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Estonia residency visas
Latvia residency visas
Lithuania residency visas
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Europa

Visa

21/10/2025

Visado europeo para los países bálticos: Guía de residencia en Estonia, Letonia & Lituania

The Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are three Northern European nations that share not only a coastline along the Baltic Sea but also a common history of resilience and modern transformation.

As members of the European Union, they offer attractive opportunities for foreigners seeking to live and work in a region known for its technological innovation, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Although they share regional ties and a common EU framework, each country possesses distinct and independent immigration laws and residency requirements that must be navigated individually.

Estonia residency visas

Estonia, a Northern European nation with a dynamic and tech-savvy society, has become an increasingly popular destination for expats and digital nomads. Known for its advanced digital infrastructure, beautiful natural landscapes, and high quality of life, Estonia offers a range of residency options for non-EU citizens.

It's important to distinguish between e-Residency and a residency permit. E-Residency is a transnational digital identity that allows you to manage a business online, but it does not grant you the right to live in Estonia. To live in Estonia for an extended period, you will need a residency permit.

There are two main types of residency permits in Estonia: temporary and long-term.

Temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit is granted for a specific purpose and has a limited duration, typically up to five years. It can be renewed if the conditions for its issuance are still met. The main grounds for applying for a temporary residence permit are:

For Work

This is one of the most common ways to obtain a temporary residence permit in Estonia. You will need to have a job offer from an Estonian employer. The employer must generally have permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) to hire a non-EU citizen. However, this requirement is waived for certain professions, such as IT specialists, researchers, and top-level managers.

Main Requirements:

A confirmed job offer from an Estonian employer.
Proof of qualifications and experience for the position.
A salary that meets the minimum requirements set by the Estonian government.

For Business

If you want to start a business in Estonia, you can apply for a residence permit for business. There are several options for this, including:

Investing in a company: You can invest at least €65,000 in a company in Estonia.
Starting a business: You can establish your own company in Estonia. You will need to present a solid business plan that will be evaluated by the Estonian government.
Startup visa: Estonia has a dedicated startup visa program to attract innovative entrepreneurs. To be eligible, your startup must be approved by the Startup Committee, which will assess its potential for growth and innovation.

For Study

If you have been accepted to study at an Estonian educational institution, you can apply for a residence permit for study.

Main Requirements:

An official letter of acceptance from an Estonian educational institution.
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses.
A valid health insurance policy.

Settle with a Spouse or Close Relative

If your spouse or a close relative is an Estonian citizen or has a residence permit in Estonia, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification.

Digital nomad visa

Estonia was one of the first countries in the world to launch a digital nomad visa. This visa allows you to live in Estonia for up to a year while working for a foreign employer or as a freelancer for clients outside of Estonia.

Main Requirements:

You can work independently of location.
You can perform your work duties remotely using telecommunications technology.
You have an active employment contract with a company registered in a foreign country, or you conduct business for your own company registered abroad, or you work as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia.
Your income during the six months preceding the application has been at least €3,504 (gross) per month.

Long-term Estonian residence permit

After living in Estonia with a temporary residence permit for five consecutive years, you can apply for a long-term residence permit.

Main Requirements:

You have resided in Estonia permanently for five years on the basis of a temporary residence permit.
You have a permanent legal income.
You have health insurance.
You have a good command of the Estonian language (at least B1 level).

Latvia residency visas

As a member of the European Union, Latvia offers a variety of residency options for non-EU citizens who wish to live, work, or study within its borders.

A residence permit is required for any foreigner who intends to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days within a six-month period. There are two main types of residence permits: temporary and permanent.

Temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit allows a foreign national to reside in Latvia for a specified period, typically up to five years. This permit is granted for various purposes, including:

Work Visas

This is a common route for obtaining residency in Latvia. You will need a valid employment contract with a Latvian employer. The employer must first register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency.

Main Requirements:

An employment agreement or a draft thereof.
Documents confirming your professional qualifications.
Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself.

Business Visas

Latvia offers several avenues for entrepreneurs and investors to obtain a residence permit:

Investment in a company's share capital: You can invest a minimum of €50,000 in a Latvian company.
Subordinated liabilities with a Latvian credit institution: You can invest a minimum of €280,000 in a subordinated liability with a Latvian bank for a term of at least five years.
Establishment of a branch or a representative office of a foreign company: You can register a branch or representative office of your foreign company in Latvia.
As a self-employed person: You must have a solid business plan and prove that your business will bring economic benefit to Latvia.

Study Visas

If you have been admitted to an accredited Latvian educational institution, you can apply for a residence permit for the duration of your studies.

Main Requirements:

An official study agreement with the educational institution.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
A valid health insurance policy.

Family Reunification Visas

If you have a spouse, a minor child, or a dependent parent who is a Latvian citizen, a non-citizen of Latvia, or a foreigner with a permanent residence permit in Latvia, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification.

"Golden Visa" Program

Latvia's "Golden Visa" program, officially known as the Investor Visa, is a popular option for those who can make a significant financial contribution to the Latvian economy. The most common investment routes are:

Real estate purchase: You can purchase real estate in Latvia for a minimum of €250,000. An additional 5% of the property value must be paid to the state budget.
Investment in a Latvian credit institution: You can make a subordinated capital investment of at least €280,000 in a Latvian credit institution for a term of at least five years.
Investment in interest-free government bonds: You can purchase special-purpose interest-free bonds for €250,000, with an additional state budget fee of €38,000.

Permanent residence permit

After residing in Latvia for five consecutive years with a temporary residence permit, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

Main Requirements:

Continuous residence in Latvia for five years.
A proven and regular source of income.
Knowledge of the Latvian language at the A2 level.
A basic understanding of Latvian history and the national anthem.

Lithuania residency visas

Lithuania is a country that offers history, nature, and a rapidly growing economy. Whether you're drawn by career opportunities, the desire to start a business, or to join family, navigating the residency visa process is your first step. Let’s take a look on the visa options!

Understanding Lithuanian visas

For non-EU citizens planning a long-term stay in Lithuania, you'll generally need to start with a National Visa (D) and then apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. The National Visa allows you to enter and stay in Lithuania for up to a year, while the Temporary Residence Permit is for longer stays and is typically issued for one or two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Here's a breakdown of the most common residency visas:

Work-Based Visas: For those who have secured a job in Lithuania.
Startup Visa: For entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea.
Family Reunification Visa: For joining family members already residing in Lithuania.
Student Visa: For those enrolled in a Lithuanian educational institution.
Permanent Residence: For those who have resided in Lithuania for an extended period.

Lithuanian residency visas

Let's explore the specifics of each visa category to help you determine the best fit for your situation.

Work-Based Visas

If you've been offered a job in Lithuania, you'll need to secure a work permit and a residency permit. Your employer will play a key role in this process.

What you'll need:

A confirmed job offer: Your employer will need to register the vacancy with the Lithuanian Employment Service.
Work Permit: In most cases, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf.
National Visa (D) or Temporary Residence Permit: Once the work permit is granted, you can apply for your visa or residence permit at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate.
For the highly-skilled: Lithuania offers an "EU Blue Card" for highly-qualified professionals. This provides a more streamlined process and greater mobility within the EU.

Acerca del lenguaje:

The processing times for work permits and residence permits can vary. Expats often recommend starting the process as early as possible and maintaining open communication with your new employer.

Startup Visa

Lithuania is actively encouraging a start-up culture and has a dedicated visa for non-EU entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea.

What you'll need:

An innovative business idea: Your business concept will be evaluated by a panel of experts from Startup Lithuania. You'll need to present a strong business plan and, ideally, a minimum viable product (MVP).
Sufficient financial resources: You'll need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your business for at least the first year.
A clean criminal record and health insurance: These are standard requirements for most residency applications.

Acerca del lenguaje:

The Startup Visa process is known for being relatively quick and efficient. Successful applicants praise the supportive ecosystem for startups in Lithuania, with many resources available to help new businesses grow.

Family Reunification

If you have a spouse, registered partner, or minor child who is a Lithuanian citizen or a legal resident, you can apply for a residency permit based on family reunification.

What you'll need:

Proof of family ties: You'll need official documents like marriage or birth certificates.
Sufficient financial resources and accommodation: The sponsoring family member will need to demonstrate that they can support you and have adequate housing.
Health insurance: You'll need a valid health insurance policy.

Acerca del lenguaje:

Be prepared for a thorough documentation check. Expats advise ensuring all your documents are in order and, if necessary, translated and apostilled. Patience is key, as the processing times can be lengthy.

Student Visa

For those looking to pursue their education in Lithuania, a student visa and temporary residence permit are required.

What you'll need:

An acceptance letter: You must be accepted into a Lithuanian educational institution.
Proof of financial means: You'll need to show you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses (around €150 per month).
Health insurance and a clean criminal record: These are standard requirements.

Acerca del lenguaje:

The "Study in Lithuania" website is a valuable resource for international students. Many universities also have dedicated staff to assist with the visa and residence permit application process.

Permanent residency in Lithuania

After residing in Lithuania legally and continuously for five years, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

What you'll need:

Proof of continuous residence: You'll need to provide documentation of your legal residency for the past five years.
Integration requirements: You will need to pass an exam on the Lithuanian language (to a B1 level) and the basics of the Lithuanian Constitution.

Key Takeaways

This is a general outline of the immigration landscape in the Baltic states, and it is vital for prospective immigrants to seek out more detailed information.

Specific requirements can vary significantly depending on an individual's citizenship and personal circumstances.

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