Employment in Latvia for Ukrainians

Types of visas for working in Latvia

Ukrainian citizens need a visa or temporary residence permit to work in Latvia. The type of document depends on the length of stay.

• A short-term visa (type C) allows you to stay in Latvia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is used for temporary work or short-term projects.
• A long-term visa (type D) is required when applying for a temporary residence permit to stay in the country for more than 90 days. It is issued as a multiple-entry visa and gives the right to legally find employment.

💡 If you are unsure which type of visa or residence permit to choose, or are worried about a possible refusal, use the legal advice service at Visit Ukraine. Lawyers will advise you on the best option and help you prepare the necessary documents.

How to obtain a work permit in Latvia?

To work in Latvia for more than 90 days, Ukrainians need to obtain a D visa for entry and a temporary residence permit with the right to work.

❗️ The employer initiates the work permit application process.

STEP 1 – The employer registers the vacancy with the Latvian State Employment Agency at least 10 working days in advance to check for local candidates.

STEP 2 – The employer submits an application for sponsorship to OCMA and attaches the necessary documents confirming the possibility of employment, namely:

- draft employment contract;

- employee data (passport);

- documents on education/qualifications;

- confirmation of an open vacancy (10 days).

STEP 3 – Once the sponsorship application has been approved, the foreign employee must contact the nearest Latvian representative office to obtain a long-term D visa.

• If you are in Ukraine: addresses of Latvian embassies/consulates.
• If you are already in another EU country, you can submit your documents directly to the OCMA office in Latvia (but only after the employer has approved the sponsorship).

STEP 4 – The consulate issues a long-term D visa based on the approved application and sponsorship.

STEP 5 – Once you have been issued a D visa, you can enter Latvia and begin applying for a temporary residence permit.

STEP 6 – You submit your biometric data, and after it has been processed, you receive a Residence Permit card.

STEP 7 – Finally, you need to register with the VID (State Revenue Service) to obtain your tax number. After that, you are fully ready to work officially.

🛡️ Before submitting your documents, don't forget to take out a policy that covers medical treatment and, if necessary, repatriation, because without it you will not be able to obtain a long-term visa or residence permit. You can take out a policy for travel to Latvia online on the Visit Ukraine website in just a few minutes.

What documents are required for registration?

To obtain a long-term D visa and a temporary residence permit in Latvia, Ukrainians need to prepare a package of documents. The exact list may vary depending on the profession, type of work, and employer's requirements, but usually the following are required:

1. A foreign passport valid for the entire period of stay.

2. Application form for a Residence Permit (official PMLP form).

3. Passport-size photo.

4. Medical insurance for the entire period of stay.

5. Invitation from the employer / SPONSORSHIP REQUEST (a copy of the approved application is required).

6. Employment contract or confirmation of intent to employ.

7. Education documents (with translation into Latin or English, if required for the profession).

💡 To save time searching for a translation agency, you can order translation and apostille of documents directly through Visit Ukraine.

8. Proof of financial means (if required).

9. Certificate of no criminal record (for certain professions).

Where can I get an application form for a Residence Permit in Latvia?

🔗 Official PMLP form

🔗 PDF sample application form

What do Ukrainian citizens need to do after arriving in Latvia?

After entering Latvia on a D visa, Ukrainians need to complete several mandatory steps to obtain a temporary residence permit and work legally:

1. You must provide biometric data to the PMLP (OCMA): photo, signature, fingerprints.

2. Register your address of residence within 30 days: this can be done online via the PMLP e-service or in person.

3. You will then receive your Residence Permit temporary residence card.

4. Next, register with the State Revenue Service (VID).

5. If necessary, you will need to undergo a medical examination, namely a fluorography or other tests.

Cost and processing time for a long-term visa (type D) to Latvia

• The visa fee may depend on the type of visa and your consulate: as of now, the fee for a D visa is €90, but we recommend checking the current rates on the official PMLP website or at the Latvian consulate.
• The processing time depends heavily on the situation and the workload of the consulate — it can take from two weeks to several months, depending on the circumstances and the completeness of the documents.

Where can Ukrainians work in Latvia on a short-term visa?

Ukrainians can work in Latvia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period on a short-term C visa. This is suitable for:

• seasonal work (agriculture, hotel and restaurant industry);
• temporary projects or short-term business trips;
• other temporary professional tasks, if the employer officially submits an invitation to the OCMA.

How to apply for a short-term visa (type C)?

1. Obtain an invitation from an employer;
2. Prepare a package of documents;
3. Submit documents to the consulate or visa center.

After obtaining a C visa, you can legally work for up to 90 days without an additional residence permit.

🛡️ For safe employment in Latvia, take care of medical insurance — without it, you will not be able to apply for a short-term visa. You can apply for a policy online in a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine website.

What documents do Ukrainians need for short-term work in Latvia?

1. A foreign passport valid for the entire duration of the stay
2. A completed and signed application for a short-term visa (C)
3. A passport-sized photo
4. Medical insurance for the entire duration of the stay
5. An invitation from the employer or a contract/agreement
6. Proof of financial means (if necessary)

Cost and processing time for a short-term visa (type C)

- Cost: for Ukrainian citizens, the standard fee for processing a visa application is currently €35.

- Processing time: it usually takes about 10-15 calendar days to process the documents before a decision on the visa is made.