·Republic of Latvia·Material change·In force
Latvia requires an A2 language test to renew residence for some residents
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
A security-driven Latvian reform requires certain long-term residents to pass an A2 Latvian language test to renew or keep their residence.
What changed
Policy claim 1
Amendments to the Immigration Law require some existing long-term residents (notably affected Russian-citizen residents) to pass an A2 Latvian state-language test to retain residence.
Claim ID: lv-2024-language-renewal-rule#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia) (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 2
The requirement is being phased in with deadlines through 2024-2025; missing it can lead to loss of residence.
Claim ID: lv-2024-language-renewal-rule#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia) (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 3
New residence applications also face a reinforced state-language expectation; permanent residence requires A2 Latvian.
Claim ID: lv-2024-language-renewal-rule#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia) (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia))·source verified ·page reviewed
Routes affected
Primary source
Primary source
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia) ↗ · Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia)
Link last verified: