Permanent residence permit
A foreigner who has lived in Latvia continuously for five years with a residence permit can request a permanent residence permit. They need sufficient means for themselves and dependants, Latvian at least at A2, and a completed Latvian culture and history course. Absences must not exceed six consecutive months or ten months in total.
Life in Latvia
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
25.5–33%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
33% on annual income above EUR 105,300, plus an extra 3% on income above EUR 200,000; a differentiated non-taxable minimum applies.
Living
1
Happiness
#46 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term temporary residence permit holders in Latvia.
Eligibility
Five years
You need five years of continuous residence immediately before you apply.
five years
Residence needed · before applying
- Legal reference: s. 31(1)
Official wording
Continuous residence for five years before applying (s. 31(1)).
Means
Sufficient means to support self and dependants.
Latvian
Show Latvian state language skills at level A2 or higher.
A2
Language level · at least
- Legal reference: s. 31(1)(2)
Official wording
State language at least A2 (s. 31(1)(2)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementCulture course
- Document checklistLatvian A2 certificate
- FeesState fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 3 more requirements
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Latvia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
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Official sources
Other routes to Latvia
- Visit & tourismShort-stay Schengen visa or visa-free visit to Latvia
- StudyTemporary residence permit for full-time studies
- Work permitsTemporary residence permit for employment
- FamilyTemporary residence permit for spouses and children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- Investors & entrepreneursTemporary residence permit for investors
- CitizenshipLatvian citizenship by naturalisation
