Can UK citizens get a marriage visa for Latvia? Yes. UK citizens need a Type D national visa to enter Latvia for marriage if the process exceeds 90 days. Apply at the Latvian Embassy in London with a valid passport, Certificate of No Impediment, proof of relationship, and travel insurance. Processing takes 15-45 calendar days; total cost starts from approximately €300.
UK citizens need a Latvia Type D national visa for marriage if the process exceeds 90 days. Submit applications at the Latvian Embassy in London or VFS Global centres. Processing takes 15 to 45 calendar days, with total costs from approximately €300 to €600+.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Get Married in Latvia?
UK citizens are third-country nationals in the Schengen area following Brexit, permitted to stay in Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Type C rules. A Type D visa is required when the marriage process exceeds that 90-day window or when the entry purpose is specifically marriage.
The Latvia visa for marriage application is submitted at the Embassy of Latvia in London (Consular Section) or through VFS Global centres. UK citizens must book an appointment before travelling.
| Nationality | Visa-free days | Visa type required | Application route |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK citizen | Up to 90 days (180-day period) | Type D visa for stays >90 days | Embassy of Latvia in London / VFS Global |
| EU citizen | Unrestricted | No visa required | Registration at PMLP upon arrival |
UK citizens planning a short ceremony within 90 days may proceed visa-free, provided all document requirements are met. The Latvia visa for marriage (Type D) is necessary when the full process, including the 1-month announcement at the Civil Registry Office, exceeds the Schengen visa-free window.
Latvia Visa Types for Marriage and Family Visits
A Type C Schengen visa covers stays up to 90 days for short marriage ceremonies or family visits, while a Type D national visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days or marriage processes with an announcement period.
The Latvia visa for marriage follows the Type D visa route when the full process, including the 30-day announcement at a Latvian civil registry, exceeds the 90-day Schengen window.
| Attribute | Type C (Schengen) | Type D (National) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short ceremony or family visit | Marriage registration or long-stay family visit |
| Duration | Up to 90 days | Over 90 days |
| Fee | Visa-free for UK citizens | €90 |
| Processing time | Not applicable for UK citizens | 15-45 calendar days |
Unlike a family visit visa, the Latvia visa for marriage (Type D) enables subsequent application for a Temporary Residence Permit after civil registration.
How to Apply for a Latvia Marriage Visa from the UK
UK applicants submit a Latvia visa for marriage (Type D) at the Embassy of Latvia in London or through a VFS Global centre via a six-step process:
Gather required documents
Valid passport, Certificate of No Impediment, proof of relationship, and supporting evidence.
Book an appointment
At the Embassy of Latvia in London (Consular Section) or through VFS Global (vfsglobal.com).
Complete the National Visa Application Form
Type D form and assemble the submission package.
Attend the appointment
Submit documents, provide biometrics, and pay the €90 fee per adult applicant.
Wait for processing
Type D visa processing takes 15-45 calendar days.
Collect the passport
With the visa stamp or decision notification.
VFS Global offers optional paid services (Form Filling, Premium Lounge, SMS Alerts, Courier). Book the consular appointment at least 4-6 weeks before travel due to the 15-45 day processing window. Legal representatives must hold a signed Power of Attorney. The Latvia visa for marriage requires advance scheduling to accommodate Type D processing times.
Required Documents for a Latvia Marriage Visa
The Latvia visa for marriage requires the following documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months beyond planned stay), completed Type D visa application form (signed), and passport-sized biometric photographs
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or Single Status Affidavit (from UK General Register Office or solicitor)
- Birth certificate (original, apostilled, certified Latvian translation)
- Divorce decree absolute or death certificate of former spouse, if applicable (apostilled and translated)
- Proof of relationship: photos, communication history, shared travel documents, joint bookings
- Invitation letter from Latvian-based partner (including Latvian personal ID code)
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia
- Travel medical insurance: minimum €30,000, repatriation mandatory, valid for entire Schengen area
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips)
- Visa fee payment receipt (€90)
Document Legalisation and Translation
Apostille via UK FCDO (~£30/doc) and certified Latvian translation by a sworn translator (€20-50/page) are mandatory for the Latvia visa for marriage application.
Travel Medical Insurance Requirements
Insurance must provide minimum €30,000 coverage with mandatory repatriation, valid for the entire Schengen area for the full stay. Estimated cost: €30-80 (short-stay Type C) / €100-250 (long-stay Type D).
Step-by-Step Timeline & Marriage Registration in Latvia (2026)
The Latvia visa for marriage process takes 3-6 months from document preparation to registered marriage.
Weeks 1-4 – Document preparation
Obtain CNI, apostille (~£30/doc via FCDO), and arrange certified Latvian translations (€20-50/page).
Weeks 4-6 – Visa application
Book appointment at the Latvian Embassy in London, complete the Type D visa form, and pay the €90 fee.
Weeks 6-12 – Processing
The Latvia visa for marriage is processed within 15-45 calendar days.
Upon arrival – Marriage announcement
Submit a joint application at the Civil Registry Office (Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa). Minimum publication period: 1 month (30 days) before the ceremony.
Ceremony
2 witnesses required. Marriage certificate issued same day (bilingual Latvian/English available).
Month 3+ – Residence permit
Apply for TRP at PMLP after marriage.
Minimum marriage age: 18 years; no blood test required.
Visiting Family Members Already Living in Latvia
UK citizens visiting family members in Latvia can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Type C Schengen rules. For longer stays or formally sponsored visits, a PMLP-approved electronic invitation (Ielūgums) is required.
The Ielūgums is obtained by the host residing in Latvia through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). The host submits required documents and receives an approval code for the visiting family member. Eligible categories include parents, siblings, children, and spouses/partners.
Required visitor documents: valid passport, invitation letter with PMLP approval code, proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificates, apostilled and translated), proof of accommodation, travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000), and proof of financial means.
Unlike the Latvia visa for marriage, a family visit does not lead to a Temporary Residence Permit. The Latvia visa for marriage is necessary only when the purpose is marriage registration or stays exceeding 90 days.
Residence Permit and Total Costs After Marriage in Latvia (2026)
Under the Latvian Immigration Law, a spousal Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) applied for at the PMLP after marriage registration is initially valid for 1 year (renewable) and grants unrestricted access to the Latvian labour market. No Latvian language exam is required for the initial TRP; Level B1 proficiency is mandatory only for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence. The Latvia visa for marriage is the prerequisite entry route for this pathway.
Financial Requirements for Spousal Sponsorship
The sponsoring partner must demonstrate a monthly income threshold. Acceptable proof: employment contracts, bank statements, pension statements.
Total Cost Breakdown (2026)
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Type D national visa fee | €90 |
| TRP state fee (30-day processing) | €100 |
| TRP state fee (10-day expedited) | €200 |
| UK FCDO Apostille (per document) | ~£30 |
| Certified Latvian translation (per page) | €20-50 |
| Marriage registration (Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa) | €30-70 (varies by municipality) |
| Travel medical insurance | €30-80 (short-stay) / €100-250 (long-stay) |
| Estimated total | €300-600+ |
FAQ: Latvia Visa for Marriage (2026)
Can I get married in Latvia on a tourist visa?
Yes, within the 90-day visa-free period. Complete the 1-month announcement at the Civil Registry Office with apostilled, translated documents.
How long does a Latvia marriage visa take to process?
Type D processing takes 15-45 calendar days. The full process to marriage takes 3-6 months including the 30-day announcement.
What is the Certificate of No Impediment and do I need one?
Yes, mandatory. Obtain from the UK General Register Office or solicitor, then apostille and translate into Latvian.
Do I need to speak Latvian to get a marriage visa?
No exam for the initial TRP. B1 proficiency is required only for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence.
Can I work in Latvia on a spousal residence permit?
Yes. Spousal TRP holders have unrestricted labour market access without a separate work permit.
Where do I apply for a Latvia marriage visa in the UK?
Embassy of Latvia in London or VFS Global. Book an appointment in advance at vfsglobal.com.
What is the PMLP invitation (Ielūgums) for family visits?
Electronic invitation approved by PMLP. Host in Latvia submits documents to obtain an approval code for sponsored family visits.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a marriage visa in Latvia?
No. Return to the UK and apply for a Type D national visa.
What documents does my Latvian spouse need to provide?
Proof of income, accommodation, Latvian personal ID code, and a signed invitation letter.
How long is the post-marriage residence permit valid?
Initial TRP: 1 year, renewable. Permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Last updated: 10 September 2026. Visa fees, processing times, and requirements may change. Verify current details with the Embassy of Latvia in London or VFS Global before applying.
