How to get Latvian citizenship

If you have already decided to move to Europe, it is worth learning about what they can offer. Therefore, in this article, we propose to review conditions to obtain Latvia citizenship, the benefits and multiple ways to achieve it.

So, what are the benefits of passport of Latvia?

First of all, like a citizen of any other European country, it means the opportunity to travel to more than 180 states without a special visa. In fact, under the same conditions, Latvia residents can move, study, get a job and receive medical care in any place in EU . Moreover, an important factor is the presence of a large diaspora from other nations in Latvia, so the adaptation process can be much easier than in a completely unfamiliar environment.

In general, there are 3 options that foreigners can choose from: naturalization, descent and marriage.

Whichever way you choose, the following documents are required to obtain Latvia citizenship:

1. Application form
2. Passport or ID card from the previous country
3. Birth and marriage certificate (if there is one)
4. Confirmation of residence registration in Latvia
5. One standard-size photo for the documents, taken no more than 3 months before applying for citizenship
6. Proof of sufficient income
7. Certificate of no criminal record
8. Documents required for a specific immigration mode

Latvian citizenship by naturalization

Here we will discuss one of the most common, but still time-consuming options for becoming a citizen of Latvia. The naturalization process implies that the applicant must fulfill certain requirements. In particular, the most important demand is to dwell in the country for at least 5 years. But let us describe naturalization conditions in details. Requirements for a candidate for Latvian citizenship:

• More than 15 years old.
• Hold a permanent residence permit and have lived with it for more than 5 years (a temporary permit does not satisfy the conditions of obtaining citizenship).
• Evidence of permanent sources of income.
• Fluency in Latvian language and cultural peculiarities.
• Familiarity with the Anthem of the Republic of Latvia.
• Pledge an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Latvia.
• Paid all mandatory fees to the Latvian government.

If a person has not reached the age of 15, they cannot be naturalized by themselves. So, they will be registered together with parents who have also applied for citizenship.

The naturalization program can also include obtaining citizenship through investment. Since 2010, authorities of Latvia have been running the Golden Visa program. Although it does not guarantee immediate citizenship, it only gives the right to live and work in the country for 5 years. Applicants may use it as one of the conditions of naturalization. In addition, the investor will be entitled to visa-free travel within the Schengen area for the same period of time.

To obtain such a permit, an applicant must invest at least 250 thousand euros in real estate and pay another 5% of its value to the state budget. The processing time for a Golden Visa application takes up to 3 months after its submission.

In fact, obtaining such a visa is almost a 100% guarantee of obtaining Latvia citizenship by naturalization (if all other conditions were accomplished).

Latvian citizenship by descent

In fact, this method of obtaining a Latvia passport lives up to its name. It is not available to everyone, but only to those whose relatives (by descent) were citizens of this country. The selected relative (father, mother, grandparents or great-grandparents) were citizens of Latvia before 1940 or left/ were evicted from Latvia in 1940-1990.

Let us take a closer look at the specific requirements of descent citizenship:

• A document certifying the citizenship of the selected person (birth, marriage, divorce, death certificate or any proof of descent).
• A set of documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the selected descent ancestor.

The period of obtaining citizenship can take about 9 months. But it is in one condition: the government considers your application quickly enough and confirms the origin and authenticity of the descent documents.

Latvian citizenship by marriage

Immigration to Latvia by marriage is also possible. Although it is not the most popular option now. Mostly because in order to obtain a passport of Latvia, you will still have to meet the conditions of naturalization and reside with a permanent residence permit for 5 years. Therefore, marriage to a Latvian woman allows the second spouse to obtain a temporary residence permit valid for 1 to 5 years (with the possibility of obtaining a permanent one later).

In order to enter into a marriage between a foreigner and a Latvia citizen, the couple must apply to the embassy and undergo an interview to confirm the marriage certificate. This interview usually includes a list of basic questions about the details of the life of both members of the couple:

• A brief biography of life from birth to the present.
• Information about employment and income
• Answer questions about history of the relationship from acquaintance to wedding
• Media evidence of the relationship (photos, videos, correspondence) will also be a valid argument

After successfully completing the necessary steps mentioned above, the second spouse will be eligible for a passport registration. Citizenship of Latvia by marriage may require different timeframes depending on the circumstances of each couple.

Conclusion

There are several ways to obtain citizenship of Latvia. However, all of them mostly lead to the satisfaction of one important condition: the applicant must have resided in Latvia for 5+ years and have the relevant permit and confirmation for that. Whichever way you choose, citizenship by naturalization, marriage or descent, they all enable you to take maximum opportunities on equal terms with citizens of European Union countries.