🌍 PMLP

Temporary residence permit (TUA)

A residence permit gives a foreigner the right to stay in Latvia for a set period (temporary permit) or permanently (permanent permit). The state fee for reviewing a temporary-permit application: within 30 days — 160 EUR, 10 working days — 280 EUR, 5 working days — 560 EUR. Issuing the card itself costs an additional 45 EUR (10 working days) or 80 EUR (2 working days).

Service passportUpdated: 28.07.2026.

Cost

Review 160–560 EUR + card 45–80 EUR

Duration

30 days (expedited — 10 or 5 working days)

Deadline

A decision can be contested within 30 days

Where

PMLP territorial branches

Who this applies to

Third-country nationals wishing to live in Latvia longer than a visa allows — for work, business, studies or family reunification. Several categories are exempt from the state fee for certain services, including family members of Latvian citizens and children under 12.

Step by step

Prepare the sponsorship (izsaukums)

Before submitting documents, the inviting party in Latvia (employer, family member) must arrange an izsaukums or invitation via the e-service on Latvija.gov.lv. The approved izsaukums is the basis for the foreigner to request a residence permit.

Submit documents to PMLP

The application form is on the PMLP website. Documents can be submitted electronically with a secure e-signature or sent by post to the chosen PMLP territorial branch. Submit a complete set — missing documents are the most common reason for refusal.

Pay the fee and await the decision

Review within 30 days — 160 EUR; expedited within 10 working days — 280 EUR; 5 working days — 560 EUR. Note: PMLP may issue the decision on the very last day of the term, so never plan at the last minute.

Receive the residence permit card

After a positive decision, apply for the card: issue within 10 working days costs 45 EUR, within 2 working days — 80 EUR. The card is collected in person at the chosen PMLP branch. A negative decision can be contested with the head of PMLP within 30 days and then appealed in court.

Common mistakes

Submitting an incomplete set of documents — PMLP often decides on the last day of the term, and missing documents can mean rejection; then everything starts over and the fee is paid again.

Assuming expedited review means an early decision — even at the 5-working-day rate, the decision may come exactly at the end of the term.

Forgetting the card-issue fee — it is a separate charge (45 or 80 EUR) on top of the review fee.

Not checking exemptions — family members of Latvian citizens and children under 12 are exempt from part of the fees.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a temporary residence permit cost?

Document review: 160 EUR (30 days), 280 EUR (10 working days) or 560 EUR (5 working days). Plus card issue: 45 EUR (10 working days) or 80 EUR (2 working days). Rates set by Cabinet Regulation No. 731, in force since 1 January 2025.

How do I submit the documents?

Electronically with a secure e-signature, or by post to the chosen PMLP territorial branch. The permit is collected in person at a PMLP branch.

What if the application is rejected?

The decision can be contested with the head of PMLP within 30 days of taking effect, and that decision can be appealed in court.

Does a temporary permit lead to permanent residence?

Permits are of two kinds — temporary and permanent. After continuous lawful residence on a temporary permit you may apply for a permanent one under the conditions of the Immigration Law.

Official sources

Verified against official sources · 28.07.2026.