Latvia Family Reunification Options for Foreign Workers

Latvia (Latvija) allows foreign workers holding a temporary residence permit to bring their spouse and minor children, as long as the sponsor is legally residing in Latvia. Family members apply to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA, or PMLP) and need proof of means of subsistence — including €234 a month for each minor child from 1 April 2026 — and health insurance covering at least €42,600. A key advantage: family members of a worker holding a permit for employment or self-employment can work in Latvia without restrictions. Family permits cannot last longer than the sponsor's permit. This EU Helpers guide explains who qualifies and how to apply — international candidates can explore Latvian opportunities through EU Helpers. Latvia joined the EU and NATO in 2004, became part of the Schengen area in 2007, adopted the euro in 2014, and has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1995.

Essential Context: How Family Reunification Works in Latvia

Family members of temporary residents get permits linked to the sponsor's permit.

Who Can Be Reunified

• Your spouse.
• Your minor children and your spouse's minor children.
• Persons under your or your spouse's guardianship or trusteeship.

Wider family, such as parents, have more limited options as family of temporary residents; check with OCMA.

Eligibility Conditions

• You hold a valid temporary residence permit and live in Latvia legally.
• You can prove sufficient means of subsistence for your family.
• Each family member has health insurance covering at least €42,600.
• Family members over 14 provide a criminal record certificate where required.
• The family relationship is proven with official, legalised documents.

Income and Subsistence Requirements for 2026

OCMA assesses whether the household's income is enough for everyone. Keep payslips and bank statements ready.

Step-by-Step Reunification Process

1. Check that your permit and income support family reunification.
2. Arrange health insurance for each family member.
3. Gather passports, marriage and birth certificates (legalised or apostilled and translated into Latvian), and criminal record certificates.
4. Submit the residence permit applications at a Latvian embassy or, if family members are in Latvia legally, to OCMA.
5. Pay the review fee — €100, €200 or €400 depending on speed.
6. After approval, family members obtain visas if needed, travel to Latvia, collect their permit cards and declare their place of residence.

Documents Checklist

Timing: How Long It Takes

Can Family Members Work in Latvia?

Yes. Family members of a third-country national who holds a temporary residence permit for employment or self-employment may work without restrictions — no separate work permit or labour market test is needed. If your permit is on another basis, this may not apply.

Children's Schooling

Education is compulsory in Latvia from age 5 to 18 (including pre-school preparation), and public schools teach in Latvian. Riga has several international schools teaching in English. Apply early, as places can be limited.

Renewal of Family-Member Permits

Family permits cannot last longer than the sponsor's permit, so renew them together. Renewal depends on continuing family ties and sufficient financial means.

Upcoming Changes From 2027

The new Immigration Law, adopted on 11 June 2026 with main provisions in force from 1 January 2027, introduces an early integration programme and stronger Latvian language requirements. Check how these apply to family members before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient health insurance — the cover must be at least €42,600.
• Unlegalised documents — certificates need legalisation or an apostille and translation.
• Income too low for the family — include €234 a month for each child.
• Family permits outlasting the sponsor's — they cannot, so renew together.
• Not declaring the address — family members must declare their place of residence.

Final Guidance

Family reunification in Latvia is relatively straightforward for foreign workers: there is no minimum residence period, your spouse and minor children can apply as soon as you hold a valid temporary permit, and family members of employed workers can work without restrictions. Show sufficient means of subsistence — including €234 a month for each child from April 2026 — and health insurance of at least €42,600 for each person. Watch for the integration and language rules coming in 2027. Always confirm current requirements with OCMA. International candidates can explore Latvian opportunities through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with eligibility checks, document legalisation, OCMA applications, visas and school research.