Digital nomad visa in Latvia

Who is eligible for this visa type?

In 2022 Latvia introduced the digital nomad visa for foreign nationals working in companies registered with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The following EU countries are members of the OECD:

Austria, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Sweden, Czech Republic, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia.

Non-EU countries that are members of the OECD:

Australia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, UK, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Israel, Norway, USA.

After the amendments to the immigration law, citizens of countries that are members of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also have the opportunity to apply for a Digital nomad visa. Among them: Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus.

What restrictions are there regarding stay in the country?

Digital nomad visa validity period is 1 year and can be extended for 1 more year followed by eligibility to obtain a residence permit based on any other reasons. In case there is no need to get a temporary residence permit in Latvia upon expiry of the visa, there is an option to reapply for a Digital nomad visa (digital nomad visa). In this case, the foreign national must leave Latvia for a period of at least 6 months.

Application process period for a Digital nomad visa in Latvia:

• The visa processing takes an average of 30 working days.

Required documents to obtain a digital nomad visa in Latvia:

• A valid ID card, passport,
• Employment confirmation from a company registered in one of the OECD countries, confirmation of self-employment, or of own business registered within OECD. The minimum duration of employment: at least 6 months at the moment of submission of the application,
• Proof of the possibility to work remotely (employment contract),
• Proof of income (bank statement and payroll document),
• Sufficient financial assets (minimum monthly income of at least 3433 EUR in 2023),
• Valid health insurance which covers the costs of the stay during the stay in the country. The policy must provide coverage of at least 42,600 euros

How to apply for Latvian digital nomad visa?

By applying through the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in the country of the applicant’s residence or citizenship.
By post from Latvian territory.

Benefits of Latvia’s digital nomad visa:

• Freedom of movement within Schengen countries,
• Residency permit in Latvia for the visa validity period,
• Developed urban infrastructure,
• Modern co-working spaces in major cities,
• High-speed internet,
• Sustainably developing economy,
• High standard of living and security,

Besides, the capital Riga has an excellent air connection with European countries, as well as with the main world capitals. The cost of living compared to other European countries is another valuable advantage of trying the life of a digital nomad in Latvia.