Moving from Latvia to Spain: Complete Guide for Latvian Citizens
Key Facts for Latvian Citizens
- Visa Required: No. EU citizen with full freedom of movement
- Registration: Required after 90 days (EU Certificate)
- Work Permit: Not required. Full EU labor market access
- Tax Treaty: Yes (OECD model)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years legal residence
- Dual Citizenship: Latvia allows with EU/NATO countries. Spain requires renunciation, but you keep both in practice.
- Spanish Embassy: Riga
Why Latvian Citizens Choose Spain
Latvian families relocating to Spain often seek Mediterranean climate, job opportunities in a larger economy, and different living costs than Riga offers.
Latvia’s EU membership since 2004 makes the move straightforward. No visa applications, no bureaucratic hurdles. Latvians often adapt well to Spanish culture. Both countries share strong family values and social traditions.
Latvia Spain Visa: You Don’t Need One
Let’s address the Latvia Spain visa question directly: there isn’t one. EU citizenship gives you the unconditional right to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the European Union. No applications before arrival. No employer sponsorship. No proof of funds for short stays.
For the first 90 days, you don’t need to register or justify your presence. Spain treats you exactly like a Spanish citizen during this period. You can apartment hunt, explore different cities, test out the job market, or simply enjoy an extended stay while making decisions.
EU Registration: The Process
After 90 days, you’ll need to register as an EU resident. This isn’t a permit application where you might get rejected. It’s a registration confirming your right to be here.
Two documents become central to your life in Spain:
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Your tax ID number. You’ll need it for everything from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract, buying a car, or getting a phone plan.
EU Registration Certificate: Your proof of legal residence. Get this at the Oficina de Extranjería or designated police station. The certificate shows your NIE number and confirms your registration date, which becomes important for the citizenship timeline later.
Registration requires proving one of these situations: employed, self-employed, student with health insurance, or financially self-sufficient.
Working in Spain as a Latvian
You can start working immediately upon arrival. No work permit. No waiting period. This applies to employment with Spanish companies, remote work for Latvian employers, and starting your own business.
The Spanish job market values language skills. Your Latvian background gives you an advantage with Nordic and Baltic companies operating in Spain. Barcelona and Madrid host numerous tech companies, startups, and multinationals that appreciate multilingual employees.
If you work remotely for a Latvian company while living in Spain, be aware of tax implications. After 183 days in Spain during a calendar year, you become a Spanish tax resident and must declare worldwide income.
Latvian Community in Spain
The Latvian community in Spain continues to grow. You’ll find fellow Latvians primarily in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and coastal cities. Many have non-EU spouses or partners from Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus who came to Spain through EU family reunification.
The cultural adjustment takes time. Spanish daily rhythms differ dramatically. Lunch at 2-3 PM, dinner at 9-10 PM, nightlife after midnight. Business culture is less formal than what you’re used to. Patience is essential when dealing with Spanish bureaucracy.
Tax Treaty: Latvia-Spain
Latvia and Spain maintain a double taxation agreement based on the OECD model. This treaty prevents you from paying taxes twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Qualifying professionals can pay flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Check eligibility
- Employment Income: Income taxed in another EU state generally exempt from Latvian PIT
- Credit Method: Foreign tax paid can be credited against Spanish liability
- Latvia 2025 Rates: 25.5% up to €105,300, 33% above that, plus 3% on income over €200,000
Healthcare Registration
Once registered as a resident and working (employed or self-employed), you access Spanish public healthcare through the Sistema Nacional de Salud. If paying into social security, coverage is automatic for you and your dependents.
If you’re not working, you may need to apply through the Convenio Especial (around €60/month for under-65s, €157 for over-65s). During your first months or while getting established, your European Health Insurance Card from Latvia provides emergency coverage.
Path to Spanish Citizenship: 10 Years
Latvian citizens need 10 years of continuous legal residence for Spanish citizenship. There’s no EU shortcut. Spain reserves the 2-year fast track for nationals of Latin American countries, Philippines, Portugal, and Andorra.
The 10-year timeline allows absences of up to 6 months per year, with a maximum single absence of 12 months for important reasons. When you apply, you’ll pass the DELE A2 (Spanish language) and CCSE (civic knowledge) exams.
Dual Citizenship: Good News
Latvia permits dual citizenship with EU, EFTA, and NATO member states, including Spain. This changed in 2013 when Latvia amended its citizenship law.
Spain requires a renunciation declaration when you naturalize, but Latvia allows dual citizenship with Spain and won’t enforce any loss. In practice, you keep both passports. You must notify Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs when acquiring Spanish citizenship.
Important: After naturalizing Spanish, use your Spanish passport for travel. Exclusively using your Latvian passport for 3+ years could result in losing Spanish citizenship.
Bringing Your Family
Latvian family members who are EU citizens follow the same process. They register independently.
Non-EU family members? If your spouse, registered partner, children, or dependent parents aren’t EU citizens, they can apply for an EU Family Card (Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión). This gives them the right to live and work in Spain. This applies to families whose spouses are from Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus. The process is significantly easier than standard immigration routes.
Spanish Embassy in Latvia
Riga – Embassy of Spain
Elizabetes iela 11, 3º, Riga, LV-1010
Tel: +371 67 320 281
Fax: +371 67 325 005
Email: [email protected]
Emergency (24h): +371 26399222
Emergency Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. As an EU citizen since 2004, you have full freedom of movement. Live and work in Spain without any visa. Just register after 90 days if staying long-term.
How long until I can get Spanish citizenship?
10 years of legal, continuous residence. You’ll also need to pass Spanish language (DELE A2) and civic knowledge (CCSE) exams. There’s no faster route for EU citizens.
Can I keep my Latvian passport when becoming Spanish?
Yes, in practice. Latvia allows dual citizenship with EU countries including Spain. Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Latvia doesn’t enforce it. You keep both passports.
Can my non-EU spouse come with me?
Yes. Non-EU family members can apply for an EU Family Card. This gives them the right to live and work in Spain as your dependent. The process is easier than standard immigration.
Do my Latvian pension contributions count?
Yes. EU social security coordination means your Latvian contributions count toward your Spanish pension. The systems are linked across all EU member states.
We Handle the Bureaucracy
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Latvia to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.