Renewing a Latvian residence permit: a card issued for a longer period
The key change
The new procedure is substantially simpler: a new residence permit card is no longer required every year.
You submit the documents and, after a positive decision, receive a residence permit card for up to 5 years.
The exact document list depends on the basis of your permit and your family circumstances. KOM-INVEST prepares an individual list for every client and organizes as much of the procedure as possible in advance.
1) What has changed?
Previously, the decision was issued for five years, but the card had to be renewed every year. Each year required preparing documents and application forms, providing insurance, paying a state fee, waiting for a decision and travelling to Latvia to collect a new card. After the next successful filing, the card is now issued for five years.
2) When should the documents be submitted?
Use the expiry date on your current residence permit card as the reference point. We recommend starting preparation approximately 1.5-2 months before it expires.
3) Which documents should be prepared?
The exact list depends on the basis of the permit and the family circumstances. Usually it includes a current passport copy, application form, proof of sufficient funds, medical insurance, passport copies and forms for family members, proof of state fee payment and any additional documents required in the individual case.
The financial amounts are EUR 28,080 for the property owner (780 x 3 x 12), EUR 9,360 for a spouse (780 x 12) and EUR 5,616 for each minor child (60% of the spouse's amount).
KOM-INVEST prepares an individual list based on the permit basis, the date of the original decision and the family situation.
4) Must property ownership or another permit basis be confirmed again?
No additional confirmation is required. The property must remain in your ownership throughout the five-year period. If it is sold, the authority receives this information and cancels the permit.
5) Must I travel to Latvia every year?
No. After receiving a five-year card, annual trips solely to collect a new card are no longer required. Throughout the period, the conditions on which the permit was granted must be maintained. The authority must be notified if the basis ends or circumstances affecting the permit arise.
6) Must I travel to Latvia to collect the new card?
Personal attendance is required for identification and biometric procedures. Document preparation, legal review and much of the communication with the authority can be organized in advance. KOM-INVEST prepares the filing to minimize the actions you need to perform personally.
7) What happens after five years?
You may apply for permanent residence if all statutory conditions are met, or obtain a new temporary residence permit on another applicable basis.
Permanent residence requires holding a temporary permit for at least five years, living in Latvia for four years and two months (up to ten months of absence are allowed) and passing Latvian at A2 level. It is not granted automatically after five years.
If these conditions are not met, another valid basis, such as employment, may allow a new temporary permit. We recommend planning the next step several months before the five-year period ends.
8) What happens to spouses and children?
Family members arrange their status together with the main applicant, and their permit periods depend on the main applicant's status. If a child reaches adulthood during the permit period, check in advance whether the family basis can continue or a separate basis is required.
9) What if a child turns 18?
Turning 18 does not automatically mean losing the right to live in Latvia. The case must be assessed separately, considering the original permit basis, its date, family circumstances, actual residence and the law applicable when filing. Review the child's status before submitting a joint family filing.
10) What if the authority requests more documents or delays its decision?
The authority may request documents or explanations, additional information about the source of funds, a security review or an extension of the review period. An additional request does not itself mean refusal, but should be reviewed carefully before responding.
Contact us. A KOM-INVEST lawyer can review the request, prepare a response and provide additional legal arguments where needed.