Startup visa
Technically, it’s a temporary residence permit – which is much cooler than just a Schengen visa! For the sake of convenience, we call it “startup visa”.
Startup visa is offered to all non-EU startup founders who are willing to come and kick-off their startup ideas in Latvia, a proud member of EU since 2004. One startup can have up to 5 founders with a startup visa. The application process takes one month. The visa is given for the period of maximum 3 years and it is spouse and children-friendly.
The main criteria for getting Startup visa is an innovative (most often technology-based) Startup idea, which is easily scalable and yields a high added value.
In order to evaluate your idea, please send in a free form application, including:
• Description of innovative idea and its technological description (if applicable);
• Business model/company’s core strategy for profitability doing business;
• Information about market potential of the product;
• Analysis of competitors and description of your idea’s competitive advantages;
• Product R&D plan;
• Planned business activities for the next 3 years, including the planned necessary investments;
• Simplified draft of planned cost/income structure for the next 3 years;
We highly recommend adding a pitch presentation if you have one, as well as short info on your and your team’s qualification/ competence in this field.
Once your startup is registered and settled in, bring your team from abroad – there is a special type of visa (again – residence permit) reserved for them.
Also, there is electronic ID card available: For more details please visit our resources site!
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
We’ve put all the important information about the startup visa in a file below - downloadable and easy to use!
For Startup VISA .pdf file click here
All information on how to prolong your startup visa can be found in a file below, with the all necessary information.
For Startup VISA Renewal guide click here!
Frequently asked questions:
Q: How many people can apply for Startup Visa?
A: Up to five people per one business idea.
Q: What is the valid timeframe for Startup Visa?
A: Up to three years.
Q: Where i can find detailed information about application process?
A: Please read brochure with information about process.
Q: What is the most important information which needs to be included in pitch presentation? What are the criteria for Visa?
A: Please include all important information about your business idea - like, business plan, new innovation/ new technology description, your team. The main criteria for getting Startup visa is an innovative (most often technology-based) Startup idea, which is easily scalable and yields a high added value.
Q: Can i apply for Startup Visa, even if my home country doesn't have a Latvian embassy in place?
A: Yes, you can. Please search for the nearest embassy to your country in Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage, and apply remotely for visit.