The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereinafter - the Office) has sent letters to 24 505 citizens of the Russian Federation who are subject to amendments to the Immigration Law, informing them about the steps they need to take in order to continue to reside in Latvia as a permanent resident of the European Union after 1 September this year.
The amendments to the Immigration Law provide that citizens of the Russian Federation who were Latvian citizens or Latvian non-citizens before acquiring the citizenship of the Russian Federation and have received permanent residence permits in accordance with Section 24, Paragraph one, Clause 8 of the Immigration Law must submit documents to the Office by 1 September this year to apply for the status of a permanent resident of the European Union, including proof of successful completion of the State language test.
It is expected that the processing time will take up to one year. While the documents are being processed, the person’s previously issued residence permit will be valid until a new permit is issued.
“We encourage you to submit your documents in good time to ensure a smooth process without unnecessary delays. It is particularly important to remember that even if a person is exempted from the State language test, all other documents must still be submitted and received by the Office by 1 September this year,” emphasizes the Head of the Office Maira Roze.
It is important to note that if the application is not received by 1 September, the permanent residence permit will expire on 2 September and you will have to leave the territory of the Republic of Latvia by 2 December 2023.
If the letter has not been received within this week or if the recipient of the letter considers that the requirement to prove proficiency in the State language does not apply to him or her, please contact the Office by sending an e-mail to mn@pmlp.gov.lv. Citizens of the Russian Federation who have already applied for the status of a permanent resident of the European Union do not need to contact the Office.
More information on the amendments to the Immigration Law and exceptions to the State language test for certain groups of persons is available on the website of the Office
www.pmlp.gov.lv in the section “Latest news on the amendments to the Immigration Law”, where you can also read the full text of the information letter.
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Personnel Management and Public Relations Department
67219185