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Latvia Retirement Visa Option for American Pensioners : Navigating the Process of Moving to Latvia as an American Pensioner

Updated: 4 days ago



Latvia retirement residence permit for pensioner of a visa-free country citizen


Latvia offers a fast and easy residence permit to American citizens who can demonstrate a regular monthly pension of Euro 1028 per month.


The process is fairly straight forward if you pay attention to the format of documents you need to include in your application.



 


But why Latvia


  • Process is super fast, within 10 days for most applicant.

  • No translations needed. Documents in English are sufficient

  • FBI clearance report not required


  • It is a EU and a Schengen zone country

  • It is a NATO member

  • Riga is a beautiful, clean and super safe city

  • Contrary to the notion, Latvia's weather is not all winter. Yes, it is not sunny 365 days, but not harsh weather as many believe.

  • A low cost base to explore the rest of Europe from.

  • You can spend 90 days within 180 days in any Schengen zone country

  • Riga is so well connected to the rest of Europe by air.

  • Riga is the transit hub for its national carrier Air Baltic

  • Cost of living is moderate compared to other European cities

  • English is so widely used in Riga, the capital city

  • City is super friendly to seniors

  • Public transport and ride share make it easy to navigate the city



 


Documents required


  • Residence permit application form. It is a 13 page long form that must be filled in English.


  • A notarized or self attested copy of all pages of your passport


  • Documents proving regular pension being paid by Social Security and/or past employer. Total amount should exceed Euro 1011 per month. Euro 740 for the spouse or savings in bank 740x12.


  • Bank statement showing pension credits and savings. Suggested to be at least 12 months of pension in a savings account.


  • Proof of private health insurance that would cover you in Latvia. We recommend buying it from a Latvia based insurance provider.


  • Proof of an address in Latvia where you will be staying at. This information and agreement must be provided in the application. Apartment lease contract or alternate arrangement from a property owner. Proserve can arrange this.


  • Tuberculosis clearance report from a Latvian hospital


Please ensure that all documents are properly legalized by US Government. Preparing a 100% perfect application pack would help you avoid delays, back and forth trips to the USA or visiting the USA embassy.


 

Process :


Option 1. Submit the complete application pack at your nearest Latvian embassy. Usually the process is 45-60 days for a decision. Once a positive decision is granted, you may travel to Latvia to complete the remaining formalities of biometrics, submitting insurance and medical report, arrange and submit a residence address proof.


Fees applicable in option 1. Euro 140 + Euro 160 ( normal track 30 day process from the time your application will reach Latvia )



 


Option 2. Gather mandatory documents from USA. Come over to Latvia. Add missing documents and submit your application at the nearest OCMA branch. Wait for a decision, usually within 10 working days. Schedule biometrics and collect your residence permit, usually after 2 working day.


Fees applicable in option 2. Euro 160 ( normal track 30 day process from the time your application will reach Latvia ) Or Euro 280 ( fast track 10 day process from application submission ) Or Euro 560 ( super fast track 5 days process from application submission )


Process is much faster if the application is submitted within Latvia.



 


Do you need professional help ?


Well, as in any sort of application process, you are free to take the DIY approach. Using a professional service based in Latvia will just save you some time and frustration. Help you avoid incorrect format of documents and needless trips back and forth or to the US embassy.


Most common issue we have seen with American seniors is the frustration they face due to the bureaucratic requirements of the immigration department.


While everything in Latvia is digital, Some Government departments still work the old school ways, demanding original stamps, signatures, apostilles and the whole nine yards to accept your documents.


The ministry of foreign affairs works only 4 hours a day and that too only 3 days a week.


Thank God, they do not insist on translation of each and every page of a document to Latvian language. This is a huge relief off late when compared to Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy etc. where this is still a requirement.


Then sorting out the local requirements such as a residence address or an apartment search, or setting up digital signature app, or opening a bank account, getting a local phone sim etc. you could do well with professional help.



 

Proserve offers personal accompaniment to our client to all departments and advises on your documents and their legalization process in advance. We serve as your local personal helpers, sorting out anything you need to make your move smooth and hassle - free.


Our service fee is reasonable, as accepted by most clients.






 
 
 

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