Short-stay Schengen visa or visa-free visit to Latvia
Latvia is in the Schengen area and issues uniform (Schengen) visas under the EU Visa Code, as well as long-term national visas. Visa-exempt travellers can visit under the Schengen rules. Where a visa is linked to employment, the employer must issue an approved invitation.
Visiting Latvia
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
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
Tourists, business visitors and family visitors from outside the EU/EEA.
Eligibility
Visa types
Latvia issues four visa types: uniform, limited territorial validity, airport transit and long-term.
- Uniform, limited territorial validity and airport transit visas are issued under Regulation (EC) 810/2009
Official wording
Uniform visa, visa with limited territorial validity, airport transit visa (issued under Regulation (EC) 810/2009) and long-term visa (Immigration Law s. 16).
Invitation for workVisas linked to employment
If the person will be employed, an approved invitation from the employer is needed (s. 16(4)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistPassport
- FeesVisa fee
- Steps to applyCheck whether you need a visa
The full requirements are for members
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- 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.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Latvia
- StudyTemporary residence permit for full-time studies
- Work permitsTemporary residence permit for employment
- Permanent residencePermanent residence permit
- 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
