From the tests to the citizenship decision
In Latvia you apply for naturalisation first and take the tests afterwards, so the knowledge test is a step inside an application already open at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP).
- No separate certificate: the commission marks your test sheet "passed" or "not passed" and you sign it. The result stays in your file; there is nothing to collect or renew.
- What is already in your file: proof of 5 years' permanent residence, proof of a legal source of income, a 3×4 cm photo, a criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship (issued within the last 6 months) and the state fee of €28.46, or €4.27 at the reduced rate (2026).
- Next steps: PMLP checks your documents and asks other institutions whether you meet the conditions of the Citizenship Law (Pilsonības likums).
- If refused: challenge the decision with the head of PMLP, then in court. You can reapply one year after the refusal becomes final.
Pledge of loyalty and Cabinet decision
- If there are no obstacles, PMLP tells you so and invites you to give and sign the pledge of loyalty (uzticības solījums) to the Republic of Latvia at a solemn ceremony.
- If you must give up your current citizenship, hand in the renunciation document once PMLP has officially told you there are no other obstacles; the pledge is given only when nothing stands in the way. Foreign documents must be legalised (unless exempt) and translated into Latvian.
- The Cabinet of Ministers admits you to citizenship by an order, which cannot be appealed. PMLP then sends you a letter.
- Timing: by law the application is examined within one year of the day all documents are in. PMLP says the process usually takes 6–12 months, about 6 months if you do not have to renounce another citizenship.
- Any Latvian non-citizen's or stateless person's document you held becomes void.
ID card and passport
- Within one month of becoming a citizen, apply at any PMLP territorial unit for a citizen's identity document. Every citizen aged 15 or over must have a valid eID card; a passport is optional.
- Fees (since 1 January 2026): passport €50 in 10 working days or €75 in 2 working days; eID card €30 or €45. Within 30 days of naturalisation the 2-day service costs the 10-day price. Lower fees apply, for example, under 20 and at pension age.
- For adults over 20, both documents are valid for 10 years.
Your previous citizenship
- A naturalised person may keep only the citizenship of an EU, EFTA or NATO member state, Australia, Brazil or New Zealand, or of a country with a dual-citizenship agreement with Latvia. PMLP states that no such agreement exists at present. Recognised refugees do not have to renounce.
- All other applicants must renounce their current citizenship before the pledge.
- Later: if you acquire another citizenship that is not on the permitted list, you must apply to renounce Latvian citizenship within 30 days, unless it came automatically through marriage or adoption or the Cabinet authorised it. Otherwise your Latvian citizenship can be revoked.
- In dealings with the Latvian state you are treated only as a Latvian citizen.
Tax and social security
- Nothing changes automatically. Tax residence depends on your residence or a stay of 183 days or more in any 12-month period, not on citizenship. Income tax stays at 25.5%, and 33% on annual income above €105,300 (2026).
- Social insurance, pension rights and State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA) benefits depend on work, contributions and residence, so your record continues unchanged. Health care stays state-funded, as it was for permanent residents.
- As an EU citizen you can live and work anywhere in the EU; EU coordination rules protect your insurance periods.
Voting and other rights
- Saeima (parliament): vote from 18, stand from 21. The 15th Saeima election is on 3 October 2026; you vote with a Latvian passport or eID card.
- Municipal elections: Latvian and EU citizens aged 18 or over who have been registered in the municipality for at least 90 days before election day.
- European Parliament elections: Latvian citizens, and EU citizens living in Latvia.
- Public jobs: civil-service posts (ierēdnis) are open only to Latvian citizens.
- Military service: male citizens must do National Defence Service within one year of turning 18 (or of finishing school), but not after age 24. Men and women can volunteer from 18 until they turn 27.
Effect on children
- Children under 15 whose permanent residence is in Latvia can be naturalised with you, at your request and without an extra fee.
- Children aged 15 to 17 must apply in their own name.
- Children born after you become a citizen are Latvian from birth. They may hold any other citizenship as children; if it is not on the permitted list, they must choose between ages 18 and 25.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a certificate for passing the test? No. The result is recorded on your signed test sheet and stays in your file.
When do I have to give up my current citizenship? Only if it is not on the permitted list, and only after PMLP has told you there are no other obstacles.
Can I vote in the 3 October 2026 Saeima election? Only if the Cabinet has admitted you to citizenship by then and you have a Latvian passport or eID card.
Do I need a new ID card? Yes. Apply within one month of becoming a citizen; the eID card is compulsory from age 15.