IrelandLatvia

Irish passport · policy checked 5 Jul 2026

No visa

Freedom of movement - live, work and travel. EU · EEA.

166/199destinations, no embassy visit,
on an Irish passport →

∞

stay

no time limit

visa fee

free entry

document

your valid passport

forms

no application, no appointment

Entering Latvia on an Irish passport

Latvia visa types

TouristTouristdocuments

) · d. Unemployed/retired · - · -

Visa application form
Passport (original)
Ireland Residence permit
marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English, Latvian or Russian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the Ireland
spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship
Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)
Proof of accommodation
Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

(original) (

see here (epak.pmlp.gov.lv ↗)

i. Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service

ii. Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation

iii. Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:

Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

BusinessBusinessdocuments

)

Visa application form
Passport (original)
Ireland Residence permit
Proof of business invitation
Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)
Proof of accommodation
Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

(original) (

see here (epak.pmlp.gov.lv ↗)

i. Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (pmlp.gov.lv ↗) in Latvia: applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.

ii. Original signed invitation letter from business partner/Conference organisers in Latvia (including all the necessary information, see here (pmlp.gov.lv ↗))

Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

EEA/EU and Swiss national family memberFamilydocuments

) · - · - · - · -

Visa application form
Passport (original)
Ireland Residence permit
EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card
Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national:
Proof of joint travel

(original) (

see here (epak.pmlp.gov.lv ↗)

(original to be seen)

marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English, Latvian or Russia, then translation by a certified translator in the Ireland of the same is required. If the Marriage certificate is not issued in the EU or EEA Member State or Swiss Confederation, it needs to be legalized. Document authentication (legalisation) and Apostille certification means verification of signature and seal of a document. Traditionally it is performed by a Consular Officer so that documents drawn up in one country would be legally valid in another one.

a. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning both applicant’s and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s names and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

b. Written consent (signed and dated) from EEA/EU and Swiss national family member confirming joint travel with applicant, along with copy EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s passport’s bio + signature page

Visitor Family/FriendsFamilydocuments

) · d. Unemployed/retired

Visa application form
Passport (original)
Ireland Residence permit
marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English, Latvian or Russian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the Ireland
spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship
Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)
Proof of accommodation
Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

(original) (

see here (epak.pmlp.gov.lv ↗)

i. Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service

ii. Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation

iii. Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:

Accommodation provided by family/friends in Latvia:

a. Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (pmlp.gov.lv ↗) in Latvia: applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.

b. Invitation letter confirmed by the Latvian Embassy in Ireland

c. Original invitation letter from the host in Latvia, confirming applicant’s name, period and duration of stay, address of place of stay, signed and dated along with host’s ID/passport. If the host in Latvia is a non EU citizen, then the host’s Latvian permit of stay is also required.

Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion (Type D)Family

365 days~$97valid 365d

Allows family members of Latvian citizens or legal residents to enter and reside in Latvia pending a long-term residence permit.

The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.

Type D national long-stay visa issued for family reunification purpose. Applicants typically transition to a residence permit after entry. Fee EUR 90. Application submitted at Latvian embassy/consulate with supporting family relationship documentation.

Official page ↗

Long-Stay Visa for Study (Type D)Student

365 days~$97valid 365d

Allows foreign nationals to reside in Latvia for the purpose of studying at an accredited Latvian educational institution.

Long-stay national visa (Type D) issued for study purposes. Students attending short programs under 90 days may use a Schengen short-stay Type C visa (with fee exemptions for students/pupils on educational visits). Fee EUR 90 for long-stay visa (children under 12 exempt). Required documents include enrollment confirmation. Students staying longer than 1 year typically require a residence permit rather than a visa. EU Directive 2016/801 applies to researchers; fee exemptions apply for scientific research visits.

Official page ↗

EU Blue Card (Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Employment)Work

multiple entry4-10d processing~$108valid 1825d

Enables third-country nationals with higher-education qualifications (or equivalent professional experience) and a qualifying Latvian employment contract to live and work in a highly qualified job in Latvia.

Residence permit issued for up to 5 years to attract highly qualified employees. Requires a higher-education qualification from a programme of 3+ years (or, in some fields, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience) plus an employment contract meeting the salary/subsistence threshold - officially published as EUR 1,916/month, reduced to EUR 1,532/month for professions in short supply under Cabinet Regulation No. 108. State fee EUR 100 (approx USD 108) for a 10-working-day review or EUR 200 for a 4-working-day expedited review. Blue Card is not annulled if unemployment does not exceed 3 consecutive months. Salary thresholds are updated periodically by Cabinet regulation. Official pmlp.gov.lv page last updated 22 April 2022.

Official page ↗

Long-Stay Visa with Right to Employment (Type D)Work

365 days~$97valid 365d

Allows foreign nationals to reside and work in Latvia for a specific employer, subject to a State Employment Agency opinion.

Visa sticker endorsed with one of: 'THE RIGHT TO WORK WITH A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER', 'THE RIGHT TO WORK 20 H PER WEEK', 'VOLUNTARY WORK', or 'THE RIGHT TO WORK WITH NO RESTRICTIONS'. Employer must obtain State Employment Agency opinion before submitting invitation. Minimum subsistence: EUR 1,815/month (general employment). Application in-person at Latvian embassy/consulate abroad. Also possible as short-stay Type C visa for employment not exceeding 90 days in 180.

Official page ↗

Seasonal Work Visa (Type D - Seasonal)Work

180 days~$97valid 365d

Permits foreign nationals to engage in temporary employment during peak seasons in specific sectors of the Latvian economy, primarily agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

Visa sticker marked 'SEASONAL WORK'. Maximum 180 days within a 12-month period (seasonal worker provision). Minimum financial resources: EUR 1,815/month (general employment); EUR 1,516 - EUR 1,990/month for agriculture/forestry/fishing depending on subsector. Application via paper form downloadable from pmlp.gov.lv; submitted at Latvian embassy/consulate.

Official page ↗

MinorsOtherdocuments

)

Visa application form
Passport (original)
Ireland Residence permit
a. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, Ireland college/school letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming applicant’s enrolment)
Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)
Proof of accommodation
Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)
EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card
Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national:
Proof of joint travel
Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning both applicant’s and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s names and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area
Written consent (signed and dated) from EEA/EU and Swiss national family member confirming joint travel with applicant, along with copy EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s passport’s bio + signature page

(original) (

see here (epak.pmlp.gov.lv ↗)

Every minor, irrespective of the visa category applying for, has also to provide the following documents as part of the Standard Documentation:

Birth certificate

Unabridged birth certificate showing biological parents their names; if not in English, Latvian or Russian, then translation by a certified translator in the Ireland is also required

Consent of both parents

Both biological parents need to give their written consent (signed & dated) for the minor to travel

Parents passports (copy) Both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary.

Proof of sole custody (in case of a single parent): in case parents have divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then the same has to be demonstrated by court/residence order (original to be seen) or death certificate (original to be seen)

a. Latest 3 months Ireland bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).

a. confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

b. Accommodation provided by family/friends in Latvia:

i. Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (pmlp.gov.lv ↗) in Latvia: applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.

ii. Invitation letter confirmed by the Latvian Embassy in London

iii. Original invitation letter from the host in Latvia, confirming applicant’s name, period and duration of stay, address of place of stay, signed and dated along with host’s ID/passport. If the host in Latvia is a non EU citizen, then the host’s Latvian permit of stay is also required.

In case the minor is applying for EEA/EU AND SWISS NATIONAL FAMILY MEMBER

(original to be seen)

marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English, Latvian or Russian, then translation by a certified translator in the Ireland of the same is required

When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

Diplomatic/Official/Service VisaDiplomatic

90 daysmultiple entryfree

Issued to foreign diplomatic and official passport holders visiting Latvia on official government or diplomatic business.

Many diplomatic/service passport holders are visa-exempt under bilateral agreements (see conditional_access). Where not exempt, diplomatic visas are issued fee-free through diplomatic channels (Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for official visits. Standard Schengen short-stay limits apply unless a longer-term arrangement is in place.

Official page ↗

Long-Stay Visa - Other Purposes (Type D)Other

365 days~$97valid 365d

Covers any lawful long-stay purpose not falling under employment, study, remote work, or family reunification - including medical treatment, voluntary work, and cultural activities.

Catch-all Type D national visa category. Includes voluntary work (visa sticker endorsed 'VOLUNTARY WORK'). Medical stays, cultural exchange, and other long-stay purposes handled under this category. Fee EUR 90 standard; children under 12 exempt. Subsistence minimum EUR 780 for stays over 30 days. Applied at Latvian embassy/consulate. Latvia does not issue a specific medical or retirement visa - these purposes are covered by the general long-stay Type D visa.

Official page ↗

Long-Stay Visa / Residence Permit for Researchers (Scientific Research)Other

365 days15-60d processingvalid 365d

For scientists and researchers carrying out research work in Latvia, either under EU researcher mobility from another Member State or under a hosting/scientific cooperation agreement with a Latvian scientific institution.

Implements EU Directive 2016/801 on the entry and residence of researchers. A scientist who holds a long-term visa or temporary residence permit for research issued by another EU Member State and who plans research work in Latvia for more than 180 days (together with accompanying family members) can obtain a long-stay Type D visa, issued for up to one year (standard D-visa processing 15 days, up to 60 days if further checks are needed). For longer stays a temporary residence permit is issued to researchers invited by a Latvian scientific institution listed in the register of scientific institutions under a research cooperation agreement, granted for the duration of the cooperation plan up to a maximum of 5 years. The fee may be reduced or waived for scientific research visits under Directive 2016/801; otherwise the standard EUR 90 (approx USD 97) D-visa fee applies. See also the EU Immigration Portal 'Researcher in Latvia' page (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu).

Official page ↗

Long-Stay Visa for Remote Work (Type D)Digital nomad

365 days~$97valid 365donline

Enables third-country nationals employed by an OECD-registered employer or self-employed in an OECD country to reside in Latvia while working remotely.

Minimum gross monthly income EUR 4,213 (2.5x Latvia's average monthly gross salary). Employees must show minimum 6 months employment with current employer. Health insurance required with minimum EUR 42,600 liability coverage valid in Latvia and all Schengen states. No right to local employment in Latvia. Application via e-form at epak.pmlp.gov.lv. Page last updated 11 February 2026.

Official page ↗

Working Holiday Visa (New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme)Working holiday

365 daysup to 30d processing~$173valid 365d

For New Zealand citizens aged 18-30 to spend a working holiday in Latvia, holding a residence and work permit while employment remains casual and secondary to the holiday purpose.

Based on the bilateral 'Treaty of the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of New Zealand regarding the Working Holiday Scheme'. Open only to New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 30 inclusive; does not apply to dependants. Annual quota of 100 New Zealand citizens. Grants a residence permit and work permit for up to one year; employment must be casual/incidental, not the main purpose of the visit. State fee EUR 160 (approx USD 173). Applicant must show sufficient funds for the initial stay (approx EUR 780) plus the cost of return travel (or hold a return ticket). Application filed at an Embassy of Latvia with passport copy, completed questionnaire, photo and proof of fee payment; on arrival the holder must present a valid New Zealand passport and health insurance covering hospitalisation and repatriation for the whole stay. OCMA (PMLP) decides within 30 days. This is Latvia's only working holiday agreement currently in force.

Official page ↗

Required for most types

Proof of current occupation
Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.
When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category

A. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

Ireland Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, must be valid for at least one month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa is not acceptable.

B. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

a. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) AND last 3 months payslips

b. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s enrolment)

c. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):

i. applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant

ii. solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor

iii. bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account

iv. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant - company should be provided

a. Latest 3 months Ireland bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of EUR 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).

b. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

a. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

b. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

The travel insurance - clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

via VFS Global ↗Latvia visa policy, fees & entry rules in full →

Latvia visa for Irish citizens - FAQ

Do Irish citizens need a visa for Latvia?

No - Irish citizens have freedom of movement in Latvia under their bloc membership, which includes the right to live and work there, not just visit.

What documents do Irish citizens need for Latvia?

A valid passport is all Irish citizens need for a short stay. If you apply for a longer-stay visa, Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.

Check entry with visas you already hold →What “freedom of movement” means →

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