Yet another European government welcomes remote workers to come and live in their beautiful country with the Latvia digital nomad visa.
The Latvian government approved a draft of the new Latvia digital nomad visa earlier in February 2022. The law is currently undergoing more approvals and changes before it becomes official and available to digital nomads.
The Latvia digital nomad visa will allow remote workers to live in the country for one year with the ability to renew for another year.
[UPDATED July 2022] After two years of living in Latvia with the digital nomad visa, holders may apply for permanent residency. After a total of five years of legally residing in Latvia, digital nomads may apply for Latvian citizenship. This is a huge benefit for digital nomads looking for a way to obtain an EU passport!
This is excellent news for third-country nationals (not those who are citizens of an EU country) because youโll have the option to travel visa-free to the 26 Schengen Area countries during your stay in Latvia. There will likely be regulations for how long you must stay in Latvia during the term of your visa, though.
Latvia joins a growing list of European countries offering digital nomad visas, including the Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Malta, Spain, Estonia, Romania, and Montenegro.
We will update this article as the government releases more information about the Latvia digital nomad visa. Below is what we know so far.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country for a short period of time, but longer than a tourist visa would allow.
To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must either be self-employed, a business owner, or an employee of a company located outside of the country where you hold the visa.
This visa does not allow you to engage in economic activities, such as getting a job or selling services or products in the country that has granted you the visa.
Digital nomad visas are perfect for remote workers who want to live in a country, typically for six months up to three years, and establish a lifestyle abroad without worrying about moving around or overstaying tourist visas.
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
We donโt know much about the requirements to be eligible for the Latvia digital nomad visa. However, this is what the government has released thus far.
- Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport
- Citizen or Resident of OECD Country – You must be a citizen or resident of an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country such as the US, Israel, Canada, Mexico, UK, Japan, New Zealand, Turkey, and more [Updated July 2022]
- Work Remotely – You must prove you earn an income remotely with work contracts or business documents with the same business for at least six months. This business must also be registered in an OECD country
- Income of at least 2,857.50โฌ per month – You must meet the income requirement
- Proof of Income – Youโll have to prove your income with bank statements and payslips
- Proof of Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage during the term of your visa
As we learn more about the requirements for the Latvia digital nomad visa, we will update this list.
Steps to Apply
[COMING SOON!]
Latvia for Digital Nomads
You may be wondering why digital nomads could go to Latvia to live and work remotely. A handful of people may have never even heard of Latvia!
Latvia is a European country located in the north with a coast along the Baltic Sea. Itโs just below Estonia, which is an innovative player in the digital nomad world. Latvia is simply a fairytale town that has come to life.
With gorgeous architecture, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets, the contrast between historical beauty and fast-speed internet and technology is truly a digital nomadโs paradise.
Youโll quickly find that Latvia is the perfect place for digital nomads, especially if you donโt mind colder weather. With cities like Riga, the capital, youโll discover efficient coworking spaces, digital cafes, and a community of other digital nomads.
Latvia is also a great summer destination as the beaches are pristine with soft sand and extremely blue water. Youโll quickly find plenty of things to do and appreciate the culture while working remotely in the country.
The cost of living is fairly affordable for a European country as well. Many digital nomads report living a decent lifestyle spending just 1,200โฌ per month.
Get Help Applying for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
When applications become available, you can receive the help and assistance you need to receive the visa. Even with step-by-step guides like this one, submitting your application can still be overwhelming and confusing.
Fortunately, you donโt have to do it alone!
Nomads Embassy is partnering with lawyers and specialists to help you apply for digital nomad visas worldwide. To get the latest digital nomad news and visa updates, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter too.
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