Obtaining Latvian citizenship presents noteworthy advantages for individuals seeking ties to Latvia and the European Union. Latvian nationality grants Latvian citizens the privilege of residing, working, and studying in Latvia without constraints, along with unrestricted movement across the European Union.
In this guide you will learn about:
Latvian Citizenship Benefits
Gateway to the European Union
Acquiring Latvian citizenship opens the door to the European Union, granting free movement and the option to live, work, and travel across any EU member state. This means you can settle in places like France or Germany, find job opportunities in various industries across Europe, or simply enjoy the ease of travel within the EU.
Schengen Area access
As a Latvian citizen, you gain unrestricted access to the Schengen Area. This allows you to travel visa-free to a host of European countries, experiencing diverse cultures, languages, and histories without the hassle of applying for multiple visas.
Quality education and healthcare
Latvia offers access to high-quality education and healthcare systems. As a citizen, you can benefit from educational opportunities at various levels and enjoy comprehensive healthcare services known for their efficiency and quality.
Economic opportunities
Latvian citizenship can provide a range of economic benefits. The country’s growing economy offers numerous business and investment opportunities. As a citizen, you’re also eligible for various government grants and support programs that can aid in business ventures or personal investments.
Cultural heritage and lifestyle
Bordering the Baltic Sea, Latvia boasts a rich cultural heritage and a unique lifestyle. Citizenship allows you to immerse yourself fully in Latvian traditions, festivals, and the arts, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this vibrant culture.
Dual citizenship possibilities
Latvia recognizes dual citizenship under certain conditions, allowing you to retain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Latvian citizenship. This is particularly advantageous for those who want to maintain close ties with their country of origin.
You can find out more about what countries Latvia has dual citizenship agreements with.
Political rights
As a Latvian citizen, you gain full political rights, including voting and participating in referendums. This empowers you to have a say in the country’s governance and decision-making processes.
Family benefits
Latvian citizenship also extends several benefits to families. It provides stability and security for your children, who can enjoy the rights and privileges of being EU citizens, including access to education and healthcare. This makes Latvia an attractive option for those looking to secure a prosperous future for their family.
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How to Get Latvia Citizenship
There are several methods of granting citizenship in Latvia. The different routes available for obtaining Latvian citizenship are:
- By naturalization
- By descent
- By marriage
- By investment
Note that each pathway to citizenship in Latvia will have its own requirements and criteria.
Latvia citizenship by naturalization
Latvia citizenship by naturalizationLatvia citizenship by naturalization is perfectly possible. You will need to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 15 years of age
- Have resided permanently in Latvia for at least five years and have a permanent residence permit. The five years count from the day you receive your permanent residence permit. Note that having a temporary residence permit does not count. Still, after five years with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit; five years after this, you can begin the process of obtaining Latvian citizenship.
- Demonstrate that you can support yourself financially
- Show Latvian language proficiency
- Know the lyrics of the Latvian national anthem
You cannot be admitted for Latvian citizenship through naturalization process if the following apply to you:
- You have criminal records (terrorism, anti-state, criminal organization)
- Have failed to fulfill tax obligations or other payments to the state
For further information, you can consult the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia website.
Document requirements
To secure citizenship of Latvia through naturalization, you will need to submit the following documents to OMCA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs):
- Citizenship application for naturalization
- Personal identification document (e.g., passport)
- Document confirming you have resided in Latvia for five years (e.g., a statement from an employer or a statement from the State Social Insurance Agency, or from an educational institution)
- Document proving you have a legal source of maintenance (e.g., a statement from your place of work or a bank statement with economic or financial activities and a positive account balance, etc.)
- Passport photograph (4×4 cm)
- Document showing payment of the state fee – the state fee is €28.46 and is reduced to €4.27 for certain individuals, including pensioners and refugees
- Legalized criminal record certificate
Latvian citizenship by descent
Latvian citizenship by descentIf it is proved that at least one parent is of Latvian origin, you can apply for citizenship by descent in Latvia. Foreign citizens who prove that they had an ancestor of Latvian origin in 1940 or who escaped the German and Russian occupation in the years 1940-1990 can apply for Latvian citizenship by descent.
For the government to grant citizenship by descent, you must provide the following documents:
- Citizenship application form
- Birth certificate
- Valid identity document (e.g., passport)
- Identity document of a Latvian family member, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate, proving your eligibility for citizenship by descent
There is no granting citizenship of Latvia to foreign nationals by being born in Latvia, except in specific circumstances, such as children born in Latvia to stateless parents or whose parents are unknown.
Latvia citizenship by marriage
Latvia citizenship by marriageAfter marriage, foreign spouses can apply for a residence permit in Latvia. After five years, they can apply for permanent residency, and after another five years, they may apply for citizenship. In Latvia, marriages are only allowed between a man and a woman, and both individuals must be over 18.
To secure Latvia citizenship by marriage, you should:
- Be married to a Latvian citizen for at least ten years
- Submit a marriage certificate as proof of your marriage to a Latvian citizen
- Hold residency in Latvia for five consecutive years
You will also need to provide proof of proficiency in the Latvian language.
Latvia Residency by Investment
If you are looking to invest in the Republic of Latvia in return for residency, the Latvia Golden Visa could be an excellent option. While there was speculation about the program ending in 2022, only Russian and Belarussian nationals were banned from participating. For example, now you cannot hold Russian citizenship or Belarussian citizenship and apply for Latvia’s Golden Visa.
The visa is an attractive way for investors to secure residency in a stunning EU country. The following options are available:
- Real estate investment: Invest a minimum of €250,000 in property. The property must have a cadastral value of at least €80,000. Additional government fees apply (approximately 5% of the property value).
- Business investment: Invest at least €50,000 in a capital company with fewer than 50 employees and an annual budget under €10 million OR invest €100,000 in a larger company with more than 50 employees and an annual budget over €10 million. Additional government fees include €10,000.
- Bank deposit: Investors can deposit a minimum of €280,000 in a Latvian bank for at least five years. A government fee of €25,000 applies.
- Government bonds: Investors can purchase government bonds worth a minimum of €250,000 which can be withdrawn after five years. An additional state fee of €38,000 applies.
Important to note: Latvian residency by investment requires that you show you have the financial means to invest and sustain yourself in the country.
Securing Latvian citizenship by investment is impossible, but the Golden Visa will grant you residency there. After five years, you can apply for permanent residence. After five years of holding permanent residency, provided you meet all the requirements, you can obtain Latvian citizenship. It takes a total of ten years before you can apply for citizenship.
Read our Guide to the Latvia Golden Visa
Latvia Citizenship Application Process
You must complete the following steps to apply for citizenship by naturalization:
- Submit a citizenship application to the OCMA: You can submit your citizenship application at an OCMA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia) in Latvia.
- Pay the state fee: The Latvian state fee is €28.46 and can be paid at the OCMA. Certain residents, including pensioners or refugees, might qualify for a discounted or waived fee.
- Pass the naturalization tests: You must complete and pass the Latvian citizenship test two months after submitting your citizenship application. Residents over 65 are exempt from citizenship tests and you may also be exempt if five years before submitting your citizenship application you:
- Had completed higher education at an education institution in Latvia
- Confirmed your knowledge of Latvia in elementary or secondary school
- Had received basic education in Latvia
- Take a citizenship oath: Upon successfully passing the citizenship exam, you will receive an invitation to pledge allegiance to the Republic of Latvia.
Latvia Citizenship Document Requirements
The following documents are required along with your Latvian citizenship application:
- Official naturalization request
- Documents proving place of residence in Latvia for the last five years (naturalization)
- Proof of employment and income
- A passport-sized photograph
- A receipt showing the state-required fee has been paid
- A criminal record certificate
Important to note: There may be additional document requirements based on the type of citizenship you are applying for.
Latvia Citizenship Processing Time
It takes around one year for the Latvian government to process citizenship applications and grant citizenship, depending on your grounds for qualifying to become a Latvian citizen. For example, if you have a Latvian parent born in Latvia, you can be granted Latvia citizenship by descent within a few months. Suppose you’re applying for citizenship through a Latvian great-grandparent. In that case, the process may be longer due to the need for additional scrutiny, potentially involving a more intricate review of genealogical records and historical documentation.
Acquiring Latvian citizenship by naturalization typically takes up to one year, provided you meet all the requirements to become a naturalized citizen of Latvia, including passing the Latvian citizenship test.
Latvia Citizenship Language Requirements
For applicants to obtain Latvian citizenship, they are required to take the Latvian language proficiency test within two months of submitting their application for citizenship by naturalization.
The following is required for the Latvia citizenship test:
- Proficiency in the Latvian language
- Fundamental knowledge of Latvian culture and history
- An understanding of the Latvian constitution
- Memorization of the Latvian National Anthem’s lyrics
If the applicant fails to pass the test for obtaining Latvian citizenship, they can retake it after three months. There is also an option to retake specific sections that didn’t achieve the required score.
Certain individuals are exempt from the Latvian citizenship test, including:
- Those who have demonstrated Latvian language proficiency through primary or secondary education in Latvia.
- Individuals who have completed higher education in Latvia.
- People who received a basic education within the country.
- Applicants over the age of 65 are exempt from the written portion of the exam.
Latvia Dual Citizenship
Latvia does not comprehensively allow dual citizenship. However, according to the Latvian citizenship law, you can acquire or retain dual citizenship with specific nations the country has a dual citizenship agreement with, including member states of NATO, the European Union, and the European Free Trade Association, plus Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil.
How to Get a Latvian Passport
Obtaining a Latvian passport involves a series of steps, starting with ensuring you are a Latvian citizen. Once your citizenship status is confirmed, you can proceed with the passport application.
The application process
The process begins with gathering all necessary documents, including proof of citizenship, identification, and possibly additional paperwork, depending on your situation. You will then need to fill out an application form available at passport offices or online.
Scheduling an appointment
Next, schedule an appointment at your local passport office or the nearest Latvian embassy or consular authorities if you are abroad. During the appointment, you will submit documents, including your application, and have your photo taken for the passport.
Fees and processing
Getting your passport sorted comes with a few fees, and they change depending on what kind of service you need – the usual one or the quick-step version – and how old you are.
The fees as of 2024 are as follows:
Latvians aged 20 to 62 | €34 ($35.86) |
Latvians under 20 or over 65 | €15 ($15.82) |
Your application will be processed once you’ve paid the fees. This usually takes a few weeks.
Receiving your passport
Once your application is processed and your passport is ready, you will be notified to collect it. If you applied abroad, your passport would typically be sent to the embassy or consulate where you applied.
Explore our Golden Visa programs: a path to residency and citizenship
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Latvian Citizenship
How can I get Latvian citizenship?
You can get Latvian citizenship in different ways, such as through the naturalization procedure or descent. Suppose you don’t hold a claim to citizenship by birthright. In that case, you will need to be at least 15, have permanently lived in the Republic of Latvia for five consecutive years with a legal permanent residence, and pass the required citizenship tests. The five years begin when you secure a permanent residency in Latvia. After this, you can apply for citizenship in Latvia.
Who is eligible for a Latvian passport?
There are different ways to obtain a Latvian passport and citizenship in Latvia:
- You’re eligible for naturalization if you have lived in Latvia for ten years (the last five with permanent residency.
- You’re eligible for citizenship by marriage if you’ve been married to a citizen of Latvia for at least five years
- You’re eligible for citizenship by descent if you have a Latvian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who held citizenship at the time of your birth.
Can a US citizen live in Latvia?
Yes, a US citizen can live in Latvia, but they must obtain the appropriate visa or residency permit. For short stays, US citizens can enter Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. A residence permit is required for extended stays, which can be obtained for various reasons such as work, study, business investment, or family reunification. The process and requirements for obtaining a residence permit should be checked with the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia.
What is Latvian citizenship by descent exile?
Latvian citizenship by descent exile refers to a specific provision in Latvian citizenship law that allows individuals to claim citizenship of Latvia if they are descendants of Latvian citizens who were forced to leave Latvia as political refugees or exiled during the Soviet and Nazi occupations. This provision aims to restore citizenship rights to the descendants of those who lost their Latvian citizenship due to historical political circumstances. Eligibility often requires providing documentary evidence of Latvian ancestry and the circumstances of exile. It’s a unique aspect of Latvian citizenship law, recognizing the historical impacts of the 20th century on Latvian nationals and their descendants.
How do I get a Latvian passport through naturalization
To get Latvian citizenship through naturalization, you must meet the following requirements: You are at least 15 years old. You have resided permanently in Latvian territory for five continuous years with a permanent residency. You must also pass a Latvian language exam and prove knowledge of the country’s history.
What are the requirements for Latvian citizenship?
Requirements for Latvian citizenship include:
- Having no serious criminal record
- Having knowledge of the Latvian language, history, and culture
- Having financial independence
- Demonstrating loyalty to Latvia through taking the oath of allegiance.
- Possibly giving up existing citizenship if there is no dual citizenship agreement.
What is the process for Latvian citizenship by descent?
The process of obtaining Latvian citizenship by descent involves establishing eligibility, applying, supplying the relevant original documents, and awaiting approval.
Can I have dual citizenship in Latvia?
Latvia allows dual citizenship only with specific countries, including EU, NATO, and EFTA member states, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil.
How long does it take to get Latvian citizenship?
Obtaining Latvian citizenship can take anywhere between one to two years, depending on the citizenship pathway.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Latvia?
Applying for Latvian citizenship isn’t necessarily difficult if you have the right documents for the citizenship pathway. Ensure you have everything needed. For example, proof of familial ties for citizenship by descent.
Can I get Latvian citizenship by descent?
You can obtain Latvia citizen by descent if you can prove that at least one parent is of Latvian origin. Foreign citizens who prove that they had an ancestor of Latvian origin in 1940 or who escaped the German and Russian occupation in the years 1940-1990 can apply for Latvian citizenship by descent.
How long do you have to live in Latvia to become a citizen?
To become a Latvian citizen through naturalization you are required to live in Latvia for a minimum for ten years.
How to apply for Latvian citizenship?
To apply for Latvian citizenship you need to apply through the OCMA. Here, you can fill out the application form, supply any supporting documents, pay the fees, and attend interviews if necessary.
