How to Apply for a Latvian Residence Permit

The Four Submission Channels

1. In Person at PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) in Latvia

If you are lawfully present in Latvia, you may submit documents directly to PMLP. The same applies to a child born in Latvia. One exception: this route is not available to anyone issued a departure order with a voluntary departure deadline.

2. Electronically, with a Secure Electronic Signature

For applicants outside Latvia, this is often the most practical option — no separate trip just to hand in paperwork. You file the complete package with PMLP digitally, signed with a qualified electronic signature.

A Latvian e-signature is not required. A qualified electronic signature issued by a recognised European trust service provider under the eIDAS regulation may be accepted. The European Commission’s eIDAS Trusted List Browser lists compliant providers. Before committing to one, verify that it supports identification with your passport and nationality.

3. At a Latvian Embassy or Consulate Abroad

Applications may be filed at a Latvian diplomatic or consular mission in two situations:

• at any mission located outside the Schengen area; or
• at a mission inside the Schengen area, provided the applicant holds a valid residence permit in that country.

Proof of lawful residence in the country of the mission may be required. This route works well for applicants who prefer an in-person procedure or cannot use a qualifying electronic signature.

4. Through an Authorised External Service Provider

The law permits submission through an external service provider holding a delegation contract — in practice, the visa-centre model (VFS Global, for example). Availability varies by country.

One thing to be clear about: postal submission is not a valid channel under Section 32 of the Imigrācijas likums in force from 15 September 2026. If you have seen this mentioned in older guidance, that guidance is out of date.

Not sure which channel applies to your situation? Book a 30-minute consultation — we will map your options before you prepare a single document.

Document Language: What Changed in 2026

The language rules changed significantly on 15 September 2026. Russian and German are no longer accepted. The current rules under Imigrācijas likums Section 5 are:

• Initial temporary residence permit (first application): documents may be in Latvian or English.
• Repeated temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit: documents must be in Latvian.
• Documents submitted by an inviter or sponsor: must be in Latvian, regardless of application type.

In practice, this catches a lot of renewal applicants off guard. If you are renewing rather than applying for the first time, anything not already in Latvian will need certified translation before you submit.

What Afortis Handles

Afortis Group supports the Latvia residence permit process from start to finish: identifying the correct legal ground, preparing the application package, arranging electronic signing, liaising with PMLP, and coordinating the visa and permit card stages. The right procedure depends on your nationality, country of residence, current immigration status, and the legal ground you are applying under. Each case should be assessed individually before documents are submitted.

Book a consultation — we will assess your case and tell you exactly which channel and documents apply to you.