Latvia: Wide-ranging Reforms Include Changing Temporary Residence Permit Grant Periods, Ending Two Residence-by-Investment Pathways
October 27, 2026
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At a Glance
Effective September 15, 2026, Latvia implemented multiple immigration reforms, including the following:
- Temporary residence permits are now granted for a specific period, with the validity of the residence permit card corresponding to that period;
- Changes to the country’s residence-by-investment programs; and
- Self-employed individuals are no longer eligible for temporary residence permits.
These changes are meant to address a fragmented immigration system that needed simplification and modernization, and to ensure that the residence permit programs remain relevant and effective.
The situation
Effective September 15, 2026, Latvia implemented multiple immigration reforms for temporary residence permits (TRPs) and other programs.
A closer look
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TRP durations. TRPs are now granted for a specific period that matches the residence card validity; previously, they were granted for five years regardless of residence card validity. Further, the requirement for annual registration of the residence card has been eliminated. |
Many TRP holders will need to submit a new TRP application more frequently if their TRP validity needs to be extended. This adds administrative complexity to some foreign nationals’ stays. |
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Residence-by-investment pathway changes.
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These changes narrow the options available for foreign nationals interested in Latvian residence-by-investment. Two whole options have been removed; and a third is now less attractiveness (given a significantly reduced validity period). Meanwhile, the creation of the new pathway only partially offsets the generally restrictive pivot. |
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Self-employment and individual merchant TRP routes abolished.
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This reform effectively removes self-employment as an immigration pathway in Latvia. |
Other reforms include:
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- More relaxed permanent residence status. The country's two permanent residence statuses have been merged into one category called a “permanent residence permit”. This means that all newly issued permanent residence permits will be EU long-term residence permits, providing increased mobility rights within the European Union; whereas previously this was only available for one of the two permanent residence statuses. Additionally, all applicants now only need to demonstrate financial standing via savings rather than regular income; whereas previously, applications for one of the permanent residence statuses required proof of regular income.
- Stricter compliance checks. Sponsorship applications by staffing agencies and employers recruiting foreign nationals for certain lower-skilled occupations may now be refused if the sponsor has been established for less than six months, is an inactive taxpayer, or has breached Latvian tax rules.
- Standard government processing times. Total government processing times – including where authorities extend the processing time – may not exceed four months from receipt of the documents; whereas previously the processing period could be extended multiple times, with the overall processing period reaching up to one year (where further assessment was necessary, including security checks).
- Integration rule change. From December 31, 2027, foreign nationals whose TRP, or consecutive TRPs, have a total validity period of at least 18 months will be required to satisfy Latvian integration requirements (namely, Latvian language skills and knowledge of Latvian history and culture). Currently, such requirements only apply for permanent residence permit holders.
The new law also addresses a number of less fundamental issues, including stricter document language requirements, revised notification obligations and other procedural changes intended to make the immigration framework clearer and more efficient.
Background
The government’s stated rationale for the reform is that years of amendments, including those implementing successive EU directives, had left Latvia’s immigration framework fragmented and difficult to navigate. It also considered the existing TRP system in need of simplification and modernization, and sought to reassess whether established residence permit programs remained relevant and effective.
With more foreign nationals residing in Latvia for longer periods, the government saw a need for earlier integration. It also sought to prevent the misuse of Latvian immigration routes to supply labor in other EU Member States while circumventing applicable tax and employment requirements, and to ensure that sponsors remain responsible for the foreign nationals they sponsor.
Looking ahead
Relatedly, Latvia is currently developing a unified national online service platform that would allow online submission of residence permit applications. The expected date of full implementation remains unclear. We will report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
