Latvia Dual Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide in 2026

Latvia has become an increasingly attractive destination for individuals looking to secure long-term status in the European Union. As an EU and NATO member state, Latvia offers political stability, visa-free travel, and access to the European market. 

For many applicants, the key question is whether Latvia allows dual citizenship. Unlike some European countries, Latvia dual citizenship is available, but only in specific situations and with approved countries. 

Latvia dual citizenship rules are clear but restrictive, which makes it important to understand whether you qualify before starting the application process. 

In this article, we explain Latvia’s dual citizenship laws, who is eligible, the main pathways, and what this means for citizens of the US, UK, Israel, and Russia. 

Latvia Dual Citizenship: Key Takeaways 

• Latvia allows dual citizenship, but only with approved countries or under specific legal exceptions 
• Latvian dual citizenship by descent is the most common and straightforward pathway 
• Latvia allows dual citizenship with the US, UK, most EU countries, and NATO member states 
• Dual citizenship in Latvia may involve military service obligations 
• Children of Latvian citizens may hold dual citizenship with any country until the age of 25 
• Tax obligations in Latvia depend on residency, not citizenship 

Yes, Latvia allows dual citizenship for citizens of other EU, EFTA, or NATO countries, as well as for Australians, Brazilians, and New Zealanders. It also applies to descendants of exiles.  

Latvian authorities always treat dual citizens as solely Latvian while in Latvia. Since 2015, changes to the law have made it possible to retain Latvian citizenship when obtaining a second nationality in these approved countries, sometimes with special permission, or automatically through marriage or adoption.  

Children of Latvian citizens can generally hold dual citizenship with any country. 

1. Global mobility: The Latvian passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the entire Schengen Area. 

2. Education opportunities: Citizens and their children can access Europe’s high-quality education system, often with free or subsidized tuition compared to international rates in countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Scotland. There are also fantastic international schools in Latvia for expats.  

3. Family security: Latvian citizenship can be passed to children and future generations. Spouses may also qualify for residency and eventual citizenship, securing benefits for your family. The Latvia Golden Visa is often used as a stepping stone to eventual citizenship.  

4. Healthcare and social benefits: Dual citizens can access Latvia’s social security and healthcare systems, with care often free or subsidized, including essential medical services across Europe using a European Health Insurance Card. 

5. Freedom of movement: Citizens can live, work, and study freely in EU and EFTA countries, including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, without needing residence or work permits. 

6. Business and career advantages: Latvian citizenship simplifies starting a business, opening Latvian bank accounts, or pursuing a career anywhere in the EU, removing many bureaucratic obstacles. 

01/ Latvian Dual Citizenship by Descent 

Latvian dual citizenship by descent is available to individuals with Latvian ancestry. 

You may qualify if: 

• A parent, grandparent, or earlier ancestor was a Latvian citizen 
• Your family left Latvia due to war, occupation, or political repression 
• You can prove the lineage through official documents 

This pathway does not require residence in Latvia and is often the fastest route to acquiring citizenship of Latvia. It is also the most common way to obtain Latvian dual citizenship. 

02/ Latvian Citizenship by Naturalization 

Foreign nationals may apply for Latvian citizenship through naturalization after long-term legal residence in Latvia. 

Applicants must generally: 

• Hold permanent residence 
• Naturalization requires 10 years of residence (5 years permanent) 
• Demonstrate integration into Latvian society 
• Pass language (A2/B1) and civic knowledge requirements 

Dual citizenship through naturalization is permitted only if the applicant’s other nationality is on Latvia’s approved list or an exception applies. 

Latvia does not offer citizenship by investment, but you can become a citizen after 10 years of residency. One of the most popular ways to start the process is through the Latvia Golden Visa, which grants a residency permit through investment. 

Investment options include: 

• Real estate: Buying property in Latvia worth at least €250,000 (cadastral value €80,000+) with additional fees of around 5%. 

• Business: Invest €50,000–€100,000 in a Latvian company, depending on its size, plus a €10,000 government fee. 

• Bank deposit: Deposit €280,000 for at least five years, with a €25,000 fee. 

• Government bonds: Buy €250,000 in bonds, refundable after five years, with a €38,000 state fee. 

This provides a clear path to residency and, eventually, Latvian citizenship. 

Latvia allows dual citizenship with the United States, as the US is a NATO member. 

Latvia dual citizenship USA applicants can obtain Latvian citizenship without renouncing their US nationality. However, dual citizens must follow the laws of both countries. 

US citizens should also be aware of US worldwide tax obligations, which continue to apply regardless of Latvian citizenship. 

Latvia allows dual citizenship with the UK, as the UK remains a NATO member state. 

Despite Brexit, Latvia UK dual citizenship is still permitted. UK citizens do not need to renounce their British nationality when acquiring Latvian citizenship. 

Latvia generally does not permit dual citizenship with Israel. Exceptions apply for descendants of Latvian exiles who left before June 17, 1940, members of the Latvian or Liv ethnic groups, and citizens of certain approved countries such as NATO or EFTA members and Brazil. In these cases, you may be able to retain your original citizenship. 

Latvian Russian dual citizenship is generally not permitted. 

Russia is not included on Latvia’s list of approved dual citizenship countries. Applicants who acquire Russian citizenship after becoming citizens of Latvia may be required to renounce Latvian nationality unless the citizenship was acquired automatically or special permission is granted. 

This is a sensitive area of Latvian citizenship law and requires careful legal assessment. Working with a Latvian immigration lawyer is highly recommended.  

Note: This is a representative list. Latvia’s dual citizenship eligibility depends on the type of citizenship and the category your other nationality falls under. 

Latvia has reintroduced mandatory military service, which can affect Latvian dual citizens. 

In general: 

• Military service applies to Latvian citizens over 18 years old 
• Dual citizens living permanently outside Latvia may qualify for exemptions or deferrals up until 2027.  
• Each case is assessed individually 

Latvia conscription dual citizenship rules depend on personal circumstances, residency, and age. Generally, Latvia citizens with dual nationality who have served in the military or completed alternative civilian service in another country are exempt. 

1. Confirm eligibility: Determine whether Latvia allows dual citizenship with your other nationality and which pathway applies. 

2. Gather documents: Collect and legalize civil records proving ancestry or residence. 

3. Prepare translations: All documents must be translated into Latvian by certified translators. 

4. Submit your application: File your Latvian dual citizenship application with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. 

5. Await approval: Processing times vary depending on the pathway and complexity of the case. 

The steps for Latvian dual citizenship will depend on how you qualify. Working with an immigration professional can help avoid delays and document issues. 

Taxes in Latvia are based on tax residency, not citizenship. 

You are generally considered a Latvian tax resident if you: 

• Spend 183 days or more in Latvia in a year 
• Have a permanent home or center of economic interests in Latvia 

Latvian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Latvian-source income.