The desire of Latvian residents to become naturalized has changed in waves over the years. It experienced the greatest surge soon after Latvia’s entry into the European Union, when 16 to 19 thousand people were admitted to Latvian citizenship for several years in a row. Since 2006, however, interest in Latvian citizenship has significantly decreased, and in recent years, only a few hundred people a year became citizens through naturalization. Last year, after a long decline, interest increased again. This is related both to the fact that the people whose naturalization process was delayed due to the pandemic got their passports last year, and also to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Until the war in Ukraine, naturalization rates were stable, but low.
Currently, after the war started by Russia in Ukraine, we see that interest in naturalization has increased again, more specifically from Russian citizens and non-citizens of Latvia.
We receive very, very, very many calls, e-mails, submissions, there is also a lot of interest in our informative days, where you can learn about naturalization,” said the representative of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Department, Madara Puķe.
However, the increase in interest is not reflected in the number of people who acquire citizenship, because many interested parties abandon their plans when they learn about the requirements.
People who have lived here for at least five years, know the national language, are familiar with the Constitution, know the national anthem, as well as the basics of Latvian history and culture can be admitted to Latvian citizenship in the naturalization procedure. You must also have a legal source of livelihood and sign a pledge of loyalty to the Republic of Latvia.
Highlight the text and press Ctrl+Enterto send the text fragment to be corrected to the editor!
Highlight the text and press on Report a bug buttons to send the text fragment to be corrected to the editor!
