This can be done if the foreigner is entitled to enter and reside in Latvia, has enough financial means, and has reached the official retirement age in Latvia. The official retirement age in Latvia is 65 years.
In this article, we will cover the application procedure as well as everything you will need to apply for a residence permit in Latvia as a senior.
Senior residence permit application process
All the residence permits in Latvia are issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia (OCMA). Since 2012, a residence permit is issued as an identification card (ID), therefore you will need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints) and digital picture of your face.
Here are the steps that you will need to take to acquire a senior residence permit in Latvia.
STEP 1: Download and fill out your residence permit application with block letters. When you are done, print it out and sign it.
STEP 2: Gather all the necessary documents. If you are from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Latvia, see the list of required documents below this step-by-step process. You can find a full list of necessary documents here in case you are not from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Latvia. You can see the list of visa-free countries here.
STEP 3: The supporting documents that were issued abroad must be legalized. This means that they must be certified by a notary. The documents must be first translated to English or Latvian. Then they must undergo notarization at the local notary office. Once that is done you must legalize them at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the Embassy of Latvia.
STEP 4: Arrange an interview by writing an email or calling to OCMA Foreign Service Centre. If you write an email, you must write it in English or Latvian and include your full name, invitation number (if applicable), phone number, and the preferred time of visit.
STEP 5: Submit your application on the interview day and pay the fees for document processing.
STEP 6: Wait for a response from OCMA. In case you will have a positive response, take the decision letter and passport with you and head to OCMA.
STEP 7: You will need to present annual health insurance and medical certificate that states you don’t have tuberculosis in order to get your residence permit.
If you are a pensioner of a visa-free country, then you will need to submit the following documents:
- Filled out and signed residence permit application;
- Passport-type photography;
- A document that confirms you paid the state duty payment;
- A document that confirms you have the necessary subsistence funds.
For 2019, by applying for a residence permit in Latvia as a pensioner, you will need to prove that your current pension is at least 628 EUR.
If you are granted a residence permit in Latvia as a senior, you will have to renew it every five years. This means that you will have to apply in the same way as before.
Perks of living in Latvia
Once you have gotten your residence status in Latvia, you can start enjoying the perks of living in Latvia.
First off, Latvia is a rural country with a beautiful and vibrant capital city – Riga. The countryside is quiet, and you will be able to enjoy frequently hot summers and cold winters. If you are more of a city person, then there are several large cities all around Latvia to live in.
The cost of living in Latvia is relatively low in comparison to the rest of the European countries. This is especially true if you choose to live a bit further away from the capital city. Because of this, you might be able to save or simply enjoy life with a bit more options.
Since Latvia is a more rural country, Latvians have a sense of community. However, to enjoy this it is advised to learn the Latvian language.
Overall, Latvia is a place of peace and quiet with the possibilities of vibrant city life. It has four national parks and plenty of history and beauty in its natural and human-made structures. There is something in Latvia for everyone.
Summary
If you can fulfill all the necessary requirements, then you will gain a residence permit to live in Latvia for a period of up to five years. This period can be extended by applying for a new residence permit every five years.
By becoming a Latvian resident you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Latvia and immerse yourself in a unique culture present all around.