Latvian citizenship by naturalisation
Applicants need at least five years of permanent residence in Latvia, counted from receiving a permanent residence permit, with up to one year's break allowed but not in the last year. They must know Latvian, the basic principles of the Constitution, the national anthem and basics of Latvian history and culture, have a legal income, and swear loyalty. Citizens of the EU, EFTA, NATO, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and dual-citizenship treaty states may keep their other citizenship; others must renounce it.
Life in Latvia
Money
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.
Living
1
Happiness
#46 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Permanent residents of Latvia.
Eligibility
Residence
You need at least five years of permanent residence in Latvia, counted from receipt of your permanent residence permit.
- Total break of up to one year is allowed
- The break must not fall in the final year
- Source: s. 12(1)(1)
Official wording
Permanent residence in Latvia for at least five years, counted from receipt of a permanent residence permit, with a total break of up to one year not in the final year (s. 12(1)(1)).
Knowledge
Show knowledge of the Latvian language, the Constitution's basic principles, the anthem text, and basics of Latvian history and culture.
Official wording
Latvian language, the Constitution's basic principles, the anthem text, and basics of Latvian history and culture (s. 12(1)(2)-(4)).
Income
Legal source of income (s. 12(1)(5)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementRenunciation
- Document checklistNaturalisation application
- FeesNaturalisation fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Latvia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Latvia
- Visit & tourismShort-stay Schengen visa or visa-free visit to Latvia
- StudyTemporary residence permit for full-time studies
- Work permitsTemporary residence permit for employment
- Permanent residencePermanent residence permit
- FamilyTemporary residence permit for spouses and children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- Investors & entrepreneursTemporary residence permit for investors
