Residence Permit in Latvia through the EU Blue Card
NBC.LV provides services for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia through the EU Blue Card:
- Advice on obtaining a residence permit through the EU Blue Card.
- Assessment of whether the foreign professional and employer meet the programme requirements.
- Preparation of documents for the employer’s invitation to employ a foreign professional in Latvia.
- Preparation and submission of the EU Blue Card residence permit application.
- Support for the professional and family members throughout the residence permit process.
Consultations are available in Latvian, Russian and English.
Requirements for an EU Blue Card in Latvia in 2026
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows highly qualified professionals from countries outside the European Union to live and work in Latvia. To obtain an EU Blue Card, you must meet the following requirements:
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1. Higher education or professional experience
You must have a relevant higher education qualification from a programme lasting at least 3 years. Where provided by law, education may be replaced by documented professional experience: at least 5 years, or at least 3 years gained during the previous 7 years for certain ICT professionals.
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2. Employer invitation and employment contract in Latvia
A Latvian employer must invite you to work and enter into an employment contract with you for at least 6 months. The position must correspond to your qualifications.
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3. Salary in 2026
The employer must offer a salary of at least the applicable threshold: €2,723 gross per month for most occupations or €2,178 gross per month for certain shortage occupations.
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4. EU Blue Card validity
The EU Blue Card is issued for the term of the employment contract plus 3 months, but for no longer than 2 years. It may be obtained again after expiry if you continue working in Latvia and meet the applicable requirements.
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5. Residence permits for family members
You may relocate to Latvia together with your spouse and minor children. Your family members may also obtain residence permits.
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6. Eligibility for permanent residence
You may subsequently qualify for permanent residence in Latvia if the applicable requirements are met.
How the EU Blue Card residence permit process works with NBC.LV
NBC.LV supports the foreign professional and, where necessary, the employer throughout every stage of obtaining a residence permit in Latvia through the EU Blue Card.
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Initial consultation
We advise on the EU Blue Card requirements, the conditions that apply to the employer and professional, the required documents and the residence permit procedure.
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Review of the employment conditions
We assess whether the professional’s qualifications, employment contract and salary meet the EU Blue Card requirements.
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Preparation of the employer’s documents
We help the employer prepare the required documents and arrange the invitation to employ the foreign professional in Latvia.
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Support with the professional’s documents
We help the foreign professional prepare the EU Blue Card application documents and advise on their completion and submission.
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Residence permit applications for family members
Where required, we assist with residence permit applications for the professional’s spouse and minor children.
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Full support until the residence permit is issued
We support the employer and foreign professional throughout the EU Blue Card process until the residence permit is issued.
Frequently asked questions about obtaining a Latvia residence permit through the EU Blue Card
What documents does a foreign professional need to apply for an EU Blue Card in Latvia?
The EU Blue Card application requires a valid passport, completed application form, photograph, evidence of higher education or professional experience, an employment contract with a Latvian employer, a criminal record certificate in certain cases, and any other documents required by law.
Can citizens of Russia and Belarus obtain an EU Blue Card in Latvia in 2026?
Yes. Citizens of Russia and Belarus may qualify for an EU Blue Card in Latvia if they have the required qualifications or documented professional experience, have an employer in Latvia prepared to employ them, and meet the applicable statutory requirements.
Is a higher education qualification mandatory for an EU Blue Card?
No. Higher education is not mandatory in every case. An EU Blue Card in Latvia may be obtained with at least 5 years of documented professional experience in the relevant field. For certain information technology occupations, 3 years of professional experience is sufficient, subject to the applicable requirements.
How does the EU Blue Card differ from a standard employment-based residence permit in Latvia?
The EU Blue Card offers highly qualified professionals additional advantages, including faster application processing, simplified mobility for employment in other European Union countries, and the possibility of counting periods of residence in several EU countries when applying for EU long-term resident status.
Can I work in other European Union countries with an EU Blue Card issued in Latvia?
Yes. After 12 months of residence in Latvia, an EU Blue Card holder may use a simplified procedure to relocate for highly qualified employment in another European Union country. You must still meet the requirements of the destination country and obtain the appropriate residence and work authorisation there.
How long does the EU Blue Card process take in Latvia?
An EU Blue Card application is reviewed within 10 working days after the complete set of documents has been received. Additional time is required to prepare the documents, arrange the employer’s invitation and produce the residence permit card.
Can I obtain another EU Blue Card after the current card expires?
Yes. You may obtain another EU Blue Card if you continue working in Latvia and meet the applicable qualification, employment contract and salary requirements.
To continue residing in Latvia, the documents for a further residence permit must be submitted in good time.
Can my spouse and children relocate to Latvia with me and obtain residence permits?
Yes. The spouse and minor children of an EU Blue Card holder may relocate to Latvia and obtain residence permits through family reunification.
Applications for family members may be submitted together with the main applicant’s documents.
What happens to the EU Blue Card if the professional loses their job?
The EU Blue Card is not cancelled automatically if the holder loses their job. You have up to 3 months to find a new employer, or up to 6 months if you have held an EU Blue Card for more than 2 years.
Can I obtain permanent residence in Latvia after holding an EU Blue Card?
Yes. After 5 years of lawful residence in the European Union, you may qualify for EU long-term resident status if the applicable requirements are met.
You do not have to spend all 5 years in Latvia. Periods of residence under an EU Blue Card in other European Union countries may be counted, but you must reside in Latvia for the final 2 years before applying.
NBC.LV client reviews
«I decided to open an IT company in Latvia and work with clients all over Europe. I needed not only company registration but also a residence permit and a Blue Card for myself, my wife and two children. NBC.LV immediately explained the whole process step by step, took care of the preparation and were always in touch. After registration I also added accounting services. For me NBC.LV has become a reliable partner in Latvia.»
«I was invited to work in Latvia, and my employer contacted NBC. I had a non-standard situation: Ukrainian citizenship and several years of living in Russia. The specialists gave me a competent consultation, determined the most optimal option and took care of all document preparation. The entire residence permit process took about 1.5 months. Thank you for the professional approach!»
«We were opening a branch in Latvia and relocating foreign employees together with their families. Clear consultation, quick responses and serious experience mattered to us - we chose NBC and were not mistaken. A large amount of work was done: documents were prepared for the employees and their family members, and every stage was supported. We confidently recommend the company for reliable relocation.»
Planning to obtain a Latvia residence permit through the EU Blue Card?
Tell us about your circumstances. We will assess your eligibility for the EU Blue Card, review the documents you already have and explain the next stages of the residence permit process.