Foreigner return, if residence conditions in the Republic of Latvia are violated

The procedures of foreigner entry, residence and exit are stated in the Immigration law of Latvia.

In case of violation of residency ending date stated in the visa or of a visa-free regime, or residing in the Republic of Latvia without a valid visa, a residence permit issued in Latvia or a permanent residence card of the Union citizen, the foreigner shall receive a voluntary return decision.

What documents should be submitted?

A person submits to the Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs:

  1. An explanation about infringement of residence conditions in the Republic of Latvia;

  2. A valid travel document (when sending documents by post, only a copy of the valid travel document should be sent);

  3. A document which confirms the date of exit (e.g. a travel ticket).

Where to submit the documents for a voluntary return decision?

documents can only be submitted remotely at this time to the Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs:

  1. sending documents by post to the Persons Status Control Division Office of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs: Čiekurkalna 1.līnija 1, k-3, Rīga, LV-1026, Latvia; or

  2. sending documents by e-mail: pskn@pmlp.gov.lv.

For the time and place of receiving voluntary return decision, the person must contact the Persons Status Control Division of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs by writing to e-mail: pskn@pmlp.gov.lv or call +371 67219127 or +371 67219010 on working days.

In which term a foreigner should depart from the Republic of Latvia?

The term of fulfillment of obligation stated in the voluntary return decision is set to between 7 and 30 days. A foreigner has the right to fulfil such obligation earlier than laid down in the voluntary return decision.

Are there any prohibitions to enter the Republic of Latvia?

The Officer of the Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs is entitled to determine an entry ban in the Republic of Latvia and Schengen territory for a period of 30 days to 3 years.

What are the consequences for an infringement of the voluntary return decision?

If a voluntary return decision has been issued but the person had unjustifiably not complied with it an official of the Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs shall issue a removal order of the foreigner.

When a removal order of a foreigner is issued, an entry ban in the Republic of Latvia and Schengen territory is determined between 30 days and 3 years.

Is receiving of voluntary return decision a payable service?

A voluntary return decision is a cost-free service, but according to article 68.² of Immigration law of Latvia for staying in the Republic of Latvia without a valid travel document, visa, residence permit, registration certificate of a Union citizen, permanent residence permit, or health insurance policy, or for violating other conditions for staying in the Republic of Latvia, a warning or a fine of up to seventy units of fine shall be imposed (up to EUR 350, one unit = EUR 5).

Where can additional information be found?

In case of any questions or concerns please write an e-mail: pskn@pmlp.gov.lv  or call +371 67209400 on working days.