The number of dual citizens holding both Latvian and Russian citizenship has increased fourfold since 2014, a representative of the Ministry of the Interior (IeM) informed members of the Saeima’s Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee’s Internal Security Subcommittee on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, there were 1,309 Latvia–Russia dual citizens in 2014, compared to 4,231 in 2026. The increase is largely attributed to parental decisions to grant children dual citizenship.
Individuals under the age of 25 are required to choose which citizenship to retain. Failure to do so may result in the loss of Latvian citizenship.
Currently, 2,436 Latvia–Russia dual citizens reside in Latvia. Of these, 1,483 are aged between one and 17, while 510 are aged 18 to 25. These age groups represent the largest share, reflecting parental choices to grant Latvian citizenship while retaining Russian citizenship, or vice versa.
Abroad, 1,038 Latvia–Russia dual citizens are under the age of 17,
and 288 are aged between 18 and 25—also the largest groups among those living outside Latvia.
In 2014, 129 individuals renounced Latvian citizenship after acquiring Russian citizenship; in 2017, the number rose to 200, while in 2025 it dropped to 15. Meanwhile, Latvian citizenship was revoked in 23 cases in 2014, 116 cases in 2017, and 166 cases in 2025.
MP Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) raised questions about a proposal by the Ministry of Defence (AM) to allow postponement of compulsory State Defence Service until the age of 24, instead of 26 as previously. He expressed concern that some individuals might deliberately retain dual citizenship to avoid conscription until age 24 and then opt for Latvian citizenship at 25.
Kristers Grauze, Director of the State Defence Service Department at the Ministry of Defence, responded that the proposal is not related to citizenship issues but rather based on practical experience with deferred service.
He noted that the initially set age threshold had proven ineffective.
Grauze added that there has been only one case so far in which a selected conscript was denied Latvian citizenship while holding Russian citizenship. He emphasised that current practice does not indicate widespread attempts to avoid service in this way.
According to Grauze, Latvia–Russia dual citizens accounted for approximately 0.55% of candidates in the last two selection rounds, and these individuals were excluded from conscription.
He also noted that cases may arise where young people have ties to Russia—such as studies, courses, or family visits. In such instances, the Military Intelligence and Security Service conducts an assessment. Over the past two years, six such cases have been reviewed, all resulting in the conclusion that the individuals did not meet national security requirements.
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