How to Obtain Latvian Citizenship and Passport in 2026

Latvian Citizenship is a constitutional and legal status that affirms an individual’s affiliation with the state and nation. The passport of the Republic serves as an identity document for an EU resident and grants the holder the same rights as native citizens throughout the European Union. Foreigners who have legally resided in the country for 5 to 10 years, as well as individuals born on its territory, are eligible to apply for Latvian citizenship. How Russians and other foreign nationals can legalize their stay in the Baltic country and obtain a passport is detailed further in the article.

Migration Legislation of Latvia

The methods and procedures for acquiring Latvian nationality by foreigners are outlined in the Citizenship Law. This document also regulates the issue of dual citizenship in Latvia: it may only be granted to citizens of countries and territories with which the Latvian government has signed a corresponding agreement. Such an agreement does not exist between Latvia and the post-Soviet states, so when a Russian or Belarusian obtains a Latvian passport, it is considered their second citizenship.

After the application is reviewed, the applicant is required to submit a written renunciation of their previous citizenship. However, this document is not forwarded to the competent authorities of Russia or Belarus and does not automatically lead to the loss of their original citizenship status.

A holder of a Latvian identity document has the right to:

• Engage in any type of commercial activity in Latvia without additional permits.
• Study for free in local educational institutions and receive scholarships and grants.
• Vote and run for office in local government elections.
• Rely on state protection while abroad.
• Receive legal and social assistance.
• Access all services of the Latvian healthcare system without restrictions.
• Legalize the status of their children and spouse in accordance with Latvian law.
• Receive a pension upon reaching the age of 64, provided they regularly pay personal income tax (PIT).
• Enjoy all the benefits of passport holders, regardless of the path taken to acquire Latvian citizenship.

In addition to rights, Latvian ID holders are also obligated to:

• Abide by the laws of the country.
• Pay taxes and contributions on time.
• Respect the traditions, culture, and other values of the Republic.

What a Latvian Passport Offers

Latvia is a member state of the European Union, which means that holders of a Latvian passport enjoy the privileges of EU citizenship not only within Latvia but also across the 26 other EU countries. The key benefits of Latvian citizenship include:

• Visa-free travel to 170 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
• Freedom of movement and residence throughout the European Union.
• Access to entrepreneurship and employment within the EU without needing additional permits.
• The opportunity to study at universities across the EU under the same conditions as local residents.
• Healthcare services across European countries under a unified insurance policy.
• Legal, financial, and social assistance from the EU.
• The right to engage in free trade within the EU, as well as in Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Singapore.
• Access to all banking services in EU member states.
• The right to vote and be elected to the European Parliament, as allowed by EU law.

Ways to Obtain Latvian Citizenship

A Latvian passport may be granted by birthright, ethnic descent, or through repatriation procedures. Following amendments to the Citizenship Law on September 24, 2022, the number of pathways to Latvian citizenship has significantly decreased for Russians and Belarusians. Issuance of residence permits to new applicants from these countries has been suspended.

Previously, investment programs and entrepreneurial activity in Latvia were popular routes for residents of former Soviet states, allowing individuals to obtain Latvian nationality after 10 years of residency. Today, the most common legal pathways include employment, participation in scientific projects, and family reunification.

As of 2024, legalization in Latvia for Russian citizens — with the possibility of later acquiring a Latvian passport — is restricted but still possible under several conditions. According to updates in immigration law, Belarusians and Russians may only extend their existing residence permits, provided they continue to meet the original conditions under which the permit was granted.

Employment

A Russian specialist can extend their residence permit or obtain long-term residency in Latvia if they:

• Have been legally employed in a local company for at least the past three months.
• Graduated from a Latvian university, secured a position in Latvia, and signed an employment contract.
• Participated in a scientific project, completed a master’s or doctoral program in Latvia, and were subsequently hired by a local research institution.
• Applied for the EU Blue Card, a long-term work permit for highly qualified professionals in the European Union.
• Are an intern, specialist, or manager transferred to Latvia from within a multinational corporation.

Latvian employers may invite Russian or other post-Soviet citizens only if the job vacancy remains unfilled for at least 10 business days. Residence permits for employment are renewable for up to one year. Permanent residency may be granted after five years, and citizenship may be requested five years thereafter.

Family Reunification

Foreign nationals may legalize their stay in Latvia and obtain EU citizenship after 10 years of residence based on family reunification with close relatives. The right to immigrate is granted to:

• Spouses and minor children of Latvian citizens and non-citizens.
• Parents of retirement age, as well as dependents of Latvian citizens or their spouses.
• Foreigners under the guardianship or custody of Latvian citizens or non-citizens (i.e., former USSR citizens and their descendants residing in Latvia who did not acquire Latvian citizenship), as well as long-term residents of the republic.
• Minor children, spouses, dependents, and elderly parents of immigrants who already hold permanent residency in Latvia.

A Latvian residence permit for family reunification is initially issued for 12 months. It may be extended for 4 additional years, after which applicants may request a permanent residence permit, valid for 5 years. The application review period is 30 days.

Married children over 18 or minors subject to legal travel restrictions in their home countries are not eligible for Latvian residence permits under the family reunification program.

Refugee Status

Citizens of foreign countries are eligible to apply for international asylum or temporary protection in Latvia. A foreign national may submit the appropriate application upon entry into the country or at any Latvian border guard office. Additionally, the refugee must undergo an interview with a border guard representative and, if necessary, a medical examination. The applicant must provide documents confirming their identity and present evidence of persecution or threats to their life in their country of residence, such as:

• a severe criminal sentence, torture, or inhumane or degrading treatment;
• legal or administrative discrimination;
• physical or psychological violence;
• denial of lawful judicial appeal for a harsh sentence;
• threats to life and health due to international or domestic military actions or conflicts.

The processing time for a decision is typically 3–6 months, after which the refugee receives official notification of status approval. A person granted temporary protection in Latvia has the right to obtain a 1-year residence permit. A person granted refugee status may immediately apply for permanent residency, and after 5 years, they may apply for citizenship.

Repatriation

A foreign national whose ascendants were Latvian citizens has the right to immigrate to the republic based on ethnic origin. If documents proving Latvian heritage are provided, the repatriate may obtain permanent residence (PR) for 5 years, after which they may apply for citizenship. Immediate family members of the applicant — spouse, minor children, and dependents — may also immigrate to Latvia.

A key condition for legalizing close relatives is cohabitation with the repatriate for at least one year prior to immigration.

Acceptable proof of ethnic origin includes ID documents of ancestors and other papers indicating Latvian nationality. Legalization in Latvia through this simplified long-term resident procedure provides access to employment, healthcare, and social benefits. The decision on granting PR to a repatriate is typically issued within 30 days.

Conditions for Obtaining Latvian Citizenship

To acquire Latvian citizenship, the applicant must meet the requirements specified in Article 12 of the Law on Citizenship. A foreign national over the age of 15 who applies for a national identity document through the naturalization procedure must satisfy the following conditions:

• Have resided in Latvia for at least 5 years with a valid permanent residence permit.
• Have continuously lived in Latvia for the 12 months preceding the submission of the citizenship application.
• Have knowledge of the Latvian language, the national anthem, and the basics of the country’s history, culture, and Constitution.
• Possess sufficient financial means to support themselves for one year (for adults — €7,440, for minors under 18 — €2,232).
• Submit a statement renouncing previous citizenship (except for individuals who have been granted refugee status in Latvia).
• Be prepared to take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Latvia.

The legal requirement regarding Latvian language proficiency implies fluency in everyday use. This condition does not apply to children and pensioners aged 65 and older. Applicants must submit exam results or a document exempting them from the language test.

The citizenship application form must be completed in Latvian. Foreign-issued documents must be translated into Latvian, legalized by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and apostilled (marked with a stamp confirming the authenticity of the document). Copies of the applicant’s passport must be personally certified by the applicant.

What Documents Are Required to Obtain Latvian Citizenship

To obtain Latvian citizenship, a foreign national must prepare and submit the following documents in accordance with the legal requirements:

• application for naturalization;
• a valid foreign passport;
• a recent color photograph (3 × 4 cm);
• certificate of no criminal record issued by the applicant’s home country;
• receipt confirming payment of the state fee for application processing;
• birth and marriage certificates (if applicable);
• application on behalf of a child under the age of 15 (if applicable);
• proof of financial means to reside in the country (bank statement, employment contract, pension certificate, declaration of income from business);
• certificate of successful completion of exams on the Latvian language and cultural knowledge.

The foreign applicant must also provide confirmation of legal residence in Latvia over the past five years, such as:

• An employment contract with a Latvian company or research institution, or proof of entrepreneurial activity conducted in the country.
• Proof of registered residence address in Latvia.
• Certificate confirming that children attend school or university in Latvia (if applicable).

To apply for an electronic eID card and an international passport of a Latvian citizen, the following must be submitted:

• the foreigner’s identity document;
• the official document confirming acquisition of Latvian citizenship.

How Much Does Latvian Citizenship Cost

According to Latvian law, it is not possible to purchase a citizen’s identity document. Citizenship can only be obtained on the basis of ethnic origin or through the naturalization process. Acquiring citizenship involves completing the legal steps of legalization, for which state fees are charged. The table below outlines the main costs associated with obtaining a Latvian identity document, excluding expenses related to relocation and residence in the country.

Latvian Citizen Passports

After the official oath of allegiance to the state, a foreign national must obtain Latvian identity documents within one month. The following documents are required:

Latvian eID Card

A plastic document that allows visa-free travel across all EU and Schengen countries. This internal Latvian passport is issued to both citizens and non-citizens of the country. Latvian nationals are issued an eID card from the age of 15; for those under 15, it can be obtained with parental application. The validity period of the card is:

• 2 years for children under 5;
• 5 years for individuals under 20;
• 10 years for everyone else.

EU International Passpor

A travel document that enables its holder to travel outside Latvia and the European Union. This biometric passport is a 32-page booklet with a burgundy cover and gold embossing. The cover features the Latvian coat of arms and inscriptions in Latvian: «EIROPAS SAVIENĪBA» (European Union) and «LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA» (Republic of Latvia). With this passport, citizens can travel visa-free to countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and others — a total of 170 countries.

Validity:

• 1 year for children under 5;
• 5 years for those under 16;
• 10 years for all other citizens.

Grounds for Refusal of Citizenship

Applicants requesting Latvian citizenship through naturalization may be denied after case review. Reasons for rejection by the Cabinet of Ministers may include:

• Non-compliance with the requirements of current legislation.
• Errors in the citizenship application or supporting documents.
• Threat to Latvia’s national or public security.
• Use of funds obtained through illegal means.
• Involvement with foreign intelligence services.
• Promotion of communist, fascist, chauvinistic, or other totalitarian ideologies.
• Membership in terrorist organizations.

If a candidate is denied naturalization, they have the right to appeal the decision. A new application for citizenship may be submitted one year after the appeal period has expired, provided the individual did not use the right to appeal.

Immigrant Testimonials and Assistance in Obtaining Citizenship

Foreign nationals who have moved to Latvia and obtained EU citizenship often share insights into their experience with legalization in the country, the importance of understanding Latvia’s immigration laws, and the need to monitor legislative changes.

Testimonials from those who successfully acquired Latvian citizenship highlight the importance of seeking assistance from migration lawyers when moving to the EU. The Latvian government applies strict criteria to applicants from post-Soviet countries, which makes expert support essential. Legal professionals can help assess the applicant’s individual situation and account for the drawbacks of each immigration route.

Given the increasingly strict requirements imposed by Latvian authorities on immigration programs, many foreigners turn to legal experts to acquire an EU passport through alternative methods. Obtaining citizenship in another EU country allows the applicant to relocate to Latvia as an EU resident — a process that is often significantly easier and faster than direct immigration from Russia or Belarus. Consultations with professionals help determine the most suitable route to European citizenship and reduce potential risks throughout the immigration process.

How to Obtain Latvian Citizenship Rights: Alternative Solutions

A Latvian passport provides post-Soviet residents with numerous advantages over their original citizenship. Many foreigners are unwilling to wait the 10 years required to obtain Latvian nationality, particularly after immigration laws became stricter, and instead seek alternative solutions.

European citizenship can often be obtained much faster — within 1 to 1.5 years — through repatriation programs in nearby EU countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, or Poland. Migration specialists assist foreigners in researching their ancestry. If the applicant has ancestors from one of these countries, citizenship of the European Union can be acquired quickly and with minimal costs.