Citizenship of Latvia: programs, documents and stages

Standard of living in Latvia

The Republic of Latvia is a Baltic country that ranks second in terms of living standards, after Estonia. In May 2004, the state joined the European Union, and from this period reforms to improve the economy began. Shock therapy, privatization of real estate, lending were carried out, subsidies and other radical economic reforms were introduced. Latvians experienced difficult times until 2010; the economy gradually modernized and stabilized. Having survived a series of unrest, Latvians began to live better - wages rose, the unemployment rate decreased, and inflation decreased.

In 2021, the unemployment rate was 7%, inflation 2.6%. Speaking about salaries this year, they have not changed much, the minimum wage varies within €423 before tax, net is €352. The average salary ranges from €800-1100 before tax, in rubles it is 56215 or 70269. Due to the constant outflow of qualified labor, Latvian employers are forced to artificially increase salaries. At the same time, GDP per capita is €31,400 per year. If we take the figures for Russia, then on average Russians receive €150 per month, in rubles – 11,280.00 rubles.

The standard of living in Latvia has increased markedly, largely due to increased trade relations with EU member states. Of course, it is difficult to fit into the canons of the developed countries of Central and Western Europe, but thanks to the hard work of Latvians, they cope with this. Every year, economic indicators rise by 4%, external debts are reduced, and industries are developing. About 1.9 million people live in Latvia; if we talk about their wealth, then only 15% can live in complete comfort. For others, challenges still remain: paying utilities, getting health insurance, getting a higher education.

Procedure for immigration to Latvia from Russia: how to go and live for permanent residence

Latvia is a Baltic state, quite similar in mentality to the Russian population. Since 2014, the country joined the European Union, thereby making it more difficult for foreign citizens to enter its territory. However, many Russians come to Latvia in search of a better life. After all, obtaining a residence permit here provides the opportunity for further relocation deeper into Europe. In this article we will look at how to move to Latvia for permanent residence.

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Features of life in the country

Before taking such a serious step as moving to another country, you need to weigh the pros and cons and carefully study all aspects of the life of the local population in order to avoid unwanted surprises.

It should be noted right away that, despite joining the European Union, the standard of living in Latvia is not as high as in many European countries . So, let’s look at the main aspects of life in the country, which are key when deciding to move to Latvia.

Work and salaries

Several years ago, the country experienced an economic crisis. The situation began to improve only in 2021. The high level of unemployment is combined with a shortage of workers in various professional fields. Both highly qualified specialists and ordinary workers are required. The reason for this situation was very low salaries.

Currently, the minimum wage in the country is 380 euros per month. This is 10 euros more than last year. After deducting all taxes, the amount will be 300 euros.

Average wages also tend to increase by 5%. Now it is at around 885 euros before tax deductions. The largest increases in payments have been observed in the pharmaceutical, chemical and insurance sectors. However, it is worth noting that in some professional fields, such as transport and science and technology, there has been a decrease in wages.

Salaries for common professions:

• hairdresser - 415 €;
• nurse - 466 €;
• plumber - 598€;
• ordinary police officer - 600 €;
• bank employee - 750 €;
• dentist – 895€;
• school director - 840 €;
• IT security specialist – 1500€;
• software engineer - 1650 €;
• commercial director - 1750 €;
• Director of Information Technology - 2770 €.

The final payment amount will depend not only on the position held, but also on the level of workload. The locality is also of great importance: in the capital, salaries are naturally higher. For example, when moving to Riga, you can receive 510 € for working as a maid, and in another city the salary for the same position will be 415 €.

Pension

After the reform carried out in 2014, the retirement age in Latvia began to increase by 3 months annually. In 2021 it was 62 years.

The old-age pension in Latvia in 2021 is awarded only to those whose insurance experience is at least 15 years. From 2025, this norm will be increased to 20 years. The size of the pension directly depends on the total amount of insurance payments and the citizen’s work experience.

However, you can retire earlier (if you have more than 30 years of experience, have a disability, dependents, etc.), but the difference with the usual age cannot be more than 5 years.

Groceries and utility bills are the main expense item. The cost of a food basket in Latvia is 25% lower than in Western Europe.

Average prices for common food products in Latvian stores:

• milk and kefir (1 liter) - 0.93 €;
• cottage cheese (200 g) - 1.5 €;
• bananas and oranges (1 kg) - 1.4 €;
• potatoes and onions (1 kg) - 0.47 €;
• eggs (10 pcs.) - 1.3 €;
• bread (500 g) - 0.75 €;
• inexpensive pasta (1 kg) - 1-2€;
• flour (1 kg) - 0.73 €;
• sugar (1 kg) - 1.3 €;
• Sunflower oil (1 liter) – 2€.

As for public catering places, you can have lunch in a regular cafe for 6–9 €. And in a mid-level restaurant, the cost of lunch can reach up to 20-22 € per person.

For utilities in Latvia you will have to pay from 100 to 160 euros, depending on the size of the apartment. In a one-room apartment with an area of ​​40 square meters, you will need to pay about 145 € per month for heating, gas, water, electricity and garbage collection.

Based on all of the above, we can draw a conclusion about how ordinary people live in Latvia. The average Latvian lives quite modestly, just like in Russia. The government tries to annually improve the quality of life of the population by increasing salaries and strengthening the social security of citizens. But for now it is only in the process.

Life of Russians in the Republic of Latvia

Latvia is considered one of the most attractive European countries for Russian citizens. And this is not surprising. Here the number of Russian-speaking population is really large, even despite strict government control over the language environment in society.

At the beginning of 2021, there were about 19% of the total Russian-speaking population in the country. This is an incredibly high figure. Among other European countries, it has the largest Russian diaspora.

Methods of emigration from Russia to Latvia

There are several grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit in the country. Usually it is given for a period of 1 to 5 years.

To obtain a residence permit, you must contact the Latvian embassy or consulate in the Russian Federation. If you are in the territory of the Republic of Latvia, then you need the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Affairs.

Documents required when applying for a residence permit:

• foreign passport (original and copies);
• civil passport (original and copies);
• questionnaire with attachments;
• color photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• document confirming residence in Latvia;
• document confirming the availability of funds for relocation and accommodation (extract from personal account, document on the issuance of a scholarship at the university, employment contract, sponsorship letter, etc.).

Important! All certificates and copies must be translated into Latvian and certified by a notary.

Categories of persons entitled to receive a residence permit:

1. Relatives of Latvian citizens.
2. Former citizens of the country.
3. Students enrolled in a local university.
4. Workers with an official contract.
5. Entrepreneurs buying an existing business or opening their own on the territory of the state.
6. Owners of real estate worth at least 250 thousand euros.
7. Religious figures.
8. Foreign citizens undergoing long-term treatment or rehabilitation in the country.

Let's look at the main methods of immigration to Latvia in more detail.

Opening or buying a business

Investors and their family members are entitled to a residence permit for 5 years. To do this, one of the following conditions must be met:

• make a deposit in a bank in the amount of 286 thousand euros;
• purchase real estate;
• open your own enterprise or buy a ready-made one.

Investors are free to leave the country for an unlimited amount of time.

Employment

To get a job in the country, a foreigner must register with the employment exchange. If within a month none of the indigenous residents respond to the vacancy of interest to the applicant, then he can begin to prepare papers for moving. A residence permit is not required for work up to 90 days.

Education

In total, there are 59 higher education institutions in the country, where education is conducted in Latvian, English and Russian. The cost of training depends on the chosen specialty and the specific university. Thus, a year of study in an engineering specialty will cost 1.5-4 thousand euros, and at the Faculty of Medicine the amount will be from 8 to 15 thousand euros.

A residence permit is issued to students for the entire period of study.

Buying a property

The purchase of real estate worth more than 250 thousand euros gives the right to obtain a residence permit for 5 years. At the same time, you get the right to move freely throughout the Schengen countries. If you learn the state language and successfully integrate into the local society, then after a five-year period you will be able to obtain permanent residence, and after another 5 years - citizenship.

Family creation or reunification

You can obtain a residence permit in Latvia if you have relatives who are citizens of the country, as well as if you enter into an official union with a Latvian or a resident of the Republic.

In this case, a residence permit is issued for 1 year with a subsequent extension for 4 years. After legally residing in the country during this time, you can submit an application for permanent residence.

Attention! To obtain citizenship, you must live in Latvia for 5 years with permanent residence status.

Advantages of having permanent residence in the country:

1. Free movement in the Schengen area.
2. Easier employment.
3. Opportunity for family members to obtain a residence permit.
4. The right to purchase a vehicle without customs duty.
5. The right to obtain a driving license valid throughout the EU.
6. Simplified procedure for obtaining a visa to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusion

Despite low salaries by European standards, a large number of Russian immigrants come to Latvia. In any case, the standard of living here exceeds the Russian one, albeit not by much, and the presence of permanent residence in the country allows you to travel around Europe with less cost and difficulty.

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Pros and cons of moving for permanent residence to Latvia

Since 1940, the Baltic states were part of the USSR; they acquired their independence in 1991, but continued close economic and political relations with Russia. To assess the real situation, you should familiarize yourself with its pros and cons. They are listed by Russians who have lived there for a long time.

pros

What ordinary people are most attracted to in Latvia are:

1. Free border with European countries. Any state that is part of the EU acquires the status of a simplified visa-free regime, so Latvians do not need to apply for a visa to Spain, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Germany, and so on.
2. Variety of styles in architecture. The “historic center” of Riga is included in the UNESCA heritage list - it is a picturesque area famous for its Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals. Baroque castles and basilicas highlight the uniqueness of the town of Kuldiga. Soviet and Latvian modernism can also be seen everywhere.
3. Favorite resort Jurmala. Citizens from Russia are well familiar with the resort on the Gulf of Riga; many preventive and therapeutic sanatoriums are open here. Many people know that Russian concerts and comedy programs have been held in Jurmala for a long time. Popular music shows “New Wave”, “KVN”, “Full House”, “Comedy Club” attract full houses quite often. All this happens in the Dzintari concert hall.
4. Good environmental and geological conditions. Latvia's natural resources include numerous lakes, forests and green plains. The ecology is one of the most favorable, as evidenced by the second place in the “Environmental Monitoring” list. Switzerland takes first place. Due to the moderation of climatic changes and large flat areas, large-scale cataclysms are excluded. There are many national parks on Latvian territory for family walks and lovers of pristine nature.
5. There are many Russians living there. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many Russians remained in Latvian cities. According to the latest data, there are 600 thousand people. Therefore, it is easier for those who have moved to adapt; many Latvians speak Russian and also know English quite well. The official language is Latvian.
6. Cheaper to live than in other Schengen countries. In comparison with European Commonwealth countries, the price of housing, food, clothing and other things is much lower. The price level is approximately the same as in major Russian cities. At the same time, the quality of life is high, which corresponds to the regulations established by the European Parliament.

Repatriation to Latvia is a short path to citizenship

A question that interests foreign citizens in the first place. Does ethical repatriation to Latvia provide an opportunity to obtain citizenship? On this matter, everything is not clear.

First of all, if your father or mother was an ethnic Latvian/Livonian. Then you can immediately apply for Latvian citizenship based on your roots. The possible period for obtaining citizenship is 1 year.

Also, if your grandparents were of ethnic Latvian-Livonian nationality. In this case, the option of obtaining Latvian citizenship is postponed for five years. Subject to mandatory completion of the naturalization procedure.

Applications for repatriation are accepted at any consular mission of the Republic of Latvia abroad. You can also submit documents directly to the repatriation department of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Ways to emigrate to Latvia from Russia in 2021

In 2021, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs grants the right to Russians to apply for relocation. A special algorithm has been created for this; you should familiarize yourself with it in order to correctly carry out the registration procedure. There are several ways to help you obtain a residence permit.

You can immigrate if

• buy property;
• invest or start a business;
• take advantage of the repatriation program;
• move to reunite with family;
• stay after training;
• employment in a local company.

Buying a property

This option is suitable for wealthy Russians who have the opportunity to sell their home in Russia at a price of €250 thousand. This is the amount set by the Migration Service for obtaining a residence permit when purchasing a home or premises. If we take into account the cost of apartments in good areas of Riga or Jurmala, then its minimum is €135 thousand, maximum €335 thousand. Residential properties at this price have a modern design and convenient layout. In other cities - Jelgava, Liepaja, Ventspils, you can buy cheaper housing, but then you shouldn’t count on the resettlement program.

Investing in the economy

In the Latvian understanding, investing in the economy means opening a business or investing money in a business. Doing business has prospects here, since Latvia is the main transit destination among the Baltic states.

Here, large companies produce food products, and a large beer and non-alcoholic beverage production facility has been opened. It has its own chocolate factory, dairy and meat factories. Semi-finished products are popular in the country, which is why such production is relevant. Latvia is popular among European tourists, and therefore has a developed tourism and service sector. Russians can come and look at other options for starting a business.

There are two criteria to emigrate. This is the discovery:

• small business with an authorized capital of €35 thousand, the company must be profitable and the annual turnover must be €10 million;
• medium-sized enterprise with an investment amount of €150 thousand, turnover above €10 million.

In both cases, the owner must pay mandatory tax payments to the local budget from €12,500-28,000.

Repatriation Program and Family Reunification

Citizens of the Russian Federation who have at least one direct Latvian relative can apply for the repatriation program. This could be parents or grandparents. Family ties must be proven documented. Address this question to the Office of Migration and Citizenship Affairs of Riga or to the Latvian Consulate in your home state.

If one of the parents is Latvian, then the child receives citizenship within a year. This condition applies to the second spouse in the case of a mixed marriage. Usually the second spouse is from Estonia, Lithuania, or Poland. Of course, there are mixed marriages with Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians.

Labor residence permit

You can live in Latvia for a long time if you find a job in a local company. As already mentioned, there is unemployment, but every year it is noticeably decreasing. Since the country borders on Russia in the east, and Belarus in the southeast, the states closely cooperate in trade turnover. About €1.2 billion of exports and imports pass between them every year. Therefore, Russians and Belarusians can find employment in subsidiaries or partner companies. Also, recruiting companies offer enough vacancies that do not require special knowledge or high qualifications. Recently, Latvians have been leaving to work in developed European countries, so many jobs have become available. Russians can find work on their own on forums or on special websites. When a foreigner is accepted into the state, the receiving party issues a temporary residence permit.

Study in Latvia

After joining the EU, Latvian education began to be listed on the international market. In this regard, many graduates of Russian schools enter Riga universities, in faculties such as technical, agricultural, economic, financial, legal, and marketing. Popular among creative people are: the Academy of Art, the Academy of Artists, and the Music Academy. Many also enter the Institute of Air Navigation and the Institute of Transport and Communications. The cost is from €2000-3000 per year, which is very cheap compared to the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Poland. But if training serves as a bridge to further immigration, then this method is not the most reliable. The department may deny citizenship applications. To gain a foothold in the country, you will need to find a job in your specialty.

How to obtain permanent residence in Latvia

Registration of permanent resident status in Latvia is possible after 5 years of official residence in the country with a residence permit. Latvian migration legislation establishes a list of grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit. The largest number of permits for permanent residence are issued through:

family reunification;

employment;

training in Latvia;

purchase of bonds;

purchase of real estate;

entrepreneurship.

Applicants for permanent residence must stay in Latvia for 5 years, of which they are allowed to be absent for no more than six months in a row, but less than 10 months throughout the entire period. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live in the country and provide for family members. The income level must be stable and correspond to the minimum wage in Latvia. A prerequisite is the payment of taxes on profits received in the country. To obtain permanent residence you will also need to confirm your knowledge of the Latvian language at least at A2 level, key points in history and the foundations of the Constitution of Latvia.

Registration of permanent residence for persons who have been in Latvia for 4 years with a residence permit obtained on the basis of studying at a university is possible with further employment in the country. Only half of the required period of continuous residence is counted. The right to permanent residence appears upon subsequent stay in the country for 3 years on the basis of a permit obtained in connection with work in Latvia.

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The process of obtaining a residence permit in Latvia

Each of the above methods serves as the first step to obtain citizenship. When in Riga, documents are submitted locally to the Riga Office of Migration and Citizenship Affairs (UDMC). In Russia, contact the nearest Latvian Embassy or Consulate; specialists at the Visa Centers will help you carry out the entire procedure for payment.

Required documents for residence permit

Each applicant is required to collect a package of documents according to the list:

• questionnaire for each family member;
• full-face photograph on a white background 3*4 for each;
• certificate of no criminal record with an apostille;
• medical documents confirming the absence of tuberculosis;
• marriage certificate with apostille;
• child's birth certificate with apostille;
• certificate of secondary education with an apostille (upon admission to a university);
• documentation confirming work experience (for employment);
• medical insurance;
• receipt of payment of duty.

Applicants submitting a real estate purchase application will need to attach additional documents:

• land deed, book to confirm ownership;
• a copy of the purchase and sale agreement;
• receipt, check for the purchase of real estate in the amount of €250,000 (in case of non-cash payment);
• bank certificate confirming the availability of the amount of money: for the owner €15,500, for the spouse €5,200, for a minor child €3,100;
• receipt for payment to the state budget in the amount of 5%, minimum €12,500 (only after approval of the residence permit).

The cost of obtaining a residence permit

For processing documents at the Migration Department, they pay for 30 working days - €150, for 10 working days - €300, for 5 working days - €450 from each family member. The payment for the production of a plastic residence permit card will range from €14-28. Fluorography in a special medical center costs €12 for a child, €25 for an adult. Medical insurance from €30-50.

Deadlines for receipt and validity

When submitting documents from Russia, you need to plan 2 weeks for the delivery of the package to the Riga Migration Service. Also, the period of receipt depends on payment of the fee and the corresponding period - 5, 10 or 30 days. At first, a residence permit is issued for 1 calendar year, then a request is made for an annual extension or for 4 years.

Why invest in the Latvian residency program?

The Latvian residence permit for investment program was launched in 2010 to attract foreign investors. The European Golden Visa program allows you to obtain a residence permit in Latvia and EU citizenship in exchange for investment in real estate. Although Latvia is not the first country that comes to mind when choosing a country of residence, we will tell you why you should pay attention to it.

Latvia is a beautiful country with its own unique identity, culture, customs and traditions. The prices there are affordable, but not at the expense of quality. By investing €250,000 or more in the purchase of real estate, you will not only purchase a luxury apartment with high-quality finishing, but also apply for a residence permit in Latvia. The process of obtaining a residence permit takes on average 30-90 days.

Registration of citizenship in Latvia

You must live in the status of a residence permit for 5 years, then submit an application for a permanent residence permit. After 10 years, including residence in the status of residence permit and permanent residence, you can submit an application for citizenship. For Europeans, the period is 2 times less and is 5 years. Russians must write a waiver of residency in their native state. Such rules apply to Belarusians and Ukrainians. Residents of the Schengen area are allowed to have dual citizenship in participating countries.

Documentation

The prospects for Latvia's development as an EU state are promising. Russians who decide to move must submit a package of documents in the following order:

• application of the established form;
• Russian and foreign passports;
• renunciation of citizenship;
• confirmation of residence permit and permanent residence;
• bank statements;
• duty payment receipt;
• full face photo 3*4 cm – 3 pcs.;
• certificate of no criminal record, administrative fines;
• a certificate from the tax service confirming the absence of debt;
• documents on marital status.

Price

The state fee for payment is €29 for all family members. If representatives of the Visa Center accompany the process, you will pay additionally for their services.

Receipt time

The final stage is considered the longest. The commission carefully reviews the application for citizenship and the submitted documents. In practice, the period for obtaining a passport ranges from 6 months to 1 calendar year.

Receiving stages

Initially, a person who emigrated to Latvia is granted a temporary residence permit, which allows him to stay in the country for twelve months.

This is what a temporary Latvian residence permit looks like

It must be confirmed annually by the Office for Migration Policy. But if a person plans to stay in Latvia forever and obtain citizenship, he can apply for a residence permit for a period of four years. To obtain a permanent residence permit, you must live in the country for at least five years. Having lived this period, he can apply for citizenship of this country.

It is important to remember that if a citizen of a country belonging to the European Union moves, he can apply for citizenship after five years of living in Latvia. If the move is carried out by citizens of third countries, then they must live at least ten years in the state, after which they have the right to apply for the status of a citizen of Latvia.

Attitude towards Russians in Latvia

There have long been disputes between Russia related to the occupation of Latvia during the Soviet period. The Baltics claim that the rulers took illegal measures; historians respond that the USSR acted in accordance with international law. Today this topic is closed, but the damage to the Latvian economy in the period from 1940-1991 has been calculated, its numerical expression is €185 billion. Latvians have a hidden grudge against the Russians, but this is not demonstrated in any way in modern society. It must be said that Russian tourists often visit local beauty spots. And, according to reviews from those who moved, they do not feel any negativity or infringement of their rights in their new homeland.

Who has the right to repatriation in Latvia

Conditionally repatriates can be divided into two categories:

• citizens of Latvia (registered in the Register of Residents (Latvian Iedzivotaju registrs), as citizens who have received a passport of a citizen of Latvia);
• if one of the parents, grandparents is an ethnic Latvian or Liv, if the person can document his Latvian or Liv origin.

To put it in plain language, who really has a chance of repatriation to Latvia. If the birth certificate clearly states that one of your parents is an ethnic Latvian (Liv). Also, if your mother (father) has written down that his parent is an ethnic Latvian/Livonian, then you have every chance of returning to permanent residence in Latvia.

Members of the repatriate’s family have the right to enter Latvia

If you meet certain conditions, then your family members also have the right to repatriate to Latvia. In general, this is the list:

• spouse of the repatriate;
• minor children; *
• dependent children;*
• adapted children of the repatriate; *
• parents of the repatriate (who have reached Latvian retirement age). **

* In this case, common children and children of the repatriate’s spouse can count on repatriation. ** Parents of the repatriate’s spouse do not participate in the repatriation program.

How long does it take to process an application for repatriation to Latvia?

The decision to grant the status of a repatriate and the status of a member of his family is made within one month from the date of receipt of the request.

Repatriation Department in Latvia

The Repatriation Department (Latvian: Repatriacijas nodala) of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs provides the following services:

• accepts and reviews documents, makes decisions on granting repatriate status;
• issues and registers permanent residence permits (permanent residence permits) for repatriates and members of his family (citizens of another state);
• accepts and considers applications from repatriates for financial or other assistance.

In-demand professions and salaries for immigrants in Latvia

Before leaving for the Baltics, you should look at the vacancies that can accept immigrants. They do not immediately get jobs in highly paid positions - unless they are a programmer, translator, or international track driver. The most frequent advertisements are posted for positions with average salaries:

The cities of Latvia are small, their population does not exceed 100 thousand people, with the exception of Riga. Over 600 thousand people live here. Average earnings between the capital and other regions are different:

Visa centers of Latvia in Russia

When applying to the Latvian Visa Center to send documents for a residence permit or citizenship, use the Pony Express service or submit it in person. Current addresses in Moscow and St. Petersburg:

Visa Center in Moscow

Latvia Visa Application Center in St. Petersburg