Entry and stay in Latvia

You can travel to Latvia by car, bus, ferry, airplane, or train, making it accessible from many parts of Europe.

• By Train: The Latvian railway network connects major cities within Latvia and offers international connections to neighboring countries. For schedules and tickets, visit Latvian Railways. Traveling by train is a scenic and comfortable way to explore the country.

• By Ferry:
  • Ferries to Riga, the capital, operate mainly from Sweden and other Baltic countries. More information at Tallink.
  • Ferries to Ventspils, a port town on Latvia’s western coast, link Latvia with Scandinavia and Germany. Details are available at the Port of Ventspils.
  • Ferries to Liepāja, another important western coastal town, can be booked via Terrabalt.
• By Air:
  Riga International Airport is the main gateway to Latvia, with connections to many European cities and beyond. It is a modern airport offering various services and transportation options to the city center. For flights and airport information, visit Riga Airport and AirBaltic, Latvia’s national airline known for its extensive regional network.
• By Bus:
  Riga Central Bus Station (autoosta.lv) serves as a hub for domestic and international bus routes. Buses connect Riga with most Latvian cities and towns, as well as neighboring countries such as Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, and Poland. Bus travel is often affordable and convenient for short and medium distances.
• By Car:
  Latvia’s road network is well-developed, making it easy to explore the country by car. Renting a vehicle allows for flexibility and access to rural areas and natural sites that may be less reachable by public transport. Remember to check local driving regulations and road conditions.

Citizens of European Union (EU) Member States, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland, along with their family members who hold a valid residence permit as Community citizens or family members in an EU Member State, have the right to enter Latvia with a valid travel document. These individuals may stay in Latvia for up to three months from the date of entry without the need to register their residence.

Third-country nationals traveling to Latvia together with an EU citizen family member do not require a visa if they possess a valid residence permit issued by another EU country. If they do not have such a permit, they are entitled to apply for a visa promptly at the Latvian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. To apply, they must present a valid travel document and proof of family relationship with the EU citizen

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, as well as their family members, do not require a work permit and have free access to the Latvian labor market. When a person starts working in Latvia, the employer registers them with the State Revenue Service as a taxpayer and obtains a taxpayer number.

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries need a work permit to be legally employed in Latvia. Work permits are issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs based on a visa or residence permit. Typically, employers must register a job vacancy with the State Employment Agency (SEA) at least one month before applying for approval to invite foreign nationals for visas or sponsorship for residence permits. Foreign nationals working for more than one employer or in multiple positions must obtain separate work permits for each job. For short-term employment not exceeding 90 days within a six-month period, work permits can be issued to match the validity of the visa.

For more information, visit: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

If a person wishes to work in a regulated profession, there is a procedure for recognizing professional qualifications in Latvia. A list of regulated professions and additional details are available at the Centre of Academic Information: www.aic.lv.

EU citizens or their family members who want assistance finding a job or wish to transfer their unemployment benefits to Latvia (using the U2 document issued by their previous EU country of residence) must register with any branch of the State Employment Agency.

If you establish a permanent place of residence in Latvia, you must declare your residence to the local council or the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and their family members who wish to stay in Latvia for longer than three months from the date of entry must register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to obtain a residence registration certificate. To receive this certificate, an EU citizen must be employed, self-employed, or a student in Latvia, have sufficient financial means to support themselves, and provide proof of entitlement to emergency medical assistance in Latvia (such as an EHIC card).

Third-country nationals residing in Latvia as family members of an EU citizen are issued a residence permit as family members of an EU citizen.

An EU citizen can stay in Latvia for longer than three months without registering if they intend and have a credible chance of finding a job, if they are employed in Latvia but live in another EU country and return there at least once a week, or if they are studying in Latvia and plan to reside for up to one year.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland who have resided continuously in Latvia for five years are entitled to apply for a permanent residence certificate. Non-EU/EEA nationals may apply for the status of a permanent resident of the European Community in Latvia after five years of residence.

For more information, visit the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs: www.pmlp.gov.lv.

When traveling to or staying in Latvia, be sure to bring the following important documents:

• Personal identification documents (passport, national ID card)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) translated into Latvian
• Educational certificates and diplomas
• Recommendation or reference letters
• Several copies of all personal documents for backup
• Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates, if applicable
• Several passport-sized photos (3x4 cm standard document size)
• Your employment contract or official job invitation
• Credit cards or other means of payment
• EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) from your previous country of residence or proof of other valid health insurance
• EU social security forms related to your last employment (such as the U1, U2, or S1 forms)

• Keep both original documents and copies in separate places for security.
• Check the validity of your passport and visas before travel.
• It may be helpful to have some documents translated officially into Latvian or English, depending on the purpose.
• Carry any documents related to accommodation or proof of residence, if available.