Latvia Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [3 Steps]

You can now officially apply for the Latvia digital nomad visa and work remotely in the Baltic country for up to two years. 

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. 

After living in Latvia for two years, you may apply for permanent residency, opening many doors for your life there. After five years as a permanent resident, you may apply for Latvian citizenship by naturalization. 

This is excellent news for third-country nationals (not those who are citizens of an EU country) because you’ll have the option to travel visa-free to the 27 Schengen Area countries during your stay in Latvia. 

The Latvia digital nomad visa does not allow applicants to bring family members, so it’s great for those adventurous solo travelers looking for a new place to settle. 

While there are no set nationality restrictions, there is a requirement that your employer or self-employed business must be established in a country part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 

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. 

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

Below are the eligibility requirements for the Latvia digital nomad visa.

• Valid Passport – You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the visa expires and two free pages
• Proof of Remote Work – You must work remotely as an employee or as a self-employed individual 
• OECD Employment – Your employing company or self-employed business must be a member of the OECD (see a list of countries below)
• Earn at least €3,433 per month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• International Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage of at least €42,600 per year during the term of your visa
• Accommodations in Latvia – You must secure accommodations in Latvia where you will reside

To meet the OECD employment requirement, your employer or self-employed business must be registered in one of the following countries:

• Austria
• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Israel
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• United States

If you meet the requirements, then you can proceed with applying for the Latvia digital nomad visa. 

How to Apply for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa

You may apply for the Latvia digital nomad visa online or through the nearest embassy or consulate in your country of residence. 

Step 1: Gather Documents

When submitting your Latvia digital nomad visa application, you must submit the following documents: 

• Copy of Passport
• Two Schengen Visa Photos – not older than six months
• Proof of Remote Work – employment contract or business establishment
• Proof of OECD Business Establishment
• Proof of Income – Payslips, invoices, and bank statements
• International Health Insurance Policy
• Proof of Accommodations – reservation, lease, deed, etc.

You may submit these documents either in English or Latvian. 

Step 2: Complete Visa Application

There are two ways to submit your Latvia digital nomad visa application: online and in-person. 

While most Latvian embassies and consulates accept the online application, you may need to attend a visa interview at an embassy nearest to your country of residence. 

You can find the Latvia digital nomad visa online application here. 

There is a visa fee of €60 that you must pay. If you wish for an expedited process, the fee is €120 if you have three days left on your tourist visa in Latvia. 

Step 3: Wait for Approval

It can take a few weeks to a couple of months to process your Latvia digital nomad visa application. It depends on the volume of requests at the time. 

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. It’s 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 nomad’s paradise. 

You’ll quickly find that Latvia is the perfect place for digital nomads, especially if you don’t mind colder weather. With cities like Riga, the capital, you’ll 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. You’ll quickly find plenty of things to do while in Latvia 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 1,200€ per month. 

Frequently Asked Questions

While articles like this are helpful and informative, you may still have some questions about the Latvia digital nomad visa. 

Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive. 

How Much Does it Cost to Apply for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa?

The regular visa fee is €60. However, if you require expedited processing, the fee is €120. 

What is the Processing Time for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Application?

The processing time may vary, but usually takes about one month, depending on the volume of applications. 

Will I Owe Taxes in Latvia with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, when you stay for 183 days out of the year, you will become a tax resident and owe local taxes in Latvia. 

However, digital nomad visa holders have a discounted 15% tax rate. 

Can I Include Family Members on My Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Application?

No, Latvia’s digital nomad visa does not allow applicants to bring family members. 

Can I Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa While Already in Latvia?

Yes, if you can enter Latvia without an entry visa, you may apply for the digital nomad visa while already in Latvia.

If you require an entry visa, then you must apply for the digital nomad visa at a Latvian embassy or consulate serving your country of residence.

Does the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes, after two years of living full-time in Latvia, you may apply for permanent residency. 

After five years as a permanent resident, you may apply for Latvian citizenship. 

Should I Work with an Immigration Lawyer to Apply for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa?

While it isn’t required to work with an immigration lawyer to apply for Latvia’s digital nomad visa, it is extremely helpful and increases your chances for approval.

Working one-on-one with an immigration lawyer ensures you meet the eligibility requirements, have all of the necessary documents, and have someone to communicate with authorities to follow your application through the process.

Relocating to another country can be intimidating and overwhelming when you do it alone. Having a legal professional on your side provides reassurance that your application is completed correctly.

Get Help Applying for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for a digital nomad visa can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why so many remote workers choose to work with an immigration lawyer to handle their visa applications.

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads is scouting for the best immigration lawyers worldwide to assist our members with their visa application and relocation abroad.

With our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service, you can sit back, relax, and increase your chances of visa approval with our hand-selected local immigration lawyers.

Want to get notified when we offer our visa service for Latvia? Complete the form in this article and be the first to know when we have a partner to assist you.