Nationality of Latvia: all obtaining pathways
Latvia naturalizes in five years those with permanent residency. Latvian exiles and their descendants, persons of Latvian or Livonian ethnicity and former citizens have their own pathways with no residence requirement, and descent is transmitted automatically by ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 5 years of permanent residence in Latvia before the application (for aliens/stateless persons the period runs from the permanent residence permit/certificate)
- A total interruption of ≤1 year is allowed, never in the last year before applying
- Latvian language proven (exam)
- Knowledge of the Constitution, the national anthem and Latvian history/culture
- Legal source of income
- Renunciation of the previous nationality (where applicable) and no disqualifying record
Documentation
- Naturalization application
- Passport and permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificates from Latvia and the country of origin
- Latvian B2 proficiency certificate
- History and Constitution exam certificate
- Proof of lawful income
- Legalized birth and marriage certificates
- Declaration of loyalty to Latvia
2Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Latvian citizen at the time of the child's birth
- The child acquires Latvian citizenship automatically regardless of place of birth
- Children born abroad must be registered at the Latvian consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the child
- Birth certificate of the Latvian father/mother
- Latvian passport of the father/mother
- Consular registration application (if born abroad)
3Naturalization for Latvian exiles and their descendants
Naturalization for Latvian exiles and their descendants
Requirements
- Be a Latvian exile or a descendant of a Latvian exile (someone who fled Latvia during the Soviet or Nazi occupation between 1940 and 1990)
- Registration as an exile or descendant
- Permanent residence in Latvia is not required
- Dual nationality is allowed with EU, EEA, NATO and other specific countries
Documentation
- Registration application as an exile or descendant
- Birth certificate and documentation proving exiled status
- Birth certificate of the Latvian ancestor
- Historical documents demonstrating departure from Latvia
4Restoration of Latvian citizenship
Restoration of Latvian citizenship
Requirements
- People who were Latvian citizens before 17 June 1940 or their descendants
- Residence in Latvia is not required
- Dual nationality is allowed with EU, EEA, NATO and other specific countries
- No language or history exam is demanded
Documentation
- Citizenship restoration application
- Birth certificate of the applicant or of the ancestor who was a Latvian citizen before 1940
- Historical documentation proving the previous Latvian citizenship
- Current passport
5Naturalization for Latvians and Livonians (ethnicity)
Naturalization for Latvians and Livonians (ethnicity)
Requirements
- Belong to the Latvian or Livonian nation
- Permanent residence in Latvia is not required
- Dual nationality is allowed
Documentation
- Naturalization application
- Documentation proving membership in the Latvian or Livonian nationality
- Birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Latvia
How many years of residence does Latvia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Latvia (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of permanent residence (total interruption ≤1 year, never in the last year). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Latvia allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of the previous nationality (where applicable) and no disqualifying record
What documentation does naturalization in Latvia require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application; Passport and permanent residence permit; Criminal record certificates from Latvia and the country of origin; Latvian B2 proficiency certificate; History and Constitution exam certificate; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Latvia?
Latvia provides 5 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Citizenship by descent, Naturalization for Latvian exiles and their descendants, Restoration of Latvian citizenship, Naturalization for Latvians and Livonians.
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Anything to correct or add about Latvia?
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