UK nationals who have been legally living in Latvia before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Latvia through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Latvia by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals will be able to stay in Latvia if they were residents before December 31, 2020.
UK nationals who have previously registered for residency in Latvia must apply for a new residence document after the Brexit transition to remain in the country. Individuals can complete their application online through the government's Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Applicants must include a copy of their passport with their application. The passport copy can be mailed to the OCMA or submitted electronically along with the applicant's e-signature to the regional division of the OCMA where the applicant plans to pick up the new residence document. New residence documents will be available starting in January 2021.
UK nationals who have been living in Latvia for more than 90 days but have not previously registered as residents must register with the OCMA to obtain a residence permit. UK nationals must also provide their place of residence, which can be done at the OCMA, at a local municipality, or online through the Public Administration Services Portal.
The Latvian government will provide information as available for UK nationals who move to the country after the Brexit transition.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Latvia before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Latvia
UK nationals may work in Latvia during and after the Brexit transition if they are legal residents.
Some employers may require UK nationals to apply for a UK criminal records check. Additionally, the individual's employer must apply to the State Revenue Service to request a unique tax code for the employee. A personal code can be used in lieu of a tax code. The employer must deduct the employee's income tax and social security payments from his/her income. UK nationals who are self-employed must register with tax authorities. They are responsible for calculating and paying their social security and taxes.
Individuals who live in Latvia and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Latvia before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Originally published DECEMBER 16, 2020
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
