify the applicant.

Step four: obtaining a visa

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a visa in your passport. Check that all the information on the visa is correct.

Visit Ukraine specialists can help you at every stage of the migration process – get advice and make sure your emigration to Latvia is successful!

How to obtain a residence permit in Latvia?

1. Determining the basis for applying for a residence permit: According to the information on the PMLP website, there are several grounds for obtaining a residence permit. These include:

– employment;

– study;

– family reunification;

– investment;

– scientific activity;

– other circumstances provided for by law.

Each basis has its own specific requirements and necessary documents.

2. Preparation of the necessary documents: The PMLP website, in the relevant sections dedicated to each basis for obtaining a TRP, provides a detailed list of documents that must be submitted. The following are usually required:

1. A standard application form (available for download on the PMLP website).

2. Identity document (passport).

3. Documents confirming the grounds for applying for a TRP (e.g. employment contract, letter of enrolment from an educational institution, marriage/birth certificate, investment documents).

4. Documents confirming sufficient financial means of subsistence.

5. Document confirming residence in Latvia.

6. Medical insurance.

7. Certificate of no criminal record (in some cases).

8. Receipt of payment of state fees.

It is important to note that all foreign documents must be translated into Latvian by a certified translator and legalised or certified with an apostille, unless otherwise provided by international agreements.

3. Submission of documents: The application and necessary documents must be submitted in person to one of the PMLP offices in Latvia. In some cases, if you are outside Latvia, you can apply for a long-term visa (which may subsequently be used as a basis for applying for a PNV) at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country.

4. Review of documents and decision: The PMLP reviews the submitted documents and decides whether to grant or refuse a residence permit. The review period may vary depending on the grounds and the workload of the agency.

5. Obtaining a residence permit: If the decision is positive, the applicant is issued a residence permit card.

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How to extend a residence permit in Latvia?

According to the information on the website of the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), to extend a residence permit, you must submit a copy of your travel document and a completed application form in free form if a residence permit has already been issued. If a visa has been issued previously and has expired, you must submit a copy of your travel document and an application form for a residence permit.

Documents can be submitted in three ways:

1. Electronically, signed with a secure electronic signature and sent to the email address: pasts@pmlp.gov.lv.

2. By post to the address of any territorial office,1 indicating your email address and telephone number.

3. In person at the unified customer service centres of state and local government authorities.

In what cases may you be refused a residence permit in Latvia?

According to Latvian law, there are a number of reasons why you may be refused a residence permit or its extension. The main ones are:

1. Submission of an incomplete set of documents.

2. Provision of false or falsified data.

3. Financial insolvency.

4. Invalid travel document.

5. Threat to public health.

6. Violation of immigration law.

7. Inclusion in the list of persons prohibited from entering the country.

8. Conviction for serious crimes.

9. Interference in migration processes and participation in illegal border crossing schemes.

10. Sham marriage or adoption.

11. Failure to submit documents on time.

12. Failure to comply with tax obligations.

13. Financial instability of your business.

Please note! In accordance with current legislation, Ukrainian refugees are issued a residence permit in Latvia for 3 years.

For travel to Latvia, you must take out medical insurance, as your safety and health are the guarantee of all successful projects in different countries around the world.

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