Latvia – Researcher

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to carry out research in Latvia? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.
The documents to be submitted if you wish to obtain a residence permit in the Republic of Latvia as a researcher who has entered into a research cooperation agreement with an institution that is listed in the register of scientific institutions.Search
Where and how to apply

A representative of the Latvian scientific institution as an inviter submits a written request of residence permit and documents confirming the scientific cooperation. The written request for scientific cooperation is free of charge.

You shall present a valid travel document recognised in the Republic of Latvia and submit the following documents:

  • a definite sample form for a residence permit request,
  • a photography,
  • a criminal record issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country (for a third-country national more than 14 years old), if a third-country national has resided in that country longer than 12 months. Citizens of visa-free countries do not need to submit this document. A document confirming the necessary subsistence.
Fees

Fees for examination of documents submitted for application:

  • up to 30 days – free of charge,
  • up to 10 working days- 200 euros,
  • up to 5 working days – 400 euros.
Documents required

You shall present a valid travel document recognised in the Republic of Latvia and submit the following documents:

  • a definite sample form for a residence permit request,
  • a photography,
  • a criminal record issued by a competent institution of the citizenship or the host country (for a third-country national more than 14 years old), if a third-country national has resided in that country longer than 12 months. Citizens of visa-free countries do not submit this document. A document confirming the necessary subsistence.

A work permit is not necessary if a third-country national has received a written request from an educational institution or scientific institution, or individual researcher in relation to scientific research or participation in the implementation of an educational programme and the intended length of stay in the Republic of Latvia does not exceed 14 days.

Further requirements

Upon arrival and having received your residence permit, you must declare your place of residence and provide a radiologist’s report on the results of an x-ray or fluoroscopic examination done in the Republic of Latvia and a health insurance of minimum 42&bnsp;600&bnsp;euroswhich guarantees the covering of health expenses, including repatriation to the country of origin in case of serious illness or death.

Duration of validity of permits

For the period of time provided by the scientific co-operation agreement, but not longer than five years.

Conditions for renewal

If the scientific cooperation agreement is extended, the residence permit can be issued repeatedly for the period necessary for completing the research.

Appeals

You have the right to appeal the decision to the Head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs within 30 days.

Further information

For more information please check here.Search for available translations of the preceding link

Employment during research

You will be granted unrestricted access to the labour market and you can be employed during the research period.

Stay and employment after research

If you want to stay in the Republic of Latvia to look for an employment or to start commercial activities, you can apply for a temporary residence permit with a validity of up to 9 months.

Change of status

If you want to change your status, you should apply for a new residence permit.

Family members

Your family members (spouse, minor children and persons under your or your spouse’s custody) can enter and receive a residence permit together with you.

Long-term residence

A long-term resident status may be granted if you have resided legally in the Republic of Latvia for at least five years, provided that you show:

  • sufficient financial means to support yourself and your dependent family members,
  • sufficient command of Latvian,
  • a place of residence in the Republic of Latvia.

If you have long-term resident status, you have no restrictions to work in the Republic of Latvia.

Short-term mobility

No procedures are required for researcher mobility if your stay is up to 180 days in a 360-day period.

Long-term mobility

Procedure

For a researcher, if your stay exceeds 180 days in a 360-day period you have to apply for a residence permit.

Researchers can be employed by a scientific institution included in the Register of Scientific Institutions of the Republic of Latvia.

A representative of the Latvian scientific institution as an inviter submits a written request for a residence permit and documents confirming the scientific cooperation. The written request for scientific cooperation is free of charge.

Documents required

You should present these documents:

  • a definite sample form for a residence permit request,
  • a photography,
  • a document confirming the necessary subsistence,
  • a document confirming the fact of scientific cooperation and a labour agreement or its draft if the residence in the Republic of Latvia is connected with labour relations.

Applicable fee

Fees for examination of documents submitted for application:

  • up to 30 days – free of charge,
  • up to 10 working days – 200 euros,
  • up to 5 working days – 400 euros.