Citizenship of EU is the main benefit of Latvian citizenship.
The grounds for Latvian citizenship:
- Naturalization;
- Foreign nationals or their descendants who possessed Latvian citizenship until 1940;
- Minors whose parents are Latvian nationals;
- Minors who were born inside the country and whose parents are not known.
Requirements for citizenship by naturalization:
- Reside lawfully in the country for the minimum period of 10 years (5 years on the basis of residence permit, 5 years on the basis of permanent residence);
- Latvian proficiency test (the lowest required level is B1), with the exception of persons who have reached 65 years of age;
- Pass the test on the Latvian Constitution, history and customs, as well as recite the lyrics of the Latvian national anthem;
- Renounce the citizenship of the home country (with the exception of refugees);
- Have permanent legal source of income;
- Swear the oath of allegiance to Latvian Republic.
Reasons for denial in citizenship granting:
- A person was a member of Communist Party of Latvia or International Workers’ Front;
- A person is a member of armed or state bodies of other country;
- A person participated in demonstrations against the Latvian independence or expresses ideas of totalitarianism and communism;
- A person was convicted of criminal offences;
- A person failed to meet their tax obligations to Latvian state.
