Latvian citizens and non-citizens who want to become citizens of another country but also want to stay and live in Latvia will have to pass official language test and prove they have adequate finances to sustain themselves, the Cabinet of Ministers decided on 6 September, passing amendments to the Immigration Law.
The legislative draft also includes the requirement to undergo official language tests for former Latvian citizens and non-citizens who will have received permanent residence permits before the legislative draft comes into force.
If a person fails to prove he or she has sufficient official language skills by presenting a document bearing A2 official language level, his or her permanent residence permit will be annulled and a 12-month residence permit will be issued.
The requirement regarding proof of sufficient official language skills may apply to approximately 22.3 thousand foreigners.
According to Minister of the Interior Kristaps Eklons, the new legislative amendments also mean the National Centre for Education may have to perform more official language tests.
«This is why we should consider further enhancing the capacity of the National Centre for Education.»
Amendments to the Immigration Law provide for the cessation of the issue of repeated residence permits to Russian and Belarusian citizens from 30 June 2023 onward. This will not apply to persons who have stayed in Latvia for a long time, such as former Latvian citizen or non-citizen who do not qualify for permanent residence permits or EU permanent citizen status due to insufficient official language skills.
In accordance with directives from the European Parliament and the Council of Europe another exception is reserved for students or researchers who want to remain in Latvia after the end of their studies or research project.
In response to requests from business associations and enterprises, another exception applies to persons who have the right to work in Latvia, who want to remain in Latvia and PIT for which is paid regularly. Residence permits are also permitted to be issued to board members after the end of the term of the previous one issued together with the foundation of a new start-up.
According to the ministry, persons who fit these categories will be checked by state security institutions.
The legislative act does not apply to people who have the right to request international protection
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