EUR 160 state fee, a criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years with an apostille, a medical certificate no older than 30 days, and every single document translated into Latvian - that’s just part of what’s waiting for you when applying for a residence permit in Latvia. If you’re Ukrainian and want to legally stay in Latvia after temporary protection ends or move here for work or studies - this article is for you.
Types of Residence Permits in Latvia¶
Latvia has several types of residence permits, each designed for different situations. Let’s break down what’s what.
Temporary Protection (pagaidu aizsardzība)¶
This is the status most Ukrainians received after February 24, 2022. Temporary protection isn’t refugee status or asylum - it’s a separate mechanism created by the EU specifically for the mass displacement of Ukrainians.
Since January 1, 2025, the residence permit under temporary protection is issued for 3 years. The EU Council extended temporary protection until March 4, 2027, and Latvia confirmed the extension.
Temporary protection gives you the right to work, study, access healthcare, and receive social support. You essentially have almost the same rights as Latvian residents.
Temporary Residence Permit (termiņuzturēšanās atļauja)¶
This is the classic residence permit issued on a specific basis:
- For employment - you need an employment contract with a Latvian employer. The minimum salary for a foreign worker in 2026 is EUR 1,400 per month before taxes. For highly qualified specialists, the threshold is higher - EUR 2,800
- For studies - enrollment in an accredited Latvian university
- For family reunification - if your spouse, parents, or minor children already have a residence permit in Latvia
- For business - a registered company in Latvia with startup capital of at least EUR 14,000 in a Latvian bank account
- EU Blue Card - for highly qualified workers with a university degree and a salary of at least EUR 2,800
The state fee for reviewing a temporary residence permit application is EUR 160 (standard 30-day processing). If you need it faster - EUR 280 for 10 working days or EUR 560 for 5 working days.
Permanent Residence Permit (pastāvīgā uzturēšanās atļauja)¶
This is essentially permanent residency. To get it, you need to:
- Live in Latvia for 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit
- Not be absent for more than 183 days per year during those 5 years (exceptions for business trips, studies, medical treatment - but everything must be documented)
- Pass the Latvian language exam at B1 level
- Have a stable income, health insurance, and a registered address
The state fee for permanent residency is EUR 160 (standard 30-day processing) or EUR 280 for expedited 10-day processing.
2026 Changes: What’s New¶
Starting in 2026, Latvia significantly tightened requirements for immigrants. Here are the key changes that affect Ukrainians.
Financial Requirements Increased¶
- Minimum income for the main applicant - now EUR 950 per month (previously 750)
- For each family member - EUR 285 (previously 210)
- Minimum salary for a foreign worker - EUR 1,400 (previously 1,050)
Latvian Language Proficiency Is Now Mandatory¶
Most residence permit applicant categories now need to prove Latvian language proficiency at A2 level. The spouse of the main applicant must demonstrate A1 level.
Exempt from the language requirement: - Highly qualified specialists with salaries from EUR 2,800 - Investors with investments over EUR 500,000 - Persons over 65 years old
The exam can be taken at certified centers of the State Language Agency - in Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja, and Ventspils.
Health Insurance Got More Expensive¶
The minimum insurance coverage doubled - you now need at least EUR 30,000 (previously 15,000). Insurance must cover the entire period of stay and be valid at the time of application.
Criminal Record Certificate Got Stricter¶
You now need a criminal record certificate covering the last 60 months (5 years) with an apostille. Previously, a shorter period was required.
Transitional Period¶
The transitional period runs until the end of 2026. If your current permit expires before June 2027, you can apply for renewal under the old rules.
How to Extend Temporary Protection in 2026¶
For most Ukrainians in Latvia, this is the most pressing question. Let’s go through it step by step.
Deadlines¶
Temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2027. But you still need to renew your permit - it doesn’t happen automatically. You must submit your application no later than one month before your current document expires.
What You Need for Extension¶
- Valid passport or other identity document
- Completed application form for permit extension
- Proof of registered residence in Latvia
- Employment or registration with NVA (State Employment Agency) - adults must either be working or registered as unemployed
Where to Submit Documents¶
- Online - sign documents with an electronic signature and send them to pasts@pmlp.gov.lv
- In person - at any territorial office of PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs)
- Ukrainian Support Center in Riga - at Amatu iela 4, Riga
Important: in December 2025, temporary protection was revoked for 18,600 Ukrainians in Latvia who failed to submit extension documents on time. Don’t delay your paperwork.
Transitioning From Temporary Protection to a Regular Permit¶
Temporary protection is a temporary solution. Sooner or later, the question arises: what’s next? Here are the main transition paths.
Work Permit¶
The most popular option. You need an employment contract with a Latvian employer who:
- Registered the vacancy with NVA (State Employment Agency) and obtained permission to hire a foreigner
- Proved they couldn’t find a suitable candidate among Latvian or EU citizens
- Confirmed the company’s financial stability - tax reports for 12 months and proof of all mandatory contribution payments
- Is ready to pay at least EUR 1,400 gross per month
There’s a simplified procedure for IT specialists, engineers, and medical professionals if the salary exceeds EUR 2,800.
EU Blue Card¶
For highly qualified workers with a university degree. It gives you more rights and mobility within the EU. Blue Card application processing is faster - 10 working days for EUR 160 or 5 working days for EUR 280.
For Studies¶
If you’ve enrolled in a Latvian university. After graduation, you can change the basis of your permit to employment.
For Business¶
If you’ve opened a company (SIA) in Latvia. Since 2026, requirements have tightened: besides company registration, you need a business plan in Latvian or English, financial forecasts for 24 months, and startup capital of at least EUR 14,000.
Which Documents Need Translation¶
Here’s where it gets real. All foreign documents submitted to PMLP (Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde) must be translated into Latvian and notarially certified.
General Document Translation Rules¶
Latvia has very strict legislation regarding the state language. Any interaction with authorities - from getting a personal code at PMLP to registering a car at CSDD - requires documents in Latvian.
Here’s an important detail: Latvia doesn’t have a “sworn translator” (zvērināts tulks) status the way Germany does. Instead, they use a system of notarially certified translation (notariāli apliecināts tulkojums) - the translator does the translation, signs it, and then a notary certifies the translator’s signature. The notary is essentially confirming that the signature is genuine, not verifying the translation quality.
Documents for Temporary Protection¶
For temporary protection, the package is minimal:
- Passport (translation usually not needed if biometric)
- Application form (filled out in Latvian or English)
- Proof of address (rental contract - if in Latvian, no translation needed)
Documents for Temporary Residence Permit¶
Here the list gets much longer. Here’s what needs translation:
| Document | Translation needed? | Apostille? |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign passport | No (if biometric) | No |
| Criminal record certificate | Yes, into Latvian | Yes |
| Medical certificate | Yes, into Latvian | No (if issued in Latvia) |
| Educational diploma | Yes, into Latvian | Yes |
| Employment record book / work references | Yes, into Latvian | Recommended |
| Birth certificate | Yes, into Latvian | Yes |
| Marriage certificate | Yes, into Latvian | Yes |
| Employment contract with Latvian employer | No (if already in Latvian) | No |
| Income certificate | Yes, into Latvian | No |
Documents for Permanent Residence¶
For permanent residency, you’ll additionally need:
- Certificate of Latvian language proficiency at B1 level
- Proof of 5 years of residence in Latvia
- Documents confirming stable income and health insurance
Criminal Record Certificate - a Separate Headache¶
This is the document that takes the most time. Since 2026, you need a certificate covering the last 60 months (5 years) from your country of permanent residence. For Ukrainians, this means:
- Order the certificate in Ukraine (through the Ministry of Internal Affairs service or a consulate)
- Get an apostille on the certificate
- Translate the certificate into Latvian
- Have the translation notarially certified
The entire process can take 2 to 6 weeks, so start early.
How Much Does Document Translation Cost in Latvia¶
Prices depend on the language pair, document type, and translation bureau. Here are approximate rates.
Estimated Translation Prices¶
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Document translation (1 page) | EUR 20-30 |
| Notarially certified translation (1 page) | EUR 30-50 |
| Notary certification of translator’s signature | EUR 8.55 (one-time daily fee) |
| Apostille per document | EUR 40 per document |
Keep in mind: in Latvia, each document is apostilled separately. You can’t put one apostille on a stack of documents - each paper requires its own. With a package of 5-7 documents, that adds up fast.
Where to Order Translation¶
- Translation bureaus in Riga - Baltic Media, Skrivanek, Tulkot.lv, A&A Translations, Translab. Prices start at EUR 20 per page
- Online - if you need a quick translation from Ukrainian to Latvian, ChatsControl can translate your document in minutes. But for PMLP submission, the translation still needs notarial certification
- Through a notary - some notary offices in Riga offer a bundled service: translation + certification
One user on a forum for Ukrainians in Latvia shared their experience: “Translating my diploma and its supplement cost me EUR 85, plus EUR 8.55 for the notary. The criminal record certificate translation was EUR 25. In total, all translations and certifications came to about EUR 200 - and that’s without the apostilles.”
Support for Ukrainians in Latvia: What Changed in 2026¶
In December 2025, the Latvian Parliament adopted changes to the law on support for Ukrainian citizens. The program budget decreased from EUR 65 million (2025) to EUR 39.7 million (2026).
What Stayed¶
- The right to work without restrictions
- Access to education and healthcare
- Transport benefits (in a new format - the same ones available to certain categories of Latvian passengers)
- Free public transport in Riga - until June 30, 2026
What Got Cut¶
- The one-time employment payment was abolished
- Housing compensation for households hosting Ukrainians was reduced to 60 days (for 9 vulnerable groups - up to 180 days with possible extension)
- Ukrainians are transitioning to the same general conditions that apply to Latvian citizens
Ukrainian Support Center¶
The Ukrainian Residents Support Center operates in Riga at Amatu iela 4. You can get help with documents, submit an application for temporary protection extension, and receive consultations. They work in Ukrainian and Russian.
Useful Contacts and Resources¶
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) | +371 67209400, pmlp.gov.lv |
| Ukrainian Support Center in Riga | Amatu iela 4, ukraine-latvia.com |
| NVA (State Employment Agency) | nva.gov.lv |
| Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia | latvia.mfa.gov.ua |
| State Language Agency (Latvian exam) | valoda.lv |
| Migration portal “All About Migration” | vissparmigraciju.pmlp.gov.lv |
PMLP working hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-16:00, Friday 9:00-15:00. You have the right to communicate and receive answers in a language you understand, and to request interpreter services.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Temporary Protection to a Residence Permit¶
If you’re already in Latvia with temporary protection and want to transition to a regular residence permit, here’s the game plan:
- Choose your basis - employment, studies, business, family reunification. This determines your entire document package
- Gather documents from Ukraine - criminal record certificate, diplomas, civil status certificates. If possible, get your apostilles in Ukraine - it’s cheaper
- Translate documents into Latvian - order a notarially certified translation (notariāli apliecināts tulkojums) from a certified translation bureau. Use ChatsControl for a quick draft translation to understand the content and prepare, then order the official notarially certified translation
- Get health insurance - minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
- Get a medical certificate - issued no earlier than 30 days before submission
- Prepare photos - 35x45 mm, taken no earlier than 3 months ago
- Fill out the application form - download from the PMLP website in Latvian or English
- Submit documents - in person at PMLP or online with an electronic signature
- Pay the state fee - EUR 160 (standard processing) by card or bank transfer
- Submit biometric data - fingerprints and photo at a PMLP office
- Wait - standard processing takes up to 30 days, for highly qualified specialists - 10 working days
FAQ¶
How much does a residence permit in Latvia cost for a Ukrainian?¶
The state fee for a temporary residence permit application is EUR 160 (standard 30-day processing). Permit registration costs an additional EUR 75. Expedited 10-day processing is EUR 280. Add translation and certification costs - EUR 150 to 300 depending on the number of documents. The total budget for the entire process is EUR 400-600.
Do I need to translate documents into Latvian for PMLP submission?¶
Yes, all foreign documents must be translated into Latvian and notarially certified. In some cases, documents in English or Russian may be accepted without translation, but it’s best to check with PMLP in advance. For reliability - translate everything into Latvian.
How long does it take to get a residence permit in Latvia?¶
Standard application processing takes 30 days. Expedited processing is 10 working days (EUR 280) or 5 working days (EUR 560). But gathering documents, translation, and certification can take an additional 2-6 weeks, so start early.
Can I work in Latvia with temporary protection?¶
Yes, temporary protection gives you the right to work without additional permits. You can work under an employment contract or as a self-employed person (pašnodarbinātā persona). But if temporary protection ends, you’ll need to switch to a work-based residence permit.
Does time under temporary protection count toward permanent residency?¶
This is a tricky question, and the answer depends on your specific situation. As a general rule, permanent residency requires 5 years of residence on the basis of a temporary residence permit. Time under temporary protection may count partially - check directly with PMLP, as the rules may change.
Need a professional translation?
AI translation + human review + notary certification
Order translation →