Many of our clients who have obtained a temporary residence permit and have settled in Latvia are wondering what status opens up even more opportunities for work and travel in other EU countries.
We are often asked what the "Blue Card" is and what "EU Permanent Resident Status" is. Let's try to figure it out!
So, the Blue Card is a "type" of temporary residence permit, based on employment, granted to highly qualified specialists (five years of professional experience, or three years of specialized education). For example, specialists in the field of information technology.
The Blue Card is regulated by EU rules. The main goal is to attract experienced professionals from third countries. After two years of work with one employer, an employee (holder of this status) can change employers.
The maximum validity period of the Blue Card is five years.
It is important to note that this status "binds" the holder to a specific country. If the Blue Card is issued in Latvia, one can only work in Latvia (with the exception of business trips sent by the employer).
EU Permanent Resident Status is a "type" of permanent residence permit.
That is, you can first obtain a PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT, and then EU PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS. Or obtain EU Permanent Resident Status IMMEDIATELY, without transition.
For this, you need to live in Latvia for five years (permissible total absence of 12 months, with no more than 6 months in one period), and pass an exam on knowledge of the Latvian language (category A2, the second lowest category out of six). These criteria coincide with the criteria for PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT.
Another requirement is obtaining regular income in Latvia for at least the last 12 months. The amount must be no less than the minimum wage. We remind you that for three years the minimum wage in Latvia was 430 euros, and from January 1, 2021, it will increase to 500 euros.
If all conditions are met, you can obtain EU Permanent Resident Status for a period of five years.
The main advantage is the ability to work in other EU countries without obtaining a work permit. This is convenient if you live in Latvia but plan to work in another EU country. Or if you plan to work simultaneously in Latvia and another EU country.
Unlike the Blue Card, an EU Permanent Resident is "not tied" to Latvia and can live and work in other countries.
If you wish to consult or receive assistance with obtaining one or the other status, please contact us - we will be happy to help!
If you wish to purchase this or any other good real estate property, and individual approach is important to you, if you want to communicate with a realtor and lawyer in your native language, then contact our company KOM-INVEST! We will be happy to select a suitable property, answer all your questions, draw your attention to important nuances, arrange the transaction, obtain a residence permit, and manage your real estate.
For more detailed information about obtaining a residence permit in Latvia, see here in different sections.
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Phone number: +371 29774775
Email: info@kominvest.com
Skype: KOM-INVEST