Despite some cooling of relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation, immigration to Latvia continues to be attractive for Russians for a number of reasons. Latvian immigration authorities are more loyal to foreign immigrants in comparison with the authorities of other EU states. So, here you can apply for a residence permit (residence permit) for the purchase of real estate immediately for 5 years. In the Republic of Latvia there are no entry quotas for foreigners and no binding to mandatory stay in the country. In addition, there is a high proportion of Russian-speaking residents here.
Stages of the legalization process
Immigration to Latvia, like to any other country, should be understood as the legitimate entry of foreign citizens into its territory for the purpose of further stay for a long period, including obtaining citizenship. Latvian legislation (Law of 31.10.2003 "On Immigration") clearly defines the legitimate ways of how to move to live in Latvia (for example, family reunification, marriage).
The standard immigration process includes several stages. In accordance with one reason or another, the applicant must prepare the relevant documents and officially apply to the migration authorities of the country where the move is planned. After a positive decision, upon arrival in the country, the immigrant must obtain a residence permit.
As a rule, a temporary residence permit is initially issued (from one to five years). Sometimes immigrants, in accordance with local laws, can receive a permanent residence permit or citizenship immediately upon arrival.
In most cases, persons with the status of a temporary residence permit are entitled to apply for a permanent residence permit (permanent residence) only if the necessary conditions are met. Permanent residence status provides an immigrant with almost all the rights that citizens of the country enjoy (except for service in government agencies, the police). Acquiring citizenship completes the immigration process.
The level and quality of life in Latvia
When deciding for themselves whether to move to Latvia, many pay attention to factors such as the size of wages, the affordability of housing, the price level, and the crime situation.
Latvia, as a member of the EU, is confidently moving towards improving the living standards and well-being of its citizens. According to the results of 2021, the London analytical center Legatum Institute ranked Latvia in 40th place in the rating of the countries of the world favorable for living.
In the days of the USSR, Latvia was in the eyes of the Soviet people abroad. Today, the standard of living in the republic as a whole is inferior to the standard of living in other EU members. This factor stimulates the outflow of able-bodied Latvian citizens abroad.
According to the Central Statistical Office of Latvia, the average gross salary at the beginning of 2021 was 1004 euros. After taxes (net) - 742 euros. But small (by European standards) salaries are compensated by affordable prices for goods and high quality products.
Traditionally, the strengths of life in the country are a favorable environmental situation, free medicine, low criminality, the opportunity to get a European education.
Life in Latvia is very different depending on the region. Higher level and quality of life in big cities and on the Riga seaside, lower - in small towns and rural areas (Latgale).
Methods of immigration to Latvia
Russians can immigrate to Latvia using one of the grounds provided by Latvian legislation. Citizens of the Russian Federation for moving to Latvia most often choose:
- Family reunification. Relatives up to the third generation, relatives of a citizen of Latvia, as well as a resident of a country with the status of “non-citizen of Latvia” (persons who moved to the republic from 1940 to 1989) and a foreigner with permanent residence status - spouses, children, retired parents can use it.
- Starting your own business. For businessmen, it is possible to establish a new or purchase a ready-made business (for an amount of 150 thousand euros) or invest 35 thousand euros in an operating company, subject to payments to the budget of taxes in the amount of 40 thousand euros annually.
- Marriage with a resident of Latvia. According to the reviews of immigrants from the Russian Federation, the marriage must be formalized in Latvia - this will simplify the process of obtaining a residence permit.
- Purchase of real estate. Since 2021, the conditions have become more stringent - a foreigner must buy real estate in the amount of 250 thousand euros (in Riga, large cities and on the Riga seaside - 1 object, in other regions of the country - 2 objects), with a mandatory payment when registering a residence permit one-time fee in budget 5% of the purchase price.
- Investment. This method involves placing an amount of 280 thousand euros in the bank of the country for a period of five years and paying 25 thousand euros to the Latvian budget.
- Employment. The outflow of the able-bodied population opens up good prospects for employment. There is a demand in the republic not only for IT specialists, but also for doctors, engineers, builders, and drivers. The main task for Russians is to find a vacancy and conclude an employment contract. The employer takes over the issuance of a work permit and the call.
- Repatriation program. In September 1995, the Latvian Seimas adopted the Law “On Repatriation”, according to which the state provides all kinds of assistance and guarantees to persons of Latvian and Livonian descent in returning to their historical homeland. This program covers persons of Latvian nationality and their descendants regardless of generations. For direct descendants of Latvians who have suffered from the occupation power, repatriation can be replaced by the granting of citizenship. Since the beginning of the program, more than 6 thousand people have already used it.
- Obtaining education at an accredited educational institution. There are more than 59 educational institutions operating in Latvia, including the University of Latvia and the Technical University in Riga. Education is paid: for example, a year of study costs 1.5-4 thousand euros (engineer), 2-6 thousand (manager), 8-15 thousand (medic).
Immigration of Russians to Latvia: main stages
Speaking about what is needed to move to Latvia, it should be noted that, in addition to desire, it is necessary to prepare all the required papers (depending on the chosen method of immigration), submit them to the consular office of Latvia in the Russian Federation and pay consular fees.
In case of a positive solution to the issue, you need to issue a category D entry visa. Moving to Latvia must be completed within 30 days, repatriates are given six months to collect, and their families - two years.
Temporary residence permit
Immigrants from the Russian Federation receive a temporary residence permit in Latvia and a plastic ID-card for a period of one to five years. The length of stay depends on the method of immigration. So, the spouse of a Latvian citizen is issued a residence permit for the first time for a period of one year, after the expiration - for another 4 years
Within a month, you must declare your place of residence in Latvia with the local authorities. Temporary residence permit must be renewed annually by the migration services.
Registration of permanent residence
Immigrants can apply for permanent residence, and repatriates - for citizenship after five years after acquiring a temporary residence permit and subject to the established requirements. These include proficiency in the Latvian language not lower than the A2 level and permanent residence in the republic (immigrants with a residence permit based on the purchase of real estate and investments may be absent for no more than a year in five years).
Permanent residence in Latvia provides its holder with a number of advantages:
- the possibility of visa-free entry to the countries of the Schengen area;
- no restrictions on employment;
- Residence permit for family members;
- the right to free medical treatment and other social benefits;
- buying a car without customs fees and obtaining a European-style driver's license;
- simplified obtaining of a visa to the USA, Great Britain, Canada.
Permanent residence status must be confirmed every five years. It is necessary to live at this time in Latvia (more than 6 months a year). If you need to live abroad (study, work), you must notify the police department and document the reason.
Obtaining Latvian citizenship
Ten years of stay in the country allows immigrants to apply for Latvian citizenship. The list of documents is similar to the package for permanent residence. One of the conditions for obtaining a Latvian passport is renunciation of the previous citizenship. In addition, knowledge of the Latvian language, history, anthem and the Latvian Constitution is required.
After submitting documents to the immigration authorities, it is necessary to pass knowledge tests:
- language - reading, speaking, listening, filling out a questionnaire and writing an essay. The immigrant must show knowledge of at least B1 level;
- legislation (rights and obligations) and history of Latvia.
If the citizenship application is approved, the immigrant must take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Latvia.
Interesting fact: Latvians value their historical past very much. The modern flag of the Republic of Latvia is one of the oldest in Europe - it appeared as early as 1280 and is second only to the Danish flag in age (1219)
Documents required for obtaining a residence permit
To leave for Latvia, Russians need to prepare and submit for consideration a package of official papers. This process is very responsible, because carelessly executed documents can serve as a reason for refusal.
To obtain a temporary and permanent residence permit, various papers are required. The list of documents will differ depending on the chosen method of immigration.
The general package of papers that will be needed when applying for a residence permit includes:
- original and photocopy of all pages of the passport;
- a photocopy of the completed pages of the civil passport;
- two photographs 3x4 cm;
- a questionnaire;
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- police clearance certificate (for persons over 14 years old);
- confirmation of the availability of money from the applicant and each family member to obtain a residence permit in Latvia. From 01.01. 2021, according to the rules of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia No. 225 dated 25.04. 2021, this is 5160 euros for an adult family member and 1548 euros for a child;
- confirmation of the place of residence in Latvia (extract from the Land Register, rental agreement, purchase / sale, etc.);
- receipt of payment of the duty;
- insurance policy with coverage of 45 thousand euros.
In some cases, additional papers should be provided:
| Categories of immigrants | Additional documents |
|---|---|
| Relative to third degree | Copies of documents confirming relationship |
| Spouse | Marriage certificate |
| Minor child | Copies of documents confirming relationship; notarized consent of the second spouse to leave the child |
| Individual entrepreneur, self-employed person, etc. | Business plan certified by a sworn auditor; confirmation of the availability of finance for business activities; business permit. |
| Foreigner who owns real estate in Latvia | Confirmation of payment when buying by bank transfer; confirmation of the absence of tax arrears when owning real estate for more than a year; a document confirming the compliance with the market value with a cadastral value of less than 80 thousand euros; certificate of absence of tuberculosis (from a Latvian medical institution) |
| Student of a Latvian accredited educational institution | Study agreement |
| Citizen of Latvia until 17.07.1940 | Proof of citizenship |
| Repatriate | Proof of Latvian or Livonian origin |
To obtain permanent residence status and citizenship, you must provide:
- statement;
- a photograph;
- certificate of income for the past year;
- certificate of proficiency in the Latvian language;
- confirmation of payment of duties.
All submitted documents must be accompanied by a certified translation into Latvian.
Cost and terms of obtaining a residence permit in Latvia
The maximum period for considering an application for a temporary residence permit is a month, for a permanent residence permit - 3 months. These terms do not include the time for sending papers and for additional verification. The countdown starts from the moment the package of documents is received by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia. The terms can be shortened to 5 and 10 and to 10 and 45 days, respectively, but this will significantly raise the price for services.
Applications for granting Latvian citizenship are considered within 6 to 12 months.
The costs of obtaining a temporary residence permit include:
- approval of a call-invitation - 7.2 euros (1.5 - for children under 6, 2.85 - for other family members);
- certificate of place of residence in Latvia - 4.27 euros;
- consular fee for filing documents in Russia - 75 euros;
- the cost of a certificate of absence of tuberculosis is 10 euros;
- insurance policy - up to 50 euros;
- ID-card production - 14.23 euros (10 days) or 28.46 euros (2 days);
- duty for a temporary residence permit - 100 euros (30 days), 200 euros (14 days), 400 euros (7 days). For immigrant investors, respectively 150, 300 and 450 euros;
- duty for permanent residence - 100 euros (90 days), 200 euros (45 days), 400 euros (10 working days);
- citizenship fee - 28.5 euros (10 working days), 57 euros (2 working days);
- state fees for registering a residence permit - 110 euros;
Fees and fees should be paid only through bank cards (VISA, MasterCard and others). For Latvian repatriates, the payment of reimbursement of travel expenses (up to 500 euros) and a cash allowance within 6 months in the amount of 90% of the minimum wage is provided.
Reasons for refusal to apply for a residence permit
Refuse to provide a residence permit in Latvia and cancel even the issued residence permit may upon revealing the following facts:
- an incomplete set of papers has been submitted or additional explanations requested by the migration authorities have not been submitted;
- provided inaccurate information;
- not enough money to stay in Latvia;
- illegal immigrant passport;
- health disorders or diseases that pose a threat to society have been recorded;
- negative visa history of an immigrant;
- commission of a grave or especially grave crime in Latvia and sentencing by a court;
- the inviter has died, withdrew the call or lost the right to stay in Latvia;
- fictitious marriage;
- service in a foreign army;
- non-compliance with the deadlines for submitting documents for permanent residence.
If a foreigner is denied a residence permit, other family members are also refused.
The best city to live in Latvia
The majority of foreigners prefer to buy real estate and settle in large, most steadily developing cities in Latvia. The richest city is the capital. It is in Riga - the largest industrial center and a city with great opportunities - that both residents of Latvia and foreign immigrants wish to get to.
Russians strive to purchase housing in the city center (Old Riga, the historical center), as well as in the suburbs (Baltezers, Marupe), new buildings in the Imanta residential area.
Cottages by the sea in Jurmala are also attractive for wealthy Russian immigrants. The main resort in Latvia ranks third in terms of population and second in terms of income.
Many Russians also try to settle in the third richest city in the country - in Daugavpils, as well as in Liepaja and Jelgava.
Let's summarize
Emigration to Latvia from Russia continues to be relevant for many citizens of the Russian Federation. In this regard, Latvia has a number of advantages over other EU states: a favorable economic situation in the country, the outflow of the able-bodied local population abroad, a clean environment, and a loyal government immigration policy.
The status of a Latvian residence permit opens up good prospects for living and working in Europe.Moving to the Baltics from Russia is most often carried out by immigrants on the basis of marriage, family reunification, buying real estate and doing business. The presence of a large number of Russian speakers in Latvia facilitates the adaptation process in a new country.
