Citizenship in Latvia

How to get Latvian citizenship

In order to obtain citizenship of Latvia, a foreigner must first live in the country for 5 years on a temporary residence permit, then 5 years on a permanent residence permit (permanent residence). And also fulfill a number of important conditions.

• Passing an exam for knowledge of the Latvian language for a passing score (minimum category B1).
• Passing an exam on knowledge of the basics of the history and culture of Latvia, as well as the main provisions of the Constitution of Latvia and the text of the national anthem. People aged 65 and over are exempted from the written part of the Latvian language exam.
• Renunciation of previous citizenship or provision of confirmation of the absence of citizenship of another country (except for persons with refugee status in Latvia).
• Proof of legal source of income. To do this, the applicant for citizenship must provide one of the following documents:
  • certificate of employment from the employer;
  • certificate of receipt of benefits;
  • a certificate from an educational institution;
  • documents confirming that a person has carried out economic or financial activities in the country (for example, as an emergency).
• Signing an oath of allegiance to Latvia (the procedure is fixed by the rules of the Cabinet of Ministers of 2013).

If a child under the age of 15 acquires citizenship together with a parent, it is necessary to submit an application for naturalization of the child and a document confirming his permanent residence in Latvia.

Who cannot apply for Latvian citizenship?

There are several categories of persons who may be denied citizenship of Latvia. These include:

• persons convicted under certain articles;
• persons with unfulfilled obligations towards Latvia (including tax obligations);
• persons whose behavior or actions pose a threat to the state or public security of the country, its democratic and constitutional foundations, independence and territorial integrity.

The entire list can be found on the Latvian OCMA website.

List of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia

1. Travel document valid in Latvia (passport) and photocopies of all pages.
2. A copy of the page of personal data and registration of a civil passport with the presentation of the original document;
3. A completed application form of the established form for requesting a residence permit;
4. One color photograph on a white background (3.5 x 4.5);
5. Certificate of no / criminal record, issued by the competent institution of the country of citizenship or residence (for foreign citizens over 14 years old);
6. A document confirming the provision of the necessary subsistence level;
7. A document confirming the intended place of residence in Latvia (the consent of the owner who owns the immovable property to declare the place of residence of a foreigner in the property owned by him and a copy of the Land Registry or a lease or lease agreement for the immovable property);
8. Depending on the purpose of stay in Latvia, additional documents are provided, for example: marriage certificate, real estate documents, birth certificate, study or work agreement (originals and copies of documents).

You can get more complete and detailed information on the website of the Embassy of Latvia, or call us by phone (+380444515050) or write to our mail (info@fbs-group.com).

Corporate Legislation of Latvia