World Immigration News

Current information on the implementation of amendments to the Immigration Law

Release Date: 2025-10-17
Media: Ārlietu ministrija
Summary: Since 2022, Latvia has amended its Immigration Law in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and rising Russian propaganda, requiring Russian nationals who renounced Latvian citizenship or non-citizen status for Russian citizenship to pass an A2-level Latvian language test to renew residence permits. A2 proficiency allows basic communication in everyday situations.

Of the roughly 30,000 affected individuals, most have renewed their permits, but 500 are pending or expired, with each case reviewed individually. Those failing to meet the language requirement or submit necessary documents no longer have legal residence; currently, 10 are illegally staying and have received orders to leave. In February 2024, Latvia’s Constitutional Court confirmed that the amendments comply with the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Latvia has promoted the Latvian language and culture as central to social integration since independence, resulting in 86% of residents speaking Latvian. The European Court of Human Rights has affirmed the country’s right to protect Latvian as the sole state language, acknowledging the need to overcome decades of Soviet-era Russification. Insufficient Latvian language skills among minorities continue to limit their democratic participation and employment opportunities, highlighting the ongoing importance of strengthening Latvian language proficiency.
Tags: Latvia

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