Latvian visa resources
Processing times for a Latvia application
A long-stay (D) visa decision is normally made within 15 calendar days; residence permits are examined on a 30-day, 10-working-day or 5-working-day track.
Important
For a long-stay (Type D) visa, a decision is made within 15 calendar days of the date all documents are submitted. If additional information or scrutiny is required, the timeframe can be extended to a maximum of 60 days. Applications may be lodged no earlier than three months before the intended visit.
For a residence permit, the state fee you pay determines the examination speed: a standard 30-day timeframe, an expedited 10-working-day timeframe, or a fast 5-working-day timeframe. Producing (registering) the physical residence permit card is a separate step that follows the decision, so applicants should allow additional time on top of the examination period.
Long-stay (D) visa
- Standard decision: within 15 calendar days of submitting all documents
- May be extended up to 60 days if further checks are needed
- Apply no earlier than 3 months before the intended trip
- Prior consultation (for certain nationalities) can add to the timeline
Residence permit examination tracks
- Standard: 30 days
- Expedited: 10 working days (higher fee)
- Fast: 5 working days (highest fee)
- Production/registration of the card is an additional step after the decision
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.