Key Takeaways:
- A family visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to reunite with Latvian family members and stay in Latvia for up to five years.
- Application requires an invitation letter, various legal documents, and a visa fee; registration upon arrival is mandatory.
- Visa processing may take up to two months; costs vary, and the visa allows work and study privileges in Latvia.
Who Needs a Latvia Family Visa?
If you wish to be reunited with your family members who are currently citizens of and residing in Latvia, you might need a family visa. This long-term permit allows you to live in Latvia along with your partner and family members. Depending on how long you plan on staying in Latvia, your family visa allows you to stay in Latvia for up to five years.
Who Is Eligible?
A family visa is required by non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to be reunited with their Latvian family members. Eligibility categories include:
- A spouse or partner of a Latvian citizen or a foreigner who holds a valid Latvia residence permit.
- A spouse or partner and minor children of a foreigner who has a Latvia temporary residence permit.
- An adult child of a Latvian citizen.
- Parents of a Latvian citizen or a foreigner with a valid Latvia residence permit.
- A minor child of a Latvian citizen or a foreigner with a valid Latvia residence permit.
- A foreigner who is a direct descendant of a Latvian or Liv citizen.
EU/EEA nationals do not require a family visa to join their partner in Latvia. However, they need to register with the Immigration office after arriving in the country if they plan on staying for more than 90 days.
How to Apply for a Latvia Family Reunification Visa?
Obtain an Invitation Letter
Your partner, who is already settled in Latvia, needs to submit an invitation request for your arrival to the Director of the Department of Academic and Foreign Affairs. The necessary documents include:
- Copies of both your and your partner’s passport.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of your employment in your home country, if relevant.
The invitation letter should include:
- Your personal information.
- The purpose and duration of your stay.
- Your expected address in Latvia.
Please note that your partner must pay a state fee of €10 when submitting this request.
Prepare the Required Documents
Once the invitation request is approved, you need to gather several documents for your Latvia family visa application:
- Copies of your passport.
- A filled-out visa application form.
- An identity picture.
- Civil status documents such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, CV, and proof of employment if applicable.
- A police certificate.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of paid visa fee.
- The invitation letter written by your partner and approved by OCMA.
Some documents must be legalized and translated into English and/or Latvian before submission. Additionally, the Latvian representative office reserves the right to ask for any extra documents.
Apply for a Long-Stay Visa
Submit your family visa application to your nearest Latvian representative office, which can be an embassy or visa center depending on your country of residence. You can find Latvian embassies or consulates through appropriate listings.
Pay the Fee
The required visa fee for a long-stay visa is €60. Additional service fees may apply, for which you should verify with the Latvian government representative office in your country.
After Arriving in Latvia
Your long-stay visa is not sufficient to remain in Latvia. You need to apply for a temporary residence permit and register your place of residence. This registration must be submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OMCA) and requires:
- Your valid passport.
- Your passport, residence permit, and national visa must be submitted together.
- Declaration of your residence, which could be a rental agreement or proof of property ownership.
- Payment of a state fee amounting to €4,27.
If you do not register your place of residence upon arrival, you risk a fine of €350.
How Long Does the Family Visa Processing Take?
From the moment your family member submits the invitation letter and you submit your visa application, the entire process can take up to two months. However, be prepared for potential delays depending on the embassy’s workload and the number of applications.
How Much Does a Latvia Family Visa Cost?
The family visa for Latvia, a long-stay visa, costs €60. Additionally, you need to cover the costs for:
- Temporary residence permit: Ranges from €100 to €400.
- Residence Card: €15.
- State fee: €4,27.
How Long Can I Stay in Latvia with a Family Visa?
A family visa enables you to stay in Latvia for one year. After one year, you can renew your permit as needed. If you stay in Latvia continuously for five years with a temporary residence permit, you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit, which is valid for ten years.
Can I Work in Latvia with a Family Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work in Latvia if you reunite with your family member who is a Latvian citizen, regardless of your nationality.
Can I Study in Latvia with a Family Visa?
Yes, studying is permitted with a Latvia family visa. Children of Latvian citizens who reunite with their parents in Latvia are also allowed to study under a family visa. Foreigners entering studies in Latvia are considered and treated the same as nationals of Latvia.
Helpful Links and Additional Resources
For further detailed instructions on the Latvian visa application process, including required forms and specific guidelines, you may visit European Migration Network’s Immigration Portal.
Conclusion
Applying for a Latvia family visa might seem a complex process, but it ensures that non-EU/EEA citizens can successfully reunite with their family members in Latvia. From obtaining an invitation letter, preparing the necessary documentation, paying the visa fee, to eventually securing a temporary residence permit, each step is vital. Remember, understanding the requirements and following guidelines closely will aid in a smooth visa application experience.
For more detailed assistance and up-to-date information, VisaVerge.com offers reliable news and insights on immigration processes. If you need more specific guidance, consider contacting the nearest Latvian embassy or legal expert to navigate any complexities in your application process.
Always ensure staying informed of the latest immigration laws, as policies are subject to change. Best of luck with your family reunification journey!
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Family Visa: A long-term permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to join and reside with their family members who are citizens or legal residents of Latvia. This visa can be valid for up to five years, depending on the applicant’s situation.
- Temporary Residence Permit: A document issued to non-EU/EEA nationals allowing them to stay in Latvia for an extended period, typically one year, with the possibility of renewal. This permit is necessary even after obtaining a family visa.
- Invitation Letter: A formal document submitted by a family member living in Latvia to invite a relative to join them. It includes personal information, the purpose and duration of the stay, and is required for the family visa application.
- OCMA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs): The governmental body in Latvia responsible for handling immigration-related matters, including the approval of invitation letters and the issuance of residence permits.
- Legalization and Translation of Documents: The process of certifying documents for official use in another country, which may include translating them into the local language (Latvian or English, in this case) and certifying their authenticity.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Non-EU/EEA citizens need a family visa to join family members in Latvia. It applies to spouses, minor children, and parents of Latvian residents. EU/EEA nationals don’t need this visa but must register if staying over 90 days. More information is available at the Latvian Immigration Portal.
— By VisaVerge.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.
