Residence Permit in Latvia under the Payroll Program for Highly Qualified Specialists

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Latvia is actively attracting IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare professionals. According to the Ministry of Economics (2024), the country faces a shortage of more than 12,000 specialists. The Payroll program offers a simplified residence permit process for non-EU citizens.

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Main requirements and step-by-step guide

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Steps to obtain a residence permit under Payroll:

1. Find a Latvian employer offering a Payroll contract.
2. Sign an employment contract with a salary of at least 2000 EUR gross.
3. Submit documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
4. Provide biometric data and pay the state fee (100–150 EUR).
5. Receive a residence permit within 30–90 days.

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Details and examples

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• Legal basis: Article 23 of the Immigration Law.
• Case study: An IT engineer from India earning 2500 EUR is granted a 2-year residence permit.
• Source: Latvijas Banka (2024) confirms that foreign talent contributes 1.2% to GDP annually.

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Advantages and risks

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Advantages:

• Fast-track procedure.
• Family members can apply.
• Transparent tax obligations.

Risks:

• Permit cancellation if employment ends.
• Mandatory social and income tax payments.

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FAQ

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1. What is the minimum salary? – 2000 EUR gross.
2. How long does it take? – 30–90 days.
3. Can family members apply? – Yes.
4. Is a Latvian language exam required? – No.
5. Can the permit be extended? – Yes, under the same conditions.

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Conclusion and contacts

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The Payroll program is a practical pathway for highly qualified professionals seeking to live and work in Latvia. For assistance, contact OCMA or licensed immigration lawyers.