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LatviaAsylum & protectionLast checked October 30, 2026

Asylum (refugee status or alternative status) in Latvia

Official name: Patvērums: bēgļa statuss / alternatīvais statuss

Latvia grants refugee status or alternative status to people who need international protection. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA, PMLP) publishes guides on requesting asylum, what happens next and appeals, and runs the 'Mucenieki' accommodation centre for asylum seekers.

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Life in Latvia

Finance

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

62

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

25.5–33%

Income tax (national)

VAT 21%

33% on annual income above EUR 105,300, plus an extra 3% on income above EUR 200,000; a differentiated non-taxable minimum applies.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.4

#46 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Who it’s for

People in Latvia or at its border who fear persecution or serious harm in their home country.

Eligibility

  • Two forms of protection

    Refugee status and alternative status.

  • Request asylum in Latvia

    Request asylum in Latvia; OCMA's guide 'How to request asylum' explains where and how.

    Official wording

    Asylum is requested in Latvia; OCMA's guide 'How to request asylum' (updated 29 Jan 2026) explains where and how.

SourceOCMA (PMLP): asylum seekingpmlp.gov.lvChecked Oct 30, 2026

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  • 1 document
  • 1 fee
  • 3 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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Official sources

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