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Latvia Residence Permit for Family Reunification
A residence permit for spouses, children and parents of Latvian citizens, Latvian non-citizens and permanent residents, and for families of foreigners who hold a Latvian residence permit. Relatives up to the third degree can get a permit for no more than six months a year.
A Latvia family reunification residence permit lets you move to a close family member who already lives in the country. Under the new Immigration Law, in force since 15 September 2026, the spouse of a Latvian citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident gets a permit for up to 2 years, provided the couple live together. A minor child gets one for up to 6 years, and a parent of retirement age of a Latvian citizen or non-citizen for up to 2 years. The spouse and minor children of a foreigner with a residence permit receive status for the same period as that permit.
Relatives up to the third degree can get a permit no more than once a year and for no more than six months. In every case the file rests on documents that prove the marriage or family relationship. We check the basis, build the chain of family documents, arrange Latvian translations and file the application.
Citizens of Russia and Belarus currently face restrictions on Latvian residence permits and visas. We check your eligibility before we start.
Who it is for
- Spouses of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- Minor children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- Parents of retirement age of Latvian citizens and non-citizens
- Spouses and minor children of foreigners with a Latvian residence permit
- Relatives up to the third degree, for a permit of up to six months a year
Requirements
- A family member in Latvia: a citizen, non-citizen, permanent resident or foreigner with a valid residence permit
- Documents proving the marriage or family relationship
- For spouses: living together and sharing a household
- For more distant relatives: a chain of documents through every relative in the line
- No criminal record, plus health insurance
What we do
- Check whether your degree of kinship and citizenship fit the basis
- Build the chain of family documents and find any that are missing
- Arrange apostilles, Latvian translations and notarized copies
- Prepare the documents of your family member in Latvia
- File the application and answer requests from the immigration office
- Help you renew the residence permit
Key documents
- Passport
- Marriage and birth certificates with an apostille and translation
- Documents of your family member in Latvia: passport or residence card
- Criminal record certificate with an apostille and translation
- Health insurance policy
- Notarized copies if you are not submitting originals
How it works
- Checking the basisdegree of kinship, your relative's status and your citizenship
- Family documentscollecting certificates, replacing missing ones and apostilles
- Translations and fileLatvian translations, insurance and application forms
- Filingapplication to the immigration office and answers to its requests
- Permit and renewalcollecting the card, then renewing it on the same basis
Timeline
Collecting family documents can take from several weeks to a couple of months; by law the immigration office reviews the application within 30 days of accepting all documents and can extend this to 4 months.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Citizens of Russia face additional restrictions: the short permit for relatives up to the third degree is closed to them, Latvian consulates accept their visa applications only in narrow cases, and a biometric passport is required
- Differences in surnames and dates on old certificates are a common reason for corrections
- Kinship through a side line is harder to prove and needs a complete chain of documents
- Copies without notarization are not accepted
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is on request. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
Who can get a Latvia family reunification residence permit?
The spouse and minor children of a Latvian citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident, and a parent of retirement age of a citizen or non-citizen. The spouse and minor children of a foreigner with a residence permit receive status for the term of that permit. Relatives up to the third degree can get a permit for no more than six months a year. We confirm the basis from your documents and your relative's status.
How long is the permit issued for?
Under the Immigration Law in force since 15 September 2026: up to 2 years for the spouse of a citizen, non-citizen or permanent resident, up to 6 years for a minor child, and up to 2 years for a parent of retirement age. Family members of a foreigner get a permit for the term of that person's permit. The status is then renewed on the same basis.
Can I move to join my brother or aunt?
A brother and an aunt are relatives up to the third degree. Under the new law they can get a permit no more than once a calendar year and for no more than six months. Kinship is proven with a chain of certificates through shared relatives, with no differences in surnames and dates. We help you put the chain together and tell you where to request duplicates.
What if the names in my documents don't match?
This happens often: a surname changed after marriage, or a name spelled differently in translation. You need documents that link every version of the name, such as marriage certificates or name change certificates. Without them the file will be sent back for corrections.
Can I work with this residence permit?
Spouses and children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents get the right to work without restrictions. Family members of a foreigner who is allowed to work or do business in Latvia have the same right. The law does not grant this right separately to parents of retirement age.
How long does the process take?
Most of the time goes into the family documents: duplicate certificates, apostilles and translations can take from several weeks to a couple of months. By law the immigration office reviews the application within 30 days of accepting all documents and can extend this to 4 months.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
