Residence Permit in Latvia through Family Reunification
Who can get a residence permit through family reunification
Family reunification in Latvia is available for spouses and minor children. Eligibility and the duration of the residence permit depend on the status of the family member living in Latvia.
Spouse
You can obtain a residence permit through family reunification if your spouse:
- is a Latvian citizen or non-citizen;
- holds a permanent residence permit in Latvia;
- holds a valid temporary residence permit in Latvia.
Minor children
Minor children can obtain residence permits together with their parents. If one parent already lives in Latvia, a residence permit for the child can also be arranged through family reunification.
Moving to Latvia together as a family
If one spouse is obtaining a residence permit in Latvia for employment, business or another reason, their spouse and minor children can apply together with them.
Documents needed for a family reunification residence permit
To apply for a residence permit, you need to prove the family relationship and prepare documents for both the applicant and the family member who lives in Latvia or is applying for a Latvian residence permit.
For a spouse
A passport and a marriage certificate confirming the family relationship.
For minor children
The child's passport and birth certificate. If the child is moving with one parent, the other parent's consent to the child living in Latvia is required.
Proof of sufficient funds
You need to show that sufficient funds are available for living in Latvia. Depending on the situation, the funds may be demonstrated by the applicant or the family member they are joining.
Foreign documents
Documents issued outside Latvia must be properly prepared for use in Latvia. Depending on the country of issue, an apostille or legalisation may be required, as well as a translation.
Family reunification: the application process step by step
- 1 Determine the application procedure
We discuss your situation and the status of the family member who lives in Latvia or is applying for a residence permit. We explain the process for obtaining residence permits for a spouse and minor children.
- 2 Help prepare the documents
We advise on the documents needed and help prepare the application package. Where necessary, we explain which documents need to be translated, legalised or certified with an apostille, and check them before submission.
- 3 Arrange the residence permit invitation
We prepare the necessary documents and support the process of arranging a residence permit invitation for the spouse and minor children.
- 4 Submit the residence permit application
We compile and check the complete application package. We explain how to submit it and support you at this stage.
- 5 Support you until you receive your residence permit
We follow the progress of your application and help respond to requests for additional information. We stay with you until the residence permit process in Latvia is complete.
Client reviews
We needed to arrange residence permits for me, my wife and our two minor children. NBC.LV carefully looked into our situation, explained the sequence of steps and kept every stage under control, so the whole process went more smoothly than we had expected.
Frequently asked questions about family reunification residence permits
Can family members apply for residence permits at the same time as the main applicant?
Yes. If one spouse is applying for a residence permit in Latvia for employment, business or another reason, the documents for their spouse and minor children can be prepared at the same time.
How long is a residence permit for a spouse valid under family reunification?
The duration depends on the status of the person the spouse is joining. If that person holds a temporary residence permit, the validity of family members’ permits is linked to that permit. Separate validity periods apply to spouses of Latvian citizens, Latvian non-citizens and permanent residence permit holders.
Can a spouse work in Latvia after receiving a family reunification residence permit?
Yes, in many cases a family reunification residence permit gives the right to work in Latvia without restrictions. The right to work depends on the status of the person the spouse is joining.
Are there any special salary requirements for a spouse?
If the residence permit gives unrestricted access to employment, the special salary requirement for obtaining a residence permit through employment does not apply. The usual employment conditions in Latvia apply.
We are divorced. I am moving to Latvia with my child, while the other parent stays in another country. Can my child get a residence permit?
Yes. If a child moves to Latvia with one parent, the other parent’s consent to the child living in Latvia is required.
Do we need to prove that we have funds to support our family in Latvia?
Yes. For family reunification, you need to demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses. In 2026, the guideline amounts are €780 per month per adult and €234 per month per minor child. Requirements may differ for certain residence permit grounds.
How should foreign documents be prepared for a Latvian residence permit application?
Documents issued abroad must be legalised or certified with an apostille where required. For an initial temporary residence permit, the applicant’s documents may be submitted in Latvian or English. For a subsequent temporary residence permit application or a permanent residence permit application, documents must be submitted in Latvian.
How long does the family reunification residence permit process take?
After a complete application package has been submitted, the application can be reviewed within 30 days, 10 working days or 5 working days. The state fee for reviewing the application is €160, €280 or €560 respectively.
Get a consultation on a residence permit through family reunification
We will discuss your situation and explain how arranging a residence permit through family reunification works.