Skip to main content
Migration and Home Affairs
  • 1 April 2025

Volunteer in Latvia

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to be a volunteer in Latvia? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

Conditions

If a third-country national wishes to stay in the Republic of Latvia as a participant in a volunteering programme financed by the European Commission or an international organisation, he or she shall be issued a long-stay visa for up to one year.

You can apply for a volunteer programs only if you are 18 to 30 years old.

Procedures

Where and how to apply

The invitation should be presented at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) by the host entity/organisation.

The application can be submitted by the host entity/organisation responsible for the voluntary service.

Fee

Fees for a visa is 60 euros.

The indicative processing time (time to receive an outcome) can take up to 3 weeks.

Documents required

Documents to be submitted in order to receive a volunteers visa in the Republic of Latvia in connection with a volunteer agreement:

  • a valid travel document recognised in the Republic of Latvia,
  • a photography,
  • a document confirming the place of residence in the Republic of Latvia and the right to stay there.
Further requirementsYou should have a health insurance policy, that should not be shorter that your expected period of stay in the Republic of Latvia.
Duration of validity of permits/visasIf a third-country national wishes to stay in the Republic of Latvia as a participant in a volunteering programme financed by the European Commission or an international organisation, he or she shall be issued a long-stay visa for up to one year.
Conditions for renewalVoluntary work contract extension can be approved by the OCMA.
AppealsA third- country national has the right to challenge the decision on the refusal to enter the Republic of Latvia within 30 days after that the decision is taken. A decision on the contested administrative act may be appealed to the Administrative District Court.

Rights

Change of statusIf the person wants to apply for a different status he/she needs to apply for a new visa.
Family membersFamily members can apply for a short-term visa.
Long-term residenceN/A