In early August, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereinafter referred to as the OCMA) will send information letters to approximately 4650 citizens of the Russian Federation who are subject to the amendments to the Immigration Law that will enter into force on 18 July 2024. In the letter, the OCMA will inform them of the steps they need to take to continue to reside in Latvia as permanent residents of the European Union after 15 July 2025.
Amendments to the Immigration Law of 20 June 2024 provide that citizens of the Russian Federation who had permanent residence in Latvia before acquiring the citizenship of the Russian Federation and who have received permanent residence permits in accordance with Section 23.1 of the Law "On Entry and Residence of Foreigners and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Latvia" shall submit to the OCMA by 30 June 2025 documents for applying for the status of permanent resident of the European Union, including a proof of successful completion of the official language test.
It is important to note that if the application is not received by 30 June 2025, the permanent residence permit will expire on 15 July 2025 and the person will have to leave the territory of the Republic of Latvia by 13 October 2025.
However, if the person has failed the official language test at least once before 16 June 2025 and has registered for a retest by 30 September 2025, they must submit their documents by 31 October 2025.
The processing time of documents is expected to take up to one year. While the documents are being processed, the person's previous residence permit will be valid until a new one is issued.
"The letter prepared by the OCMA is not a decision, but an informative document that explains the process of submitting documents. To avoid unpleasant situations, please submit your documents early. Even if a person is exempted from the official language test, all other necessary documents must be submitted on time, " emphasises Maira Roze, Head of the OCMA.
If the person has not received the information letter by mid-August, or if the recipient considers that the requirement to prove their knowledge of the official language does not apply to them, they should contact the OCMA by sending an e-mail to mn@pmlp.gov.lv.
Citizens of the Russian Federation who have already applied for the status of permanent resident of the European Union do not need to apply to the OCMA.
For more information on the amendments to the Immigration Law, please visit the website of the OCMA www.pmlp.gov.lv in the section "Latest news on the amendments to the Immigration Law".
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Public Relations Division
prese@pmlp.gov.lv, 67219185