On Tuesday, November 26, the Cabinet of Ministers approved new regulations on the application of state fees for migration services. The new regulations, which will enter into force on 1 January 2025, provide for increased rates of state fees in connection with the processing of applications for long-stay visas, residence permits and permanent resident status in the Republic of Latvia.
These changes will replace the current state fee rates that have been in place since 2017.
The rates of state fee vary depending on the type of service requested and the processing time. For example, accelerated processing will be more expensive, while the rates for electronic applications are lower. The categories of persons who will be exempted from the state fee are also specified.
Firstly, new rates of state fees for different types of applications. For example, the state fee for applying for a long-stay visa is set at EUR 90. However, if the application for a long-stay visa is submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs less than three working days before the expiry of the period of stay, the fee will be EUR 180.
Differentiated rates for residence permits have been set, depending on the time taken to process the application. For example, it will cost EUR 160 to process an application for a temporary residence permit within 30 days; EUR 280 for processing within 10 days, and EUR 560 for processing within five days. A similar approach has been applied to the registration of residence permits, where rates vary from EUR 60 to EUR 290.
Secondly, the facilitation of the use of electronic services is maintained. If the invitation or summons is submitted electronically via the portal www.latvija.gov.lv, the state fee will be EUR 10, which is less than for applications submitted without the electronic service (EUR 17).
Thirdly, the categories of persons fully exempted from the payment of the state fee have been revised, while exemptions from certain services for applicants for diplomatic visas, family members of Latvian citizens, children under 12 years of age and participants in scientific cooperation have been maintained. Exemptions also apply to refugees, persons with temporary protection and in cases of humanitarian considerations.
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Public Relations Division
prese@pmlp.gov.lv, +371 67219185