Internship Legislation and Students Visa in Latvia
Latvia’s exceptional education system and excellent quality of life attract students and interns worldwide. Keep in mind that immigration rules, including student visas and internships, differ depending on your country of origin. Stay informed about specific requirements to enhance your Latvia experience and seize every opportunity.
Unlock a world of opportunities, gain expert insights into Latvia’s internship laws and student visa application process, catering to EU citizens, and non-EU citizens. Count on Piktalent for up-to-date regulations and extraordinary career prospects in Latvia. Empower your journey now and unleash your limitless potential!
EU citizens
Just like in other European countries, Latvia recognizes the importance of practical experience during undergraduate studies. Its universities are recognized for their English programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Certain specializations require students to go through practical training, providing a rich environment for internships and placements. However, to study or intern in Latvia, one must understand the visa requirements and legislation.
As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you generally don’t need a work permit to work anywhere in the EU, including Latvia. This rule also applies to internships. This freedom of movement provides a unique opportunity to gain international work experience and broaden your professional horizons.
However, if you plan to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days, you will need to register your stay with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), applying for a residence permit at least 1 month before the end of your 90-day free period. This is a formality to let the authorities know you will be residing in the country for an extended period.
The documents you need to submit for a residence permit as EU citizen are:
- European Health Insurance card
- A photo
- Study Agreement/proof of acceptance (provided by your employer or university)
- Valid travel document recognized in the Republic of Latvia (ID card or passport)
- Official application form for a residence permit
- Documents confirming that you have acquired the necessary education to start the internship (if applicable)
The documents for your residence permit application can be submitted in Latvian, English, French, Russian, or German. Unless there are international agreements in force that provide for a different procedure, all documents issued in other countries have to be legalized.
Start Your Internship: Once you’ve secured your residence permit, you can start your internship in Latvia.
Taxation: As a paid intern, you may be subject to income tax. The taxation process will depend on the specifics of your internship and the tax laws in Latvia. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or the relevant tax authorities to understand your tax obligations.
Social Security: If you’re doing a paid internship, you may be eligible for social security coverage. In the EU, you’re generally covered by the social security system of the country where you work, not where you live. This means that if you’re doing a paid internship in Latvia, you should be covered by the Latvian social security system.
Non-EU citizens
As a non-EU national, you may have the right to work in the EU, including Latvia, this depends on your nationality or on your status as family members of EU nationals. Here are the general procedures for non-EU nationals to legally intern in Latvia:
Work Permit: The student must receive an official invitation from the University or the company where the internship will take place. The invitation is filed in the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) by the University or company representative.
Rights for Nationals of Specific Countries: If you are a national of Türkiye or countries that have an agreement with the EU (like Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Russia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Ukraine, Andorra, San Marino, or one of the 79 countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States), your rights to move and work in the EU depend entirely on the national rules of your host EU country. When employed legally in the EU, you enjoy the same working conditions as the nationals of that country.
*As of June 13, 2022, Latvia has temporarily suspended the issuance of temporary residence permits to Russian and Belarusian citizens.
**As of April 2, 2012, the residence permit is issued in the format of an identification card, and biometric details must be delivered prior to receipt of the residence permit (fingerprints starting from the age of six and a digital picture of the face).
Rights for Family Members of EU Citizens: If you are in a family relationship with an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit to work and have the right to equal treatment, including access to all social and tax advantages.
Visa: Besides the work permit, you will also need a visa to stay in Latvia. The type of visa (short-term or long-term) depends on the duration of your internship.
Residence Permit: If your internship lasts for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This process is usually assisted by your future employer or the institution where you will be interning. Here are some key points to note:
a) The Latvian government issues different types of visas and permits according to the type and area of employment. As an intern, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This permit allows you to stay in Latvia for a specified period of time and can be extended if necessary.
b) Application Process: The application for a temporary residence permit should be submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia. The application should be accompanied by various documents, including a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means to support your stay in Latvia (the required subsistence is 620 euros per month), a health insurance policy, and a document confirming the purpose of stay (such as a letter from your employer or educational institution).
c) Processing Time: The processing time for a temporary residence permit can vary. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned arrival in Latvia to allow sufficient time for the application to be processed.
d) Validity: The temporary residence permit is valid for the duration of your internship. If your internship is extended, you will need to apply to extend your residence permit as well.
Part-Time Work Opportunities for Foreign Students
Latvia offers an excellent opportunity for foreign students to work part-time, allowing them to earn a living while gaining valuable work experience. As per the European Union rules, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during semesters and 40 hours a week during semester breaks. The popular industries for part-time student workers in Latvia include textiles, fast food restaurants, and electronics.
Types of Work Visas in Latvia
There are three types of visas available for foreign nationals based on their intended stay length: Type A (airport transit visa), Schengen Type C (short-term visa), and Type D (long-stay visa). For non-EU citizens looking to intern in Latvia, you will need to apply for a work visa, specifically a “D” type visa.
The required documents to support these applications vary by the applicant’s country of residence. Details are available online from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
Application Process
The application process for obtaining a work visa in Latvia involves several steps. First, the residence permit should be obtained before applying for a visa. After the officials at OCMA have approved the residence permit, applicants can move on to the next step: applying for a long-stay visa. Here are the steps and requirements for applying for a Latvia work visa for internships in 2023:
1. Obtain a Work Permit: The company willing to hire foreign citizens submits an employment application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia (OCMA) for Invitation registration.
2. Apply for a “D” Type Visa: Once you have the work permit, you can apply for a “D” type visa. This visa can be issued for a period not exceeding one year and allows you to stay in other Schengen member states for up to 90 days within 180 days. You need to apply at the Latvian embassy in your home/neighboring country.
Required Documents For Apply for Visa “D”:
- Passport with a period of validity extending at least three months after the intended date of departure from Latvia
- Long stay visa e-application form printed and signed by the applicant
- One photo (Size 35mm x 45 mm) must be taken during visa submission
- Invitation approved by the OCMA
- A copy of signed employment agreement has to be submitted along with the documents
- A copy of a proof of your intended residence in Latvia has to be submitted along with the documents
- Proof of the previous employment + ITRs
- Proof of the previous education: Originals presented and copies of your prior education diplomas and mark sheets have to be submitted
- Ticket reservation
- Travel insurance is to be valid for the whole Schengen area and covers the entire period of the intended visit (90 days). The minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR
- Visa fee of 60 EUR
Visa Process in Embassy: The maximum period of examination of the request for a D visa shall be 15 days.
Remember, the exact procedures and requirements may vary, so it’s recommended to check with the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate information.
Piktalent Services for Latvia
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Frequently Asked Questions
For an internship in Latvia, non-EU citizens will need a “D” type visa, which is a long-stay visa.
The company willing to hire foreign citizens submits an employment application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia (OCMA) for Invitation registration.
You will need a passport, a completed e-application form, an invitation approved by the OCMA, an employment agreement, proof of your intended residence in Latvia, proof of previous employment and education, ticket reservation, and travel insurance.
The maximum period of examination of the request for a “D” visa is 15 days.
A residence permit is a document providing a foreigner the rights to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a definite period of time (a temporary residence permit) or permanently (a permanent residence permit). You need a residence permit if you are willing to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance.
You can apply for a residence permit through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia (OCMA). The procedure for applying for a residence permit can be found on their official website.
No, you don’t need a work permit to intern in Latvia if you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen. This is due to the freedom of movement within the EU.
You need to register your stay with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) and apply for a residence permit at least 1 month before the end of your 90-day free period.
You need to submit your European Health Insurance card, a photo, study agreement/proof of acceptance, valid travel document, official application form for a residence permit, and documents confirming your necessary education.
You can submit your documents in Latvian, English, French, Russian, or German.
Yes, as a paid intern, you may be subject to income tax. Consult with a tax professional or the relevant tax authorities to understand your tax obligations.
Yes, if you’re doing a paid internship in Latvia, you should be covered by the Latvian social security system.
