The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereinafter – the OCMA) reminds citizens of the Russian Federation who are affected by the amendments to the Immigration Law that entered into force on 18 July 2024 to submit the necessary documents in a timely manner when applying for the status of a permanent resident of the European Union. This will ensure the right to continue residing in the Republic of Latvia after 15 July 2025. Applications must be submitted by 30 June 2025.
“To avoid unpleasant situations, we urge applicants not to delay submitting their documents. Even if a person is exempt from the state language examination, all other required documents must still be submitted on time,” emphasizes the Head of the OCMA, Maira Roze.
The amendments to the Immigration Law of 20 June 2024 stipulate that citizens of the Russian Federation who had a permanent place of residence in Latvia prior to acquiring Russian citizenship and who have received a permanent residence permit under Article 23¹ of the Law On the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Latvia must submit to the OCMAby 30 June 2025 the documents required to apply for the status of a permanent resident of the European Union, including proof of successfully passing the state language examination.
It is important to note that if the application is not received by 30 June 2025, the permanent residence permit will become invalid as of 15 July 2025, and the person will be required to leave the territory of the Republic of Latvia by 13 October 2025.
However, if a person has taken the state language proficiency examination unsuccessfully at least once by 16 June 2025 and has registered for a repeat examination scheduled before 30 September 2025, the documents must be submitted by 31 October 2025.
While the documents are being reviewed, the previously issued residence permit will remain valid until a new permit is granted.
More information about the amendments to the Immigration Law is available in the section “Latest on the Amendments to the Immigration Law” on the OCMA website: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Public Relations division
Email: prese@pmlp.gov.lv
Phone: 67219185