MORE ABOUT Latvia

Latvia's Citizenship by Descent

Latvia offers citizenship by descent to individuals with Latvian ancestry, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage and gain the benefits of Latvian and EU citizenship.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover Citizenship by Descent in Latvia

Latvian citizenship by descent is available to individuals who can prove Latvian ancestry through various categories. This path to citizenship allows descendants of Latvian citizens and exiles to claim their heritage, with specific provisions for different groups.

Latvia
Mobility Asset Index Score
68.90%
Mobility Asset Type
Citizenship by Descent
Official Name
Latvian Citizenship by Descent
Launched in:
2013
Online Submission:
No
Residency Privileges
(in months)
Lifetime
Adjudication Time
(in months)
15
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
None
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
3

Overview

A Snapshot of Citizenship by Descent in Latvia

Reconnect with your Latvian roots through citizenship by descent.

Eligibility Requirements

At least one parent was Latvian at the time of your birth

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Must have been a Latvian citizen on or after June 17, 1940

Months to citizenship

12-24 months

Length of Visa

Months to Visa

Physical Presence Requirement

None

Availability

Medium

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for Latvia's Citizenship by Descent

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

Is there a generational limit for Latvian citizenship by descent?

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Can I hold dual citizenship with Latvia?

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Do I need to speak Latvian to apply for citizenship by descent?

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How long does the citizenship application process take?

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Where do I submit my application for Latvian citizenship by descent?

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benefits

Benefits of Citizenship by Descent in Latvia

Latvian citizenship offers numerous advantages, including EU membership benefits, visa-free travel to approximately 180 countries, and the opportunity to live and work in Latvia and other EU countries.

Reclaim citizenship lost during Soviet occupation

Access to EU labor market and education

Dual citizenship possible in many cases

Fast Processing Time (compared to other citizenship by descent programs)

Minimal Physical Presence Requirement

No language test required

Visa-Free Travel Countries

154

Passport Validity

10 years

Overview

Why Latvia

Latvia offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and the benefits of EU membership. As a Latvian citizen, you'll have access to opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Benefits:

  • EU citizenship
  • Visa-free travel to approximately 180 countries
  • Right to live and work in Latvia and other EU countries

Advantages:

  • Rich cultural heritage and history
  • High-speed internet and digital infrastructure
  • Growing economy and quality of life

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

Is there a generational limit for Latvian citizenship by descent?

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Can I hold dual citizenship with Latvia?

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Do I need to speak Latvian to apply for citizenship by descent?

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How long does the citizenship application process take?

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Where do I submit my application for Latvian citizenship by descent?

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REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Latvia - Citizenship by Descent

Check if you qualify based on your family history

Direct Ancestral Connection

3rd Generation Limit: Citizenship can be claimed through a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent

Documentation

General: Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation proving their lineage to a Latvian citizen+This typically involves proving that at least one ancestor was a Latvian citizen or held Latvian nationality+Specific Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates (if applicable)+As a general requirement, all the foreign documents shall have Hague Apostille and shall be sworn translated into Latvian language+Additional Proof of Lineage: In cases where standard records are unavailable, other documentation such as baptismal records, census records, military records, or immigration records may be accepted, but they must be officially substantiated.

Unbroken Chain of Citizenship

Citizenship Continuity: The ancestor must have maintained Latvian citizenship until the birth of the next generation+Renouncement Rules: If the ancestor renounced their Latvian citizenship before the birth of the next descendant, it could break the chain of eligibility for citizenship.+Naturalization Impact: If the ancestor naturalized in another country before the birth of the next generation, this could affect eligibility depending on specific laws.

Legal Compliance

Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is generally required, particularly if the applicant intends to reside in Latvia or obtain a Latvian passport+Oath of Allegiance: Applicants are usually required to take an oath of allegiance or pledge loyalty to Latvia as part of the citizenship process.+Language Proficiency: deppending on the application path for citizenship by descent Latvia may require applicants to take a language test to prove minimum proficiency

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Citizenship by Descent in Latvia

To apply for Latvian citizenship by descent, you must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Prove descent from a person who was a Latvian citizen on June 17, 1940
  • Have at least one parent who was a Latvian citizen at the time of your birth
  • Provide necessary documentation to prove family ties and Latvian ancestry
  • Submit a complete application with all required documents
  • All non-Latvian documents must be translated to Latvian and apostilled or legalized

PROCESS

Citizenship by Descent Process

#1

Initial Assessment

• Complete mobility match survey

• Upload GEDCOM files

• Verify ancestral eligibility

• Review program requirements

#2

Selection Phase

• View initial results

• Filter based on preferences

• Assess documentation requirements

• Choose target country

#3

Application Preparation

• Gather vital records

• Obtain apostilles

• Complete translations

• Prepare application forms

#4

Submission

• Schedule consular interview

• Submit petition

• Pay application fees

• Provide biometrics if required

#5

Monitoring & Approval

• Track processing time

• Respond to any queries

• Receive citizenship confirmation

• Collect passport/documents

Start now by taking our free assessment

START ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

Timeline for Latvia - Citizenship by Descent

DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for Latvia - Citizenship by Descent

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Valid passport (original and copies)+National ID card (if applicable)+Passport-sized photographs (2-4)

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Birth certificate of the applicant (apostilled and translated)+Marriage Certificate (if applicable)+Name change certificates (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Not applicable

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Criminal record extract from your country of residence+FBI Identity History Summary (apostilled): Required if the applicant is from the U.S+State Police Clearance (apostilled): Required from every state or country the applicant has lived in since age 14+Latvian Criminal Records Check: Required if the applicant has resided in Latvia.

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Not applicable

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with Latvia - Citizenship by Descent

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$120

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

Rankings

GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index

54

Overall Rank

Cost

Based on application fee

Residency Requirements

Based on residency requirements

Residency Privileges Length

Based on programs’s term

Processing Speed

Based on estimated processing time

Eligibility Requirements

Based on entry requirements

Program Stability

Based on years of activity

Time to Permanent Residency

Based on permanent residency timeline

Rankings

Global Rankings/ Comparisions

Safety

Latvia

30

Cost of Living

Latvia

39

Quality of Life

Latvia

63

Healthcare Quality

Latvia

49

Internet Speed

Latvia

54

Human Freedom

Latvia

15

IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

Other Immigration Programs in Latvia

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TIPS & TUTORIALS

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