Visa Information
VISA TYPES
In accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Law of Latvia (Section 32.) A foreigner shall submit documents for requesting a residence permit to a representation, which is not located in a Schengen Agreement country. It means, those, who intend to apply for the residence permit in Latvia, and currently reside in Vietnam MUST submit their residence permit applications directly to the Consular Section of the Embassy by making an appointment on our customer’s online registration system - https://pieraksts.mfa.gov.lv/en/china in advance. Timeslots are available for such reservation of a visit to the Embassy (weekly from Tuesday to Thursday, from 9:30 till 11:30, except the holidays) on above mentioned webpage.
Only when the positive decision in residence permit case will be made by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (letter in Latvian from the OCMA received by the applicant), those applicants may submit the documents for the long-stay visas via VFS to travel to Latvia and receive an actual Residence Permit card.
Just to underline foreigners aiming to receive the residence permit of Latvia residing outside the Schengen Agreement countries submit their residence permit application documents from abroad ONLY (in Vietnam’s case - the Embassy of Latvia in China) and wait for the OCMA decision.
Above mentioned applies to all applicants who have the Residence Permit invitation instead of a regular long-stay visa invitation.
Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.
Long term visa
If you are planning to visit Latvia for over 90days, you may need to apply for a long term visa.
Work
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Overview
Foreigners who need to stay in Latvia more than 90 days and up to 365 days for work purposes should apply for a long-stay visa.
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Visa Fees
Application fees applicable for the third quarter of 2025:
DURATION VISA FEES IN VND VISA FEES IN EUROS Long Term Visa 2,660,000.00 90 Above mentioned visa fee is to be paid by cash and card in VND
VFS Global charge 1,180,000.00 VND for service fee and 5,020,000.00 VND for logistic fee to cover transportation of your application documents between VFS Hanoi and Beijing, China.
Exemption of Visa Fee:
- Applicants under 13 years old
- Teachers who work in the private educational institution "Latvijas International School" and their family members
Please Note:
The applicable visa fee in VND is as per the current exchange rate. The same is subject to change without notice.
Documents Required
Checklist for Long-term Work Photo Specifications
All photos must meet the requirements listed below. If these requirements have not been met, the applicant will have to deliver a new photo that meets the requirements. The photo requirements are the same for children as for adults.
The Photo shall
- be in sharp focus, clear and with good contrasts
- be printed on quality photo paper with high solution
- be in colours with a light background
- be 35-45 mm in width
- maximum 6 months old, resemble the applicant
- full-face, facing the camera directly, eyes looking straight at the camera
- show the whole head and the top of the shoulders. The face shall occupy 70-80 % of the picture
- show open eyes that are clearly visible. Hair shall not cover the eyes
Regarding glasses
Glasses are allowed as long as the eyes are clearly visible.
- the glasses cannot be coloured
- the rim must not cover any part of the eyes
- there cannot be reflection in the glasses
Regarding head-dress
Religious head-dresses are allowed provided that all details of the face are clearly shown.
- Chin, forehead and both cheeks shall all be clearly visible
- Shadows in the face due to the head-dress are not allowed
Processing Time
Normally, processing time for visa applications will be counted from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of this application is required, for example, when you are requested to come to an interview or submit additional documentation.
Download Forms
Authorization letter Visa Form: The online visa application form is available at https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx. The application form should be filled–out online and the Visa online application form should be printed out.
Study/Voluntary Work
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Overview
Foreigners who need to stay in Latvia more than 90 days in 180-day period depending on the circumstances should apply for a long-stay visa (or a residence permit).
According to the Immigration Law of Latvia, students from the third countries (except nationals of these countries) who are enrolled into education institutions accredited in Latvia can apply for the long stay visa. After receiving a long stay visa (valid for 90 days), upon entering Latvia, students are subjected to apply for a residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (OCMA).
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Visa Fees
Application fees applicable for the third quarter of 2025:
DURATION VISA FEES IN VND VISA FEES IN EUROS Long Term Visa 2,660,000.00 90 Above mentioned visa fee is to be paid by cash and card in VND
VFS Global charge 1,180,000.00 VND for service fee and 5,020,000.00 VND for logistic fee to cover transportation of your application documents between VFS Hanoi and Beijing, China.
Exemption of Visa Fee:
- Applicants under 13 years old
- Teachers who work in the private educational institution "Latvijas International School" and their family members
Please Note:
The applicable visa fee in VND is as per the current exchange rate. The same is subject to change without notice.
Documents Required
Checklist for Study/ Voluntary Work Photo Specifications
All photos must meet the requirements listed below. If these requirements have not been met, the applicant will have to deliver a new photo that meets the requirements. The photo requirements are the same for children as for adults.
The Photo shall
- be in sharp focus, clear and with good contrasts
- be printed on quality photo paper with high solution
- be in colours with a light background
- be 35-45 mm in width
- maximum 6 months old, resemble the applicant
- full-face, facing the camera directly, eyes looking straight at the camera
- show the whole head and the top of the shoulders. The face shall occupy 70-80 % of the picture
- show open eyes that are clearly visible. Hair shall not cover the eyes
Regarding glasses
Glasses are allowed as long as the eyes are clearly visible.
- the glasses cannot be coloured
- the rim must not cover any part of the eyes
- there cannot be reflection in the glasses
Regarding head-dress
Religious head-dresses are allowed provided that all details of the face are clearly shown.
- Chin, forehead and both cheeks shall all be clearly visible
- Shadows in the face due to the head-dress are not allowed
Processing Time
Normally, processing time for visa applications will be counted from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of this application is required, for example, when you are requested to come to an interview or submit additional documentation.
Download Forms
Authorization letter Visa Form: The online visa application form is available at https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx. The application form should be filled–out online and the Visa online application form should be printed out.
OCMA Decision
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Overview
Foreigners who need to stay in Latvia more than 90 days in 180-day period depending on the circumstances should apply for a long-stay visa (or a residence permit). In case of successful Residence Permit Applications, applicants can apply for OCMA decision visa.
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Visa Fees
Application fees applicable for the third quarter of 2025:
DURATION VISA FEES IN VND VISA FEES IN EUROS Long Term Visa 2,660,000.00 90 Above mentioned visa fee is to be paid by cash and card in VND
VFS Global charge 1,180,000.00 VND for service fee and 5,020,000.00 VND for logistic fee to cover transportation of your application documents between VFS Hanoi and Beijing, China.
Exemption of Visa Fee:
- Applicants under 13 years old
- Teachers who work in the private educational institution "Latvijas International School" and their family members
Please Note:
The applicable visa fee in VND is as per the current exchange rate. The same is subject to change without notice.
-
Documents Required
Checklist for OCMA DECISION -
Photo Specifications
All photos must meet the requirements listed below. If these requirements have not been met, the applicant will have to deliver a new photo that meets the requirements. The photo requirements are the same for children as for adults.
The Photo shall
- be in sharp focus, clear and with good contrasts
- be printed on quality photo paper with high solution
- be in colours with a light background
- be 35-45 mm in width
- maximum 6 months old, resemble the applicant
- full-face, facing the camera directly, eyes looking straight at the camera
- show the whole head and the top of the shoulders. The face shall occupy 70-80 % of the picture
- show open eyes that are clearly visible. Hair shall not cover the eyes
Regarding glasses
Glasses are allowed as long as the eyes are clearly visible.
- the glasses cannot be coloured
- the rim must not cover any part of the eyes
- there cannot be reflection in the glasses
Regarding head-dress
Religious head-dresses are allowed provided that all details of the face are clearly shown.
- Chin, forehead and both cheeks shall all be clearly visible
- Shadows in the face due to the head-dress are not allowed
-
Processing Time
Normally, processing time for visa applications will be counted from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of this application is required, for example, when you are requested to come to an interview or submit additional documentation.
-
Download Forms
Authorization letter Visa Form: The online visa application form is available at https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx. The application form should be filled–out online and the Visa online application form should be printed out.