On Tuesday, the 22nd of August, in a closed session, the Government instructed the Ministry of the Interior (IeM) to prepare amendments to the Immigration Law, which would require Russian citizens living in Latvia to pass a Latvian language test within two years at the latest in order to be able to continue to legally reside in Latvia.
As per amendments to the Immigration Law approved on the 22nd of September 2022, permanent residence permits granted to Russian citizens will lapse by the 1st of September 2023
Russian citizens seeking residence in Latvia must apply for European Union (EU) permanent resident status.
The process involves submitting their identity document copy to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, along with evidence of an A2 level proficiency in the national language and sufficient financial resources.
The amendments to the Immigration Law were introduced to enhance internal security and promote Latvian language as a unifying national value.
The law’s enforcement aids the integration of foreigners within Latvia’s societal, informational, political, economic, and social realms.
Around half of the 25 316 Russian citizens with permanent residence permits in Latvia have applied for EU permanent resident status. Simultaneously, nearly 10 000 Russian citizens holding EU permanent residence permits issued in Latvia have yet to submit documents for these permits, as stated by the ministry.
The Government discussed the impact of Immigration Law amendments on Russian citizens during a closed session on Tuesday the 22nd of August.
Following a Ministry of the Interior report and discussions, the Government directed the creation of a refined proposal to provide more time for Russian citizens in Latvia to apply for EU permanent resident status.
The objective is to enable those committed to long-term residence with conversational Latvian language skills to attain this status within a maximum two-year period, extending beyond the 1st of September.
The proposed changes maintain the integrity of the existing Immigration Act amendments, emphasizing language proficiency for EU permanent resident status. The proposal also introduces a two-year temporary residence permit option for former Latvian citizens or non-citizens unable to meet the deadline on the 1st of September. This allows them to learn conversational Latvian (A2 level), apply for EU permanent resident status, or plan a timely departure from Latvia.
The conceptual decision foresees that during this transition period, Russian citizens will receive the existing state-provided services, including pensions and benefits.
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