Capital City: Riga
Population: 1,810,240 (2024)
Official language: Latvian
Commonly spoken languages: Russian, English
Currency: Euro
A small yet beautiful country, Latvia is also known as the “Pearl of the Baltic States” and “Europe’s Best Kept Secret”. It’s located on the east coast of the Baltic Sea and is bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and Sweden, which makes it a truly multicultural experience for tourists and expats.
In Latvia, you’ll find what most of us are searching for – luscious green landscapes, wide beaches and some of the best lakes in the whole of Europe. Whether you’re planning on moving to Latvia from the UK and living in the quiet countryside or one of the modern cities, you won’t be disappointed.
Table of Contents
Can an UK citizen live in Latvia?
As a UK citizen, you can travel to Latvia for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa. This is provided that you are not employed or engaged in any paid activities. When going through border control, it is necessary to present documents that demonstrate the purpose of your visit, proof of travel medical insurance or the GHIC card, and sufficient financial resources to cover your entire stay in Latvia. Nevertheless, if you want to move to Latvia from the UK, you must obtain a visa that permits a longer stay in the country.
Visa requirements when moving to Latvia from the UK
If you are considering moving Latvia, it is important to note that you will have to obtain a visa that permits you to stay in the country for an extended period. There are different types of visas available for individuals who wish to move to Latvia, such as:
- Long-stay / D-visa – It is intended for individuals who plan to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days. Generally, it is issued to employees, students, and family members of Latvian citizens or permanent residents.
- Temporary residence permit – A temporary residence permit allows you to stay in Latvia for a longer period of time, typically up to five years. If you are relocating for work or study purposes, this permit is required.
- Permanent residence permit – It grants you the right to permanently live in Latvia. The applicant must have lived in Latvia for a minimum of five years to qualify for this permit.
The Embassy of Latvia has partnered with VF Services (UK) Limited to handle visa applications for short-stay visas. VF Services (UK) Limited processes all visa applications at the Latvia Visa Application Centres in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Appointments for visa submission will be scheduled by the centres in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Visa applications should be submitted in person, with the exception of children under 12 years old, who can have their parents or legal guardians submit on their behalf. You are allowed to apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months prior to your planned trip.
How to get a Latvian residence
If you’re planning to relocate to Latvia and intend to stay longer than 90 days, you will have to apply for a residence permit from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Third-country citizens residing in the UK and Ireland can apply for this permit at the Embassy of Latvia in London. Keep in mind that the processing time for residence permit applications begins upon receipt at OCMA in Rīga, not when the documents are submitted to the Embassy.
Documents required for a Latvian residence permit:
- a completed, printed and signed residency application form
- a colour photo with dimensions 35mm by 45mm
- valid passport
- paid visa feed ( 60 EUR; payment can be made with a bank card only)
- a bank statement confirming you have sufficient funds
- a document proving your place of residence, i.e. a rental agreement
- a marriage certificate, and copies of your children’s birth certificates
Expats’ Most Popular Areas in Latvia
Latvia’s capital, Riga, is a fast-paced city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you sip on a latte in one of the many chic coffee shops, you will see medieval ruins rub shoulders seamlessly with glass skyscrapers. A financial, commercial, and cultural hub of the country with affordable living costs, Riga is an excellent choice for expats who are moving to Latvia from the UK. With its vibrant nightlife, wonderful cuisine and rich history, it is the perfect place to call home.
Jurmala is 25 kilometres west of Riga and is a great choice if your family is moving to Latvia with you. There are plenty of large outdoor spaces, and you can spend many hours along its 25km stretch of blue flag beach. You can sunbathe, swim, or if you’re after a little more of an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of sports for the whole family to get involved in.
Working in Latvia
Since its independence following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Latvia has been transitioning to a market economy, which relies heavily on the production and processing of export products, including timber, electronic goods, machinery, and food products. After joining the European Union in 2004, there’s been a steady increase in foreign investment, and it placed 19 out of 190 countries on The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business survey in 2019.
The job market in Riga is very dynamic, and numerous international companies have bases there thanks to lower taxes. Like many emerging Baltic countries, jobs in the IT sector are in demand.
As of 2018, the personal income tax (PIT) system was changed from a flat tax rate to progressive, and since 2022, the PIT rates are 20% for income up to EUR 20,004 per year, 23% for income from EUR 20,004 up to EUR 78,100 per year; 31% for income exceeding EUR 78,100 per year. Social security contributions are imposed on all employment earnings and are obligatory for the majority of employees. The worker is responsible for paying 10.5-11% of their salary, whereas the employer is required to contribute 22.59-24.09%.
However, if you plan to move to Latvia from the UK and work, it is necessary to obtain a work visa. In most cases, it is issued along with a work and a residence permit. You will have to apply for a temporary residence permit at the Latvian embassy prior to your arrival in the country.
Transportation in Latvia
Roughly half of Latvia’s population lives in Riga and the surrounding suburbs, leaving the rest of the country relatively uninhabited. Inevitably, your transportation options outside of Riga will be fairly limited. However, within the capital city, you can easily get around on trams, trolleybuses, and buses that run from 5 am to as late as 1 am. You can get a ticket at ticket offices, public transport ticket machines, or even at designated newsstands, post offices, and supermarkets.
Don’t worry if you forget to buy a ticket before you hop on, as the driver can also sell it to you. Fancy seeing the city sites at your own pace? Then enjoy the capital by hiring a bicycle, but local drivers can be somewhat aggressive, so it’s best to be on your toes.
Driving your own car in Latvia
After you move to Latvia, you can continue using your UK driving licence until it reaches its expiration date. After that, you must exchange it for a Latvian one. To do so, you will need to provide your Latvian ID card, which includes your personal code, along with a medical certificate. The medical certificate can be obtained from a general practitioner or a medical institution that offers driving medical certificates.
Your new driving licence will display the same vehicle categories as indicated on your UK licence. It is important to note that you will not be required to take a driving test. However, keep in mind that an International Driving Permit (IDP) cannot be used as a substitute for exchanging your licence.
It might take you a while to get used to driving on the right, but the road rules are not so different from the UK. It’s compulsory always to have your headlights turned on 24/7, and winter tyres must be used from December 1 till March 1. It’s also advisable to regularly wash your car in winter as the salt used on the roads is very corrosive. Driving in Riga can be a little hairy as the local drivers are often aggressive, fast and erratic. That being said, the roads are well maintained in the cities, as are the main motorways. If you do go off the beaten track and explore Latvia, things might get a little bumpier as the rural roads are in a bad way, with many not even asphalted.
Education in Latvia
Latvian education is compulsory for children from the age of 5. After graduating at 15, teenagers can continue on secondary education, vocational training or enter the workforce. The public education system is free for Latvians and expats alike, as long as you pay the required social security contributions and have a residence permit.
That being said, after moving to Latvia most foreign families decide to enrol their children in one of the international schools. The capital city, Riga, is home to several private schools, which are on the pricey side considering local standards, and you should expect to pay a registration fee, tuition and a capital fee – this is an annual contribution to the continued development of the school facilities.
Being a student in Latvia
There are 2 major universities in Latvia, both based in Riga, the Riga Technical University and the University of Riga, and you can choose from one of the 200 English-taught study programmes available. More and more students from abroad are enrolling in Latvian universities, and there are around 80,000 in Riga. It has a thriving nightlife, and in 2014 it was crowned the European Capital of Culture. Students have many cultural and entertainment events on their doorstep, and eating out won’t break the bank either.
The cost of living in Latvia is very low, and students can get by with around €450 to €700 per month. Tuition fees in Latvia are affordable compared to other EU countries and will vary depending on the chosen university and program. An average undergraduate program costs anywhere from €3,000 to €5,000, and master’s degree programs vary between 1,550 and 15,000 EUR per year.
Healthcare in Latvia
The public healthcare system in Latvia is funded by social security and is available to expatriates working and living in Latvia. Even though it’s improved over the last few years, it’s still ranked as one of the worst in Europe, so many foreigners take out private health insurance and use a private facility in Riga. The good news is that many doctors speak good English, but it’s recommended that you keep your own detailed and accurate medical records as there isn’t a nationwide database of patients.
Takeaways
If white-sand beaches, vast nature parks and charming cobblestone cities are your things, then Latvia is the place to be. As one of the cheapest places in Europe to live comfortably and with a refreshing variety of cities to choose from to make your home, it’s easy to see why foreign students and expats choose to move to Latvia.
If you, too, have chosen the Baltic country for your new home and plan to move abroad, rely on our removal company to take care of all the details and logistics of your journey. Our team of experts will handle every step of the relocation process, guaranteeing a smooth and stress-free transition. Contact us today and take the first step towards your new life!
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