Recently, amendments to the Immigration Law of Latvia were adopted, which established a special procedure for obtaining a residence permit for the citizens of the Russian Federation. The norms of the law, according to which it was possible to obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate, as well as other investment opportunities, were excluded from the previous conditions.
One of the main exceptions, which raised doubts about the possibility of a citizen of the Russian Federation to live and work in Latvia, is the lack of employment as a separate basis for obtaining a residence permit. Previously, citizens of the Russian Federation had the opportunity to open a company in Latvia, organize a business, pay taxes and, as a result, legally stay in Latvia on the basis of a residence permit for a period of 5 years. Now this has changed, but it cannot be argued that this possibility has completely disappeared.
The legislation went the other way and citizens of the Russian Federation were still given the opportunity to obtain a residence permit on the basis of employment, changing the wording of the article of the law and reducing the period from 5 years to 1 year. Nevertheless, such an opportunity remained, but this basis sounds differently.
In accordance with clause 2, part 2, article 231 of the Immigration Law of Latvia, a citizen of the Russian Federation has the right to request a residence permit for a period that does not exceed 1 year, if staying in the Republic of Latvia is related to employment, which is established by the regulations of the European Union.
This means that, as in the past, it is possible to find a job in a Latvian company with a certain salary (not lower than the minimum established by law for foreign employees), proving your professional education, and apply for a residence permit. However, it is important to understand that this article of the law applies only to highly qualified specialists (“blue card”).
Thus, citizens of the Russian Federation can find a job both in an existing company and in a newly created one.
In other words, the legislation made it possible to issue residence permits to citizens of the Russian Federation, but only to those who work and pay taxes in Latvia. This is the interest of our state, which the legislator did not refuse.
As you know, a company in Latvia, owned by a citizen of the Russian Federation, is quite problematic, but rather impossible, to open an account in a Latvian bank or payment company. A company cannot exist without an account. However, if such an owner has a residence permit in Latvia, then the company will be able to open a bank account.
Therefore, for citizens of the Russian Federation who wish to live and run a business in Latvia such an opportunity exists.
So far, there are no requirements for the amount of taxes paid by such a company. Set up a company, obtain a residence permit and work!
Citizens of the Russian Federation who previously received a residence permit based on the purchase of real estate and for whom the decision to grant a residence permit for 5 years expires can safely set up a company in Latvia. And, with a residence permit still valid, apply for a new residence permit on the basis of clause 2, part 2, article 231 Latvian Immigration Law, if the requirements established by law are met.
The spouse and minor children can also receive a residence permit based on family reunification, as was the case before.
Law office Inlatplus, having wide experience in solving immigration issues and not only, is ready to provide any client with legal assistance in opening a company in Latvia, organizing a business and obtaining a residence permit based on employment.
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