Working And Living In Latvia After Brexit: A Guide For UK Nationals

• Published date: 07 January 2021
• Subject Matter: Government, Public Sector, Immigration, Constitutional & Administrative Law, General Immigration, Work Visas
• Law Firm: lus Laboris
• Author: Mr Toms Sulmanis (Cobalt) and Alina Ustinova (Cobalt)

New rules apply to UK nationals living and working in and travelling to Latvia following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. This guide explains.

1. GUIDANCE

1.1 Has any guidance been issued on how UK nationals can obtain settled residence status and permission to work from 1 January 2021 and what proof of residence is needed for current residents to maintain their status?

Yes. On 21 March 2019 the 'Law on Application of the Legal Framework after the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union' was adopted.

In accordance with the provisions of the Law, documents confirming the right to reside in Latvia issued to UK citizens are valid until 31 December 2020 (unless the document's validity period is shorter).

Until 30 June 2021, UK citizens and their family members who entered Latvia and applied for the EU residence card before 31 December 2020 can apply for a new residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) by submitting an application (template available) enclosing a copy of their passport. The application can be submitted via mail or courier service or electronically, using a secure electronical signature.

The new residence card will identify UK citizen as having been legally resident in Latvia before the end of the Transition Period on 31 December 2020 and therefore eligible for citizens' rights in Latvia which are guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement.

If UK citizens and their family members fail to submit an application for a new document confirming their right to reside in Latvia until 30 June 2021, their previously issued residence documents will be cancelled and their further stay in the Republic of Latvia will only be possible as third-country nationals in accordance with the Immigration Law.

UK citizens who wish to enter Latvia after 31 December 2020 will be able to stay in Latvia as third-country nationals in accordance with the Immigration Law.

2. BUSINESS TRAVEL

2.1 Do UK employees need a business visa from 1 January 2021?

No, Regulation (EU) 2019/592 of 10 April 2019 exempts UK citizens from the requirement for a Schengen visa. It applies from the day the UK is no longer subject to EU law. UK citizens can enter and stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

The Schengen exemption applies from 1 January 2021.

2.2 What documents are needed on arrival for business travel from 1 January 2021?

Travel...