Obtaining Latvian citizenship is becoming increasingly attractive to immigrants, as holding a Latvian passport automatically makes you a citizen of the European Union. This opens up almost unlimited opportunities — from visa-free travel to the right to live and work in any EU country. Unlike residence permits (temporary or permanent), citizenship offers the full range of rights: voting, holding public office, and freedom from residence renewal requirements. For example, a Latvian passport grants visa-free access to over 170 countries and the ability to freely settle in any EU member state.

This prospect appeals to many: entrepreneurs looking to enter the European market, families and students seeking a high quality of life and education, IT professionals and digital nomads aiming to work legally within Europe. In this article, we’ll walk you through who is eligible for Latvian citizenship, how to apply, what requirements to meet, how long it takes, and what will change in 2026.

Benefits of Latvian Citizenship

Latvian citizenship offers a wide range of rights and privileges, significantly expanding the opportunities for its holders:

• Freedom of travel and an EU second passport. The Latvian passport is among the strongest in the world, granting visa-free access to over 170 countries, including all Schengen states, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada (via electronic travel authorizations such as ESTA or eTA). In terms of visa-free access, the Latvian passport ranks in the global top 10.
• The right to live and work in Europe. As a Latvian citizen, you automatically become an EU citizen. This gives you the legal right to live, work, and start a business in any EU country without additional permits. For instance, you can freely move to France or Germany, open a bank account, purchase property, or take up employment.
• Social security and healthcare. Citizens have full access to Latvia’s social benefits: free healthcare, public education, social assistance programs, and pensions—on equal terms with other citizens. Moreover, as an EU citizen, you are entitled to emergency and planned medical care across the EU using the European Health Insurance Card.
• Citizenship for children by descent. Citizenship status is automatically passed on to children. If at least one parent is a Latvian citizen, your children will automatically acquire Latvian citizenship, securing all EU benefits from birth. Latvian citizenship is a long-term investment in your family’s future.
• Voting rights and participation in governance. Unlike holders of temporary or permanent residence permits, citizens can vote in municipal and national elections, take part in referendums, and even run for public office. This is a crucial difference—Latvian citizenship offers full civic participation and a sense of belonging in shaping the country’s future.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning dual citizenship. In certain cases, a Latvian passport can be held as a second citizenship, allowing you to retain your current nationality. However, specific legal restrictions apply (see the dedicated section on dual citizenship below). Overall, the advantages of holding Latvian citizenship make it highly appealing for immigrants aiming to establish themselves in Europe long-term.

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Who Is Eligible for Latvian Citizenship?

Latvian law outlines several categories of individuals who may qualify for citizenship, provided certain legal requirements are met. The main eligible groups include:

• Descendants of Latvian citizens. If your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of the Republic of Latvia as of June 17, 1940, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent (also referred to as Latvian citizenship by roots). Even if your ancestors fled the country due to war or persecution, you may restore their citizenship under favorable terms. In such cases, dual citizenship is usually permitted — you will not be required to renounce your current nationality. Individuals whose ancestors were ethnically Latvian, even if not formal citizens, may also be eligible under the repatriation program (explained in the next section).
• Foreigners residing permanently in Latvia (naturalization). The most common route to citizenship is naturalization through long-term legal residence. Typically, an applicant must have lived in Latvia for at least 10 years in total — the first 5 years with a temporary residence permit (TRP), and the next 5 years with permanent residence (PR). This path is open to labor migrants, business owners, professionals, students, and anyone who has integrated into Latvian society and can demonstrate language proficiency and a clean legal record.
• Spouse of a Latvian citizen. Marriage to a Latvian citizen does not automatically confer citizenship. However, it facilitates the immigration process. A foreign spouse can apply for a residence permit immediately after official marriage registration in Latvia. After 5 years of living together in Latvia, they may apply for permanent residence. Five years later, they become eligible for citizenship via naturalization, provided they meet all standard criteria, including passing the Latvian language and civics exams. In short, marriage speeds up the path but does not guarantee a passport by itself.
• Investors and high-net-worth individuals. Latvia currently does not offer a direct citizenship by investment program. Previously, it was possible to obtain residence through investments of at least €250,000, which gave rise to talk of “buying” Latvian citizenship. However, this investor residence program was suspended in 2022 and remains inactive through 2024–2026. Therefore, investors can only apply for permanent residence after 5 years and must then go through the standard naturalization process to acquire citizenship. As of 2026, it is not possible to buy Latvian citizenship — long-term residence, integration, and exams are required.
• Children born on Latvian territory. Latvia follows a limited jus soli (right of the soil) policy. Being born in Latvia does not automatically grant citizenship if both parents are foreign nationals. A child is granted Latvian citizenship by birth only if at least one parent is a Latvian citizen. There is a special provision for children born to non-citizens (stateless persons) who reside in Latvia: children born after August 21, 1991, to such parents can acquire citizenship through a simplified declaration, provided the parents have legally lived in Latvia for at least 5 years. This policy ensures that children are not left stateless. If both parents are foreign citizens, the child usually acquires their citizenship — birth in Latvia alone does not entitle the child to a Latvian passport.
• Persons with special merit to the state. In exceptional cases, the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) may grant citizenship to foreigners for outstanding contributions to the country. This may include distinguished athletes, artists, scientists, or individuals with significant achievements beneficial to Latvia. This path does not require residency or exams, and dual citizenship is allowed regardless of the applicant’s country of origin. However, such citizenship is rarely granted — only a few hundred cases have occurred in recent decades. This route is reserved for individuals with truly extraordinary, officially recognized accomplishments.

In summary for most applicants — except those with special merit — long-term residence and integration into Latvian society remain essential conditions for obtaining citizenship. In the next section, we’ll explore the specific methods and step-by-step process to apply for Latvian citizenship.

Ways to Obtain Latvian Citizenship

Latvian legislation provides several main legal grounds for acquiring citizenship. Many of these have already been mentioned earlier — now let’s explore how each specific path works in practice.

By Birth (Jus Soli – Right of the Soil)

In most cases, a child inherits the citizenship of their parents. If at least one parent is a Latvian citizen, the child automatically becomes a Latvian citizen by birth, regardless of whether they are born in Latvia or abroad.

If both parents are stateless persons with “non-citizen” status (a legal category specific to Latvia since the Soviet era), and the child is born in Latvia, they may apply to have the child granted citizenship. Under current law, such children may immediately receive a Latvian passport, provided the parents have legally resided in Latvia for at least five years.

This ensures that children of long-term migrant families are not left stateless. In all other cases — such as when both parents are foreign citizens — the child does not automatically acquire Latvian citizenship. Instead, citizenship is determined by descent, and the child inherits the nationality of their parents.

By Descent (Repatriation Based on Latvian Ancestry)

Another relatively quick route to citizenship is through Latvian descent. This option is available to descendants of pre-war Latvian citizens and members of the Latvian diaspora. The repatriation program allows applicants to obtain citizenship if they can document their Latvian roots — for example, by proving that a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a Latvian citizen before 1940, or was of Latvian or Livonian ethnicity.

Applications are submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), which typically processes repatriation cases within 4–6 months. If approved, the applicant receives a repatriate certificate, which grants the right to obtain Latvian citizenship without the need for long-term residence in the country.

It’s important to distinguish between two legal bases:

• If the claim is based on citizenship of an ancestor, applicants are usually exempt from the Latvian language exam, and are allowed to retain their existing citizenship, resulting in dual citizenship.
• If the claim is based solely on ethnic Latvian roots (without documented citizenship), applicants may be required to demonstrate basic language skills or may initially be granted only a residence permit for five years instead of citizenship.

Despite these nuances, the repatriation program is considered one of the fastest and most accessible ways to become a Latvian citizen. Once the application is approved, the person can typically obtain a Latvian passport within a few weeks.

This pathway is especially attractive to descendants of émigrés and political refugees scattered around the world. Latvia actively seeks to reconnect with its diaspora, offering favorable conditions for those with genuine historical and cultural ties to the country.

Naturalization (Through Long-Term Residence)

For most immigrants, naturalization is the standard route to Latvian citizenship — a gradual process that involves long-term residence and integration. The full path takes a minimum of 10 years. First, the applicant must obtain a temporary residence permit (typically based on employment, study, family reunification, or business), live in Latvia with this permit for five years, then apply for permanent residence and live under this status for another five years. Only after this full period can one apply for Latvian citizenship.

To be naturalized, the applicant must meet several strict requirements (explained in more detail in a separate section). These include: being over the age of 15, proficiency in the Latvian language, knowledge of the national constitution, anthem, and history, a legal source of income, stable accommodation, and a clean legal record. Additionally, one must renounce any previous citizenship, unless their country of origin is among those that Latvia allows dual citizenship with.

The naturalization process includes exams and a citizenship oath ceremony. Applicants must pass a language test (typically at B1 level) and a civics/history exam. After approval, they participate in an official oath ceremony. The application review may take up to one year, after which a citizenship certificate is issued. Based on this, the individual may apply for a Latvian passport, which is usually ready within 10 business days.

Naturalization is not a quick path, but it is open to all law-abiding long-term residents of Latvia. Many immigrants share positive experiences: after years of studying, working, paying taxes, and learning the language, they successfully integrated and became full citizens. Still, the process requires time and dedication — it is essentially the final step in immigration, granting permanent legal status and full rights.

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Through Marriage to a Latvian Citizen

Marriage to a Latvian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship, but it can significantly simplify the early stages of the immigration process. If you legally marry a Latvian citizen, you become eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit immediately after the marriage. The marriage must be officially registered in Latvia and must not be a sham — the authorities conduct thorough checks to verify the legitimacy of the relationship.

The spousal residence permit is usually issued for one year and can be extended. After five years of cohabitation in Latvia, the foreign spouse may apply for permanent residence. From that point, the pathway mirrors regular naturalization: the spouse must reside for another five years under permanent status and then may apply for citizenship.

In total, the timeline still amounts to 10 years. The difference lies in the initial eligibility — spouses do not need to meet employment or investment criteria to get their first residence permit. However, all final criteria for citizenship remain the same: language proficiency, renunciation of previous citizenship (if required), and passing the exams.

While some EU countries offer faster access to citizenship through marriage, Latvia does not provide an expedited route for spouses. The naturalization process still applies in full, even if it begins immediately after the wedding. Therefore, anyone planning to acquire Latvian citizenship through marriage must genuinely live in the country and integrate, as failing to meet the long-term conditions may prevent obtaining a passport in the future.

Investment in the Economy (Business Immigration)

As mentioned earlier, Latvia currently does not offer direct citizenship by investment. Until 2022, foreign nationals who invested substantial amounts (starting from €250,000) in real estate or business ventures could obtain a residence permit under the investor program. However, this program has been suspended, and the government has no plans to reinstate it in 2024–2026.

Today, investment can only serve as an indirect pathway. You may open a business in Latvia, purchase real estate, or invest in a startup, which would allow you to obtain a residence permit. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency (PR). Then, after an additional five years of continuous residence, you become eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization.

The minimum investment thresholds to qualify for a residence permit vary: €50,000 — for founding a new business employing local staff, €150,000 — for contributing to the equity of an existing Latvian company, €280,000 — for investing in subordinated bonds issued by Latvian banks. That said, these investments do not grant a passport directly. They provide legal residency, which itself is a significant benefit — especially for entrepreneurs or global mobility seekers.

Many foreign nationals still ask whether it’s possible to “buy Latvian citizenship” in 2026. The short answer is no. You must follow the standard path: obtain a residence permit, reside long-term, integrate into society, and pass all naturalization requirements. Investment saves no time in the citizenship process itself — but it may be a stepping stone toward long-term settlement in Latvia.

Exceptional Merit to the Latvian State

This is a special and rarely used path that depends not on standard criteria, but on a discretionary decision by the Latvian authorities. Under the Citizenship Law, the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) may grant citizenship to a foreigner who has made outstanding contributions to the country.

This route has been used to honor prominent athletes, renowned artists, scientists, or other individuals whose achievements significantly benefited Latvia. The process requires the candidate to submit a formal petition to Parliament, supported by recommendations from influential persons or institutions that recognize the applicant’s accomplishments. The final decision is made through a parliamentary vote.

The advantages of this path are clear: no residency requirement (you don’t have to live in Latvia), no language or civics exams, dual citizenship is allowed with any country, regardless of bilateral agreements. However, in reality, this path is not accessible to the general public. Over the past 20+ years, only a few hundred individuals have received Latvian citizenship this way, and most of them did so in the early years after Latvia regained independence. Today, the government applies very strict criteria. Only those with extraordinary and well-documented achievements — already recognized nationally or internationally — are considered. Citizenship is not granted “in advance” for potential or promised contributions.

For example, in December 2025, Latvian citizenship was granted by parliamentary vote to a well-known documentary filmmaker for his cultural contributions to the country. But unless you are an Olympic medalist, globally celebrated scientist, or similarly distinguished figure with strong ties to Latvia, you should not rely on this path.

Having reviewed the key routes to Latvian citizenship, it’s clear that the process typically involves several phases: legal entry and residence, long-term integration, and successful completion of legal requirements — all leading to that final step: the Latvian passport. In the next section, we’ll walk through the citizenship application process step-by-step, including timelines, exams, and official procedures.

Procedure for Obtaining Latvian Citizenship

The process of acquiring citizenship is multi-stage, especially for those starting from scratch as a foreigner. Here is an approximate step-by-step algorithm that most applicants go through:

1. Entry into the country and residency. First, you need to legally arrive in Latvia. Usually, a national D visa is issued, or a temporary residence permit is obtained right away—depending on the purpose (work, study, marriage, business, etc.). For example, a specialist should find an employer and obtain a work visa, a student should enroll in a Latvian university and arrive for studies. If you are eligible for repatriation, the application can be submitted from abroad through a consulate. It is important to immediately determine the basis for your stay, since you cannot remain in the country on a tourist visa.
2. Obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP). After entering with the appropriate visa, you need to apply for a residence permit. The application is submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) either in person or through an authorized representative. The required documents include: the application, passport, grounds (employment contract, marriage certificate, documents related to business or studies), proof of address in Latvia, health insurance, and payment of the state fee. The TRP is usually processed within 30 days. If approved, you receive a resident ID card for a certain period (e.g. for 1 year, renewable annually). It is important to follow the conditions—work only where permitted, do not break the law, so the status can be extended. After 5 years of continuous residence (with a limited time allowed abroad each year), you can move on to the next step.
3. Obtaining permanent residence status (PR). After five years of living with a temporary residence permit, a foreigner has the right to apply for a permanent residence permit. To do this, you usually need to prove basic integration—knowledge of the Latvian language at an elementary level (e.g., A2), stable income and housing. OCMA verifies that you have truly lived in the country (you must usually reside at least 4 out of 5 years; short-term absences are allowed). Your taxes and the absence of serious violations are also checked. The processing time for the PR application is up to 90 days. If successful, you receive a permanent residence card, which is formally renewed every 5 years. At this point, you are almost at the finish line—only the citizenship requirements remain.
4. Naturalization and application for citizenship. After 5 years as a permanent resident (i.e., about 10 years of residence in total), you can apply for Latvian citizenship. The application and document package are reviewed by the same Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The document list is standard: the official naturalization application, copy of passport, proof of continuous residence over the past 5 years (work certificates, social insurance statements, school records, etc.), proof of legal income, a 3×4 cm photo, receipt for state fee payment, and a certificate of no criminal record from your country of origin (for foreigners).
   The most important stage is passing the Latvian citizenship exams. The assessments include: a test of Latvian language proficiency (written and oral), knowledge of the constitutional structure, the national anthem, and the country’s history and culture. You should prepare for the exam in advance—according to many applicants, fear of the language exam has prevented non-citizens from applying for naturalization. To help candidates, OCMA launched a special online Latvian citizenship test for self-assessment. It contains typical questions and answers on Latvian citizenship that help you evaluate your readiness.
   After passing all exams (retakes are allowed, if needed) and meeting other conditions (for example, formally renouncing your previous citizenship—this is done before taking the oath), you await the decision. The review of the citizenship application can take up to 1 year, as a thorough background check is carried out by security services.
5. Taking the oath and receiving the passport. Once the good news arrives that you have been granted Latvian citizenship by a presidential decree or Cabinet of Ministers order, the final step remains—the oath ceremony. The new citizen takes an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Latvia (the event is usually held ceremonially in the presence of officials). From that moment, you are officially a citizen! You receive a certificate of citizenship, on the basis of which you can apply for a Latvian citizen’s passport.
   You submit the passport application at the OCMA office or at a consulate (if abroad), attach a photo, and pay the state fee. A biometric passport is usually issued quite quickly—the standard time is around 10 business days, with express service options available for an additional fee. Once you receive your burgundy Latvian passport with the national coat of arms, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief: the multi-stage journey is complete.

This process may vary slightly in individual cases. For example, repatriates skip the five-year waiting period—they can apply for citizenship right away, bypassing TRP/PR. Participants in investment programs, on the other hand, must first fulfill the investment requirements. But overall, the “TRP → PR → Citizenship” sequence is the basic route for most foreigners. Next, we will look at the requirements that apply to citizenship applicants—regardless of the route they take.

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Requirements for Citizenship Applicants

To obtain Latvian citizenship, it is not enough to simply live in the country for the required number of years. The law sets out a number of requirements, and without meeting them a passport will not be granted even if the residence period is sufficient. Below are the key conditions immigrants should pay attention to:

• Long-term permanent residence. Naturalization requires at least 5 years of permanent residence in Latvia before submitting the application. This period is counted either from the moment the right of permanent residence (PR) is obtained or from the start of continuous lawful residence with a temporary residence permit (TRP). In practice, as noted above, this results in approximately 10 years of residence in Latvia in total. It is important that these years are spent legally and in compliance with visa and migration regulations. Short trips abroad are allowed, but long absences are not. If you leave Latvia for longer than the permitted period, the residence term may be interrupted. Exceptions apply to repatriation and exceptional merit cases, where no residence requirement applies at all.
• Integration: knowledge of the language and basic laws. Latvia has a single official state language—Latvian—so new citizens are expected to have at least basic proficiency in it. Passing a Latvian language exam is mandatory and includes reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. The difficulty level is moderate and roughly corresponds to A2–B1, meaning everyday communication and basic grammar. In addition to the language exam, applicants must pass a test on knowledge of the Constitution, the national anthem, and the fundamentals of Latvian history and culture. These exams are administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Certain applicants are exempt from exams: persons over 65 years of age (may be exempt from the written test), children under 15 (who receive citizenship automatically together with their parents), and persons with certain disabilities. However, most adult applicants must demonstrate integration. There is no need to panic—preparatory materials and courses are available. Applicants can also take a trial online Latvian citizenship test developed by the migration authorities to assess their readiness for the real exam. Experience shows that the main barrier is the language—surveys indicate that 23% of non-citizens fear failing the language exam. Therefore, it makes sense to start learning Latvian early, attend free courses for foreigners, and practice in everyday life.
• Law-abiding behavior and loyalty to the state. Another requirement is the absence of serious legal violations and confirmation of loyalty to the Republic of Latvia. During the review, criminal record certificates are requested both from Latvia and from the applicant’s country of origin. If a person has an outstanding or unexpired conviction for serious crimes, citizenship will not be granted until the legally defined period after the conviction has expired. Individuals involved in terrorism, justifying genocide, participating in anti-state organizations, evading taxes, and similar offenses are categorically excluded from naturalization. In simple terms, anyone posing a security threat or acting dishonestly toward the state is not eligible. The applicant must also sign a declaration of loyalty and take an oath pledging allegiance to Latvia. If you have had issues with immigration authorities in the past (such as deportation or violations of residence rules), this may complicate the process. Such issues must be resolved in advance, and any entry bans must expire. Only law-abiding residents may become citizens.
• Financial self-sufficiency. Latvia expects new citizens not to become a burden on the social system. Applicants must prove the existence of a legal source of income sufficient for living. When applying for citizenship, you must submit documents such as an employment income certificate, an entrepreneur’s tax declaration, a bank statement, a pension certificate, or other proof of sufficient means. The law does not specify an exact amount, but authorities generally refer to the subsistence minimum. If a person has worked officially and paid taxes for the entire residence period, problems are unlikely. However, applicants without formal employment or income may face difficulties. All taxes and fees must be paid, and there must be no significant debts to public authorities (such as fines or alimony). Financial stability is also required when applying for permanent residence—without proof of income, PR will not be granted. Applicants may also be asked to provide proof of housing ownership or a rental agreement to confirm that they are settled in Latvia.
• Renunciation of previous citizenship. As a general rule, dual citizenship is prohibited in Latvia for naturalized persons, with certain exceptions (discussed later). Therefore, applicants must be prepared to renounce their previous citizenship. In practice, after successfully passing the exams (but before taking the oath), the applicant submits proof of renunciation or a written commitment to renounce foreign citizenship within a specified timeframe. Some categories are allowed to hold dual citizenship—primarily descendants of Latvian emigrants who restore citizenship by origin. The law also allows retention of another citizenship if it belongs to an EU country, a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, or a NATO country (for example, citizens of the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom may retain both passports). Dual citizenship is also allowed with Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. However, for most CIS, Asian, and African countries, dual citizenship is not permitted, and applicants must choose one. Latvian citizen children under 18 may hold multiple citizenships, but between the ages of 18 and 25 they must choose either Latvian citizenship or another one if the second citizenship is from a “non-permitted” country. Therefore, adult immigrants should be mentally prepared to renounce their previous nationality. Otherwise, if you secretly retain another citizenship after obtaining a Latvian passport, this may later be discovered and lead to loss of Latvian citizenship. Latvian law is strict: if an existing Latvian citizen voluntarily acquires citizenship of a country not permitted for dual citizenship, they must notify authorities and renounce Latvian citizenship within 30 days. Latvia takes the prevention of illegal dual citizenship very seriously.

Meeting all of the above requirements is the key to successfully obtaining Latvian citizenship. If even one condition is not met (for example, insufficient residence time or failure to pass the language exam), the application will be rejected. The good news is that preparation is possible. Start learning the language from day one, follow the law, and keep all documents related to employment and housing. By the time you apply, you can become an ideal candidate.

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Timeframes and Costs of Obtaining Citizenship

Timeframes. As previously explained, the main “requirement” is the period of residence. In the general case, the path to a Latvian passport takes at least 10 years from the moment you move to the country. Some stages can be accelerated: for example, during application submission, you may choose paid expedited processing (if available). A temporary residence permit (TRP) is usually issued within 1 month, permanent residence (PR) — within 3 months, and citizenship — within 12 months.

There are ways to shorten the overall timeframe: participation in repatriation allows obtaining a passport in about six months, bypassing the 10-year rule. If you belong to categories exempt from exams (children under 15, seniors over 65 — partially exempt), the process is also faster. However, in general, for those starting from scratch, it’s realistic to plan for the full 10-year timeline.

It is possible that in 2026 Latvia will consider immigration law reforms, but for now, there are no confirmed plans to shorten the naturalization period. Keep in mind that renouncing your previous citizenship can also take time (in some countries it takes several months), so factor in this bureaucratic delay as well. Once citizenship is approved, obtaining the passport takes just a couple of weeks. Thus, the fastest scenario — for descendants of Latvian citizens — takes about 6–12 months, while the standard scenario for others is about 10–11 years of residence plus 1 year of processing.

State fees and expenses. The cost of obtaining Latvian citizenship is relatively low, as the government sets symbolic fees. The state fee for submitting a naturalization application is approximately €28.46 (for some eligible groups it may be reduced or waived). The fee for issuing a standard passport is around €30–50 (slightly more for a biometric international passport; less for children).

Additional expenses include notary services and document translations: all foreign certificates must be translated into Latvian and certified by apostille or legalization. Translating a birth certificate, criminal record certificate, and other documents may cost €100–200 in total, depending on translation agency rates. A medical examination is usually not required, but medical insurance is needed during the TRP period — it costs about €50–100 per year. If you need to retake an exam, a small fee may apply.

Legal or intermediary services can significantly increase the total cost. If you hire a migration lawyer to assist you, the price depends on the complexity of the case: on average, help with obtaining Latvian citizenship costs between €1,000 and €3,000 or more, depending on the firm. However, this is not a mandatory expense — many applicants handle the process on their own, as it is relatively transparent.

In general, compared to some other countries, Latvian citizenship — whose cost consists mostly of symbolic state fees — can be considered affordable. The main investment is your time and effort to meet the criteria, not the money.

For convenience, here is a summary table of the main pathways and conditions for obtaining citizenship:

Note: The table provides generalized data. Individual cases may vary, and laws are subject to change. Always refer to current OCMA requirements and consult a legal expert when needed.

Can You Have Dual Citizenship in Latvia?

The issue of dual citizenship is one of the most common questions among immigrants. Latvian legislation is relatively strict but does allow second citizenship in a number of cases. In general, the following rules apply:

• For Latvian-born citizens and repatriates. Latvian citizens by birth are freely allowed to have a second passport if it was acquired later. This is especially true for descendants of Latvian emigrants: the 2013 law allows them to retain their existing citizenship when restoring Latvian citizenship. That means if you obtain Latvian citizenship by descent, you do not have to renounce your other citizenship — this combination is allowed. Children born abroad to Latvian citizens may also hold another nationality from birth.
• For naturalized citizens (standard procedure). This group faces more restrictions. The general rule is: if a new Latvian citizen holds the passport of a country not on the approved list, they must renounce it. The list of “permitted” countries includes: EU member states, EFTA countries (European Free Trade Association), NATO members, and several designated countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. The logic is that these are either allies or countries with which Latvia has established agreements.
  So, for example, a citizen of France or the USA may keep both passports. However, even in such cases, the authorities must be notified. Formally, the process works like this: when applying for citizenship, you must declare whether you plan to renounce your current nationality. If your country is not on the list — you must submit a written commitment to renounce. If your country is on the list — you can request permission to retain your other citizenship. The final decision is made by the Cabinet of Ministers, but permission is typically granted.
• Special cases. Children who are Latvian citizens under the age of 18 may hold any number of citizenships without restriction. However, once they reach the age of 18 and until age 25, they must choose one citizenship, if the second is from a “non-permitted” country (e.g., a child raised with both Latvian and German citizenship must choose which one to keep). This restriction does not apply to children who acquired Latvian citizenship as descendants of politically repressed emigrants — they are allowed to keep both nationalities even after reaching adulthood. Another valid case of dual citizenship is automatic acquisition. If a Latvian citizen automatically acquires another nationality through marriage or adoption, the law does not require them to renounce Latvian citizenship.

In general, Latvia’s policy is that dual citizenship is allowed under certain conditions, with the aim of maintaining ties with the Latvian diaspora and not infringing on the rights of citizens who emigrated to friendly countries. At the same time, the government seeks to avoid mass dual citizenship with countries that do not share its values or have no bilateral agreements. Keep in mind that violating these rules may lead to loss of citizenship. For example, if a naturalized Latvian citizen conceals the fact that they did not renounce their “prohibited” citizenship and this is later discovered, they may be stripped of Latvian citizenship by court order.

Thus, dual citizenship in Latvia is possible, but it is carefully regulated. Before applying for citizenship, it’s important to study the Latvian Citizenship Law regarding dual citizenship, or consult with a lawyer to determine whether you need to renounce your previous nationality. This is especially relevant for citizens of CIS countries, as Latvia requires renunciation, and it’s important to prepare the necessary documents in time to avoid delaying the oath-taking process.

Latvian citizenship is a gateway to a European future, open to those willing to invest time and effort. We have reviewed who is eligible for a Latvian passport, under what conditions, and provided a step-by-step guide on how to obtain citizenship. The main benefits are clear: you become a full EU resident with access to all social guarantees, you can travel freely, live and work across the EU, and your Latvian passport ensures safety and stability for you and your family.

Of course, the path to citizenship is not easy: you must live in the country for many years, integrate into society, learn the language, and prepare a large number of documents. People often make mistakes — for example, failing to meet the residency requirement in full or submitting an incomplete document package, which results in rejections and the need to start over.

To avoid these mistakes, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand all requirements and not rush the process. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or facing a complex situation, it makes sense to seek professional assistance. Fortunately, our experienced immigration lawyers specialize in helping people obtain Latvian citizenship. They can assess your chances, prepare your documents, and even appeal a rejection, if needed.

In 2026, Latvia remains open to new citizens, especially those with legal grounds — Latvian ancestry, long-term residence, or a genuine desire to build a future in the country. Start by evaluating your situation: do you qualify under the repatriation program, do you have enough residency years, are you prepared to renounce your previous citizenship? Then build your personal roadmap: learn the language, gather the required documents, prepare for the exams. This path may take years — but the result is absolutely worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Latvian citizenship

We have compiled answers to the most common questions about obtaining Latvian citizenship. If you did not find the information you were looking for or want to learn more about the requirements, timelines, and benefits of a Latvian passport, contact us for a free consultation.

How can I get Latvian citizenship by descent?

If your ancestors were Latvian citizens as of June 17, 1940, or were ethnically Latvian, you may apply for citizenship by descent. The procedure is simplified: residency is not required, exams are often waived, and dual citizenship is allowed. The decision is usually issued within 6–12 months.

How can I get Latvian citizenship through marriage?

Marriage alone does not grant citizenship. It allows you to obtain a temporary residence permit, and after 5 years — permanent residency. After 10 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship via naturalization, which still requires exams and meeting all other conditions, just like for all other applicants.

How can I get Latvian citizenship without taking the exam?

Citizenship without exams is available only in specific cases: children under 15, seniors over 65 (exempt from the written part), people with disabilities, descendants of Latvian citizens acquiring citizenship by origin. For everyone else, both the language and integration tests are mandatory.

Do I have to live in Latvia after getting citizenship, or can I lose it for leaving?

No, after obtaining citizenship, you are free to live anywhere — there are no residency requirements for keeping your Latvian citizenship. Unlike residence permits or non-citizen status, a Latvian citizen cannot lose citizenship for moving abroad. You can immediately relocate, for example, to another EU country permanently — your Latvian passport allows visa-free movement and residence.

Can I apply for Latvian citizenship online or remotely?

Partially. The initial naturalization application form can be filled out on the OCMA website, but it must be printed and submitted in person (or via an authorized representative) at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Foreigners living outside Latvia can submit documents through Latvian consulates. However, personal presence is required at least for the citizenship exams and oath ceremony — these steps cannot be completed online.