Representatives of the Latvian and Japanese governments have signed a reciprocal agreement on simplified residence permit rules for young people aged 18-30 in each other's territory to give them more opportunities to appreciate each other's culture and way of life.

The aim of the agreement is to promote youth mobility, cooperation and partnership between Latvia and Japan. It will give young people from both countries more opportunities to study, work or gain practical experience and improve their knowledge of each other's language, culture and society, thus fostering mutual understanding.

The agreement also simplifies the procedures for young people from Latvia and Japan to obtain documents allowing them to stay in the other country’s territory. In Latvia's case, this is a long-stay visa issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, while in Japan it is a work and holiday visa. These documents entitle young people to work to earn extra money to travel. The number of long-stay visas is determined by the two governments on the basis of reciprocity.

Latvia already has similar agreements with Canada and New Zealand.