Latvia is among the European countries that have introduced a special migration regime for individuals working remotely. The so-called Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign nationals to reside in Latvia while continuing their professional activities outside the country.
From the perspective of Latvian law, the Digital Nomad Visa is not a separate universal visa category, but rather a special migration regime intended for a limited group of applicants.
This visa:
- does not grant the right to work for a Latvian employer;
- does not allow the holder to engage in economic or commercial activities in Latvia;
- is intended exclusively for individuals who earn income outside Latvia but wish to be physically present in Latvia.
Who May Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Latvia
In general terms, Latvian laws allows applications from the following categories of individuals:
- employees of foreign companies working remotely;
- freelancers providing services to foreign clients;
- individuals carrying out entrepreneurial or business activities outside Latvia.
Source of Income as a Key Criterion: The Role of the OECD
One of the fundamental requirements for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Latvia is the source of the applicant’s income.
Latvian migration authorities require that the income be derived from a member state of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This criterion is applied in order to:
- assess financial transparency;
- reduce compliance risks;
- confirm the stability and legality of income sources.
The OECD comprises 38 countries with developed economies and high standards of financial and tax regulation. OECD member states include, among others, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and a number of other countries.
Financial and Other Basic Requirements
In addition to the source of income, the applicant must meet several other conditions, including:
- a minimum income threshold (this amount is reviewed annually by the Latvian government and currently stands at EUR 4,213 per month);
- proof of regular income;
- valid health insurance covering Latvia and the Schengen Area;
- absence of employment or commercial relationships with Latvian entities.
It is important to note that the Digital Nomad Visa does not grant the right to work in Latvia!
Applications for a Digital Nomad Visa in Latvia are reviewed within the time limits established for long-stay national visas. As a rule, a decision is taken within up to 30 calendar days from the date the application is formally accepted for review.
The actual processing time may be extended if additional checks are required, clarifications are requested, or the applicant’s income sources need further assessment.
The Digital Nomad Visa is issued for a period of up to one year.
This type of visa provides a legal basis for residence in Latvia for remote professionals; however, obtaining it requires strict compliance with the established criteria.
The law firm Inlatplus is ready to provide comprehensive legal support in connection with obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Latvia, including: assessment of compliance with Latvian legal requirements, analysis of income sources in light of OECD criteria, preparation of documents and coordination of the submission process, legal advice regarding the applicant’s further status in Latvia.
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