1. What is a Latvia Long Stay Visa?

A Latvia Long Stay Visa is a type of visa that allows a person to stay in Latvia for an extended period, usually longer than 90 days. It is also known as a National Visa or a D type visa.

2. Who needs a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
Anyone who wishes to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days within a 180-day period must obtain a Latvia Long Stay Visa. This includes those who are planning to work, study, or reside permanently in Latvia.

3. Do I need a separate visa for traveling to other countries in the Schengen area with a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
No, if you have a valid Latvian Long Stay Visa, you can travel to other Schengen countries without obtaining a separate visa. However, you must still abide by the regulations and limitations of your Latvian Visa, such as the duration of stay allowed.

4. How do I apply for a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
To apply for a Latvia Long Stay Visa, you must complete an application form and submit it along with the required documents to the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process may vary slightly depending on your purpose of travel and nationality.

5. What documents are required for a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
The exact document requirements may differ based on your nationality and reason for travel, but generally, you will need:

– A completed visa application form
– A valid passport with at least two blank pages
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay
– Travel health insurance
– A letter outlining the purpose of your visit and duration of stay
– Any additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit (i.e., work contract or acceptance letter from a university)

6. How long does it take to process a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
The processing time for Latvia Long Stay Visas may vary, but it can take up to 15 days. However, in some cases, it can take longer depending on the volume of applications and your nationality.

7. What is the cost of a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
The visa fee for a Latvia Long Stay Visa is currently €99 for adults and €60 for children aged 6-12 years old. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or not.

8. Can my Latvia Long Stay Visa be extended?
Yes, it is possible to extend a Latvia Long Stay Visa if you have a valid reason and meet the requirements set by the Latvian immigration authorities. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

9. Can I work with a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work in Latvia with a Long Stay Visa, as long as you have obtained permission from the Latvian Immigration Department beforehand.

10. Is there an age limit for applying for a Latvia Long Stay Visa?
No, there is no specific age limit for applying for a Latvia Long Stay Visa. However, minors under the age of 18 must have written consent from their parents or guardians to travel and stay in Latvia.

2. How do I apply for a Latvia Long Stay Visa?

The process for applying for a Latvia Long Stay Visa (also known as a D-type visa) varies depending on your specific circumstances and the purpose of your stay. Generally, the steps to apply for a Long Stay Visa in Latvia are as follows:

1. Determine which visa category you fall under: The first step is to determine which visa category you fall under based on the purpose of your stay in Latvia. The most common categories are work, study, family reunification, and business.

2. Gather required documents: Once you have determined your visa category, you will need to gather all the required documents for your application. This may include a valid passport, completed application form, proof of financial means, health insurance, and more. It is important to check the requirements for your specific visa category as they may vary.

3. Schedule an appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment at the Embassy or Consulate of Latvia in your home country or at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia (if you are already in the country). You can do this through their online system or by contacting them directly.

4. Submit your application: On the day of your appointment, submit your completed application form and all required documents.

5. Pay the visa fee: There will be a non-refundable fee for processing your visa application. The amount may vary depending on your nationality and visa category.

6. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the Embassy/Consulate or Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The processing time may vary but it usually takes around 30 days.

7. Receive your visa: If approved, you will receive a sticker with your long-stay visa affixed to your passport.

It is important to note that these steps are general guidelines and may vary depending on individual circumstances and embassy/consulate requirements. It is always recommended to check the specific requirements and procedures for your visa application before starting the process.

3. What documents are required for a Latvia Long Stay Visa application?

The following documents are generally required for a Latvia Long Stay Visa application:

1. Completed and signed visa application form
2. Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia
3. Two recent passport-sized photos
4. Travel medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros
5. Proof of accommodation in Latvia (e.g. hotel reservation or rental agreement)
6. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover expenses during the stay in Latvia (e.g. bank statements, proof of employment or income)
7. Criminal record certificate from country of residence
8. Medical certificate stating that the applicant does not have any diseases that would endanger public health
9. Invitation letter from a Latvian individual or organization, if applicable
10. Study or work-related documents, if applicable
11. Round-trip flight reservations or itinerary
12. Visa fee payment receipt.

Note: The specific requirements may vary depending on the purpose and length of stay in Latvia and the applicant’s nationality. It is recommended to contact the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for a complete list of required documents before submitting an application.

4. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Latvia Long Stay Visa?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Latvia Long Stay Visa. It is required to have a travel insurance policy that covers at least 30,000 euros and includes medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, and repatriation costs.

5. Can I work with a long stay visa in Latvia?

Yes, a long stay visa allows you to work in Latvia for the duration of your visa. However, if you plan to work for more than 90 days in a year, you may need to apply for a residence permit for employment. It is recommended to check with the Latvian authorities or your employer for specific requirements and procedures.

6. How long is the validity of a Latvian long stay visa?

The validity of a Latvian long stay visa depends on the purpose for which it is issued. Generally, a long stay visa can be valid for up to one year and allow multiple entries into Latvia. However, if the purpose of the visit is longer than one year, an additional residence permit must be obtained after arrival in Latvia.

7. Can I extend my Latvian long stay visa if needed?

Yes, it is possible to extend a long stay visa in Latvia if there is a valid reason, such as a change in personal circumstances or unexpected events. The request for extension must be submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs at least one month before the expiration date of the visa. The decision on whether to grant an extension will depend on the discretion of the authorities and may not always be approved.

8. Do I need to provide proof of financial means for a long stay visa in Latvia?

Yes, you will need to provide proof of financial means for a long stay visa in Latvia. This typically includes bank statements showing sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, as well as any additional documents such as a letter from your employer or sponsor confirming financial support. The exact amount required may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the length of your stay. It is best to check with the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country for more information on the specific requirements for providing proof of financial means.

9. Will I need to undergo a medical examination for a Latvian long stay visa?

It is possible that you may be required to undergo a medical examination for a Latvian long stay visa, depending on the purpose of your stay and your current health status. If you are applying for a visa for study or work purposes, it is likely that you will need to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. However, if you are visiting Latvia for tourism or business purposes, a medical examination may not be necessary unless there are specific medical requirements stated in the visa application documents. It is best to check with the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country to confirm the specific requirements for your visa application.

10. Can third country nationals apply for a long stay visa in Latvia?

Yes, third country nationals can apply for a long stay visa in Latvia, also known as a national visa or D-visa. This type of visa allows the holder to reside in the country for longer than 90 days and is typically issued for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or long-term medical treatment. The application process and requirements may vary depending on the purpose of the stay and the nationality of the applicant. It is recommended to contact the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for specific information and guidelines on how to apply for a long stay visa in Latvia.

11. Do children need a separate long stay visa for Latvia?

No, children do not need a separate long stay visa for Latvia if they are traveling with their parents or legal guardians and will be staying for the same duration as their parents or legal guardians. They can be included in their parents’ or legal guardians’ long stay visa application. However, if they are traveling alone or with someone else who is not their parent or legal guardian, they may need to apply for a separate long stay visa.

12. How much does it cost to apply for a Latvian long stay visa?

The cost of a Latvian long stay visa depends on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay. As of 2021, the general fee for a long-stay (Type D) visa is 100 EUR. However, there may be additional fees for processing and other services. You should check the specific fee for your individual circumstances with the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country.

13. Will I need an invitation letter from someone in Latvia for my long stay visa application?

It is not a requirement to have an invitation letter from someone in Latvia for a long stay visa application. However, if you do have a friend or relative in Latvia who can provide you with an invitation letter stating that they will be hosting and supporting you during your stay, it may strengthen your application by showing that you have a local connection and support in the country.

14. Are there any specific requirements for family members of EU citizens applying for a Latvia long stay visa?

Family members of EU citizens have the right to accompany or join them in Latvia, and their visa application should be processed under EU law (Directive 2004/38/EC). This includes:

– Spouse/civil partner: A marriage certificate or proof of civil partnership must be provided.
– Children under 21 years old: A birth certificate must be provided.
– Dependent children over 21 years old: Proof of dependency on the EU citizen (e.g. financial support) must be provided.
– Dependent parents/grandparents: Proof of dependency on the EU citizen must be provided.

In addition, family members may also need to provide evidence of their relationship with the EU citizen, proof of health insurance, and sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Latvia. They may also need to obtain a residence card after arriving in Latvia.

15. Do I need to have already arranged accommodation before applying for a Latvian long stay visa?

No, it is not required to have accommodation arranged before applying for a Latvian long stay visa. However, you will be required to provide proof of accommodation (such as a lease agreement or letter of invitation from your host) as part of your visa application.

16. Can I study with a Latvian long stay visa?

Yes, a Latvian long stay visa allows you to study in Latvia for a period of more than 90 days. However, you may also need to obtain a residence permit for study purposes before starting your studies. It is recommended to contact the institution where you will be studying for information on the specific requirements for obtaining a residence permit.

17. How early can I apply for a Latvian long stay visa?

You can apply for a Latvian long stay visa up to 3 months before your intended travel date. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as the processing times may vary.

18.Is it possible to enter and leave the Schengen area multiple times with this type of visa?

Yes, it is possible to enter and leave the Schengen area multiple times with a multiple-entry visa. As long as the visa is valid and the total duration of stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period, you can travel in and out of the Schengen zone as many times as you want. However, each time you enter the Schengen area, your length of stay may be limited by your remaining visa validity and the purpose of your visit.

19.What are the penalties if my Latvian long stay visa expires or gets cancelled while I am still in the country?

If your Latvian long stay visa expires or gets cancelled while you are still in the country, you may be subject to penalties such as fines, deportation, and future difficulties obtaining visas for Schengen countries. It is important to always ensure that your visa is valid and to comply with all immigration laws while in Latvia. If you have any concerns about your visa status, it is best to contact the Latvian Immigration Department for further information.

20.Can my spouse or partner accompany me on this type of Visa?

Yes, your spouse or partner can accompany you on this type of Visa as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and are included in your application. They will need to apply for a dependent visa and provide all the necessary documents to show their relationship with you.