Startup Visa in Latvia
One documented route of this kind in Latvia, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Startup Founder Residence Permit (Innovative Product Creation)
A temporary residence permit for non-EU nationals intending to create or develop innovative, scalable, high-value products or technologies in Latvia. Valid up to 3 years. Requires a free-form business application describing the innovative concept and 3-year plan.
- Processing time
- Approximately one month.
- Validity
- Up to 3 years.
- Language requirement
- No language requirement for initial permit; A2 Latvian required for EU long-term resident status after 5 years.
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
- Citizenship
- 5+ years of permanent residence, subject to language and other criteria
Requirements
- Innovative business concept that is scalable and yields high added value (commonly technology-based)
- Free-form application describing innovative products/services and 3-year business plan
- Proof of subsistence (EUR 2,340/month per Cabinet Regulation No. 225 effective April 2026; the PMLP page also references EUR 500/month — verify current applicable figure with OCMA)
- Valid passport
- Up to 5 co-founders per business concept may apply
- Electronic ID card available upon approval
Required Documents
- Valid passport (self-certified copy) required
- Completed residence permit application questionnaire required
- Photograph (recent) required
- Free-form written application describing the innovative product/service and 3-year business activities plan required
- Proof of subsistence funds required
- State fee payment confirmation required
- Kinship documentation and parental consent if accompanied by minor children
- Criminal record certificate (if over 14 and resided abroad 12+ months)
Official fees
- OCMA review fee (standard processing) 100 EUR
- OCMA review fee (expedited, 10 working days) 200 EUR
- OCMA review fee (fast-track, 5 working days) 400 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Prepare business concept application
Write a free-form application describing your innovative product or service concept, its scalability, market potential, and planned business activities for the next three years. Pitch presentation is recommended.
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2
Gather supporting documents
Collect passport copy, photograph, proof of subsistence, health insurance, and state fee confirmation.
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3
Submit application
Submit the application at a Latvian diplomatic mission or consular office abroad, or directly to OCMA if already lawfully in Latvia.
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4
OCMA evaluation
OCMA evaluates the innovative concept and issues a decision within approximately one month.
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5
Register startup and collect permit
Upon approval, register the business entity in Latvia and collect the biometric residence permit (eID card). Team members from abroad may then also apply for dedicated residence permits.
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6
Renewal
The permit is valid for up to 3 years. Renewal requires demonstrating ongoing startup activity.