Latvian Passport: Requirements, Application Steps, Costs & More

Welcome to the world of Latvian passports, where we delve into the need-to-know aspects of this essential travel document. A Latvian passport is issued by the Republic of Latvia to its citizens. This highly valued document enables Latvian passport holders to travel visa-free to a selection of countries and offers the benefit of living in an affordable European country.

In this guide you will learn about:

• Overview of the Latvia passport
• Benefits of the Latvia passport
• Visa free countries for the Latvian passport
• How to get a Latvian passport
• The Latvian citizenship test
• Latvian passport price
• Document requirements for the Latvia passport
• Latvia passport application process
• Processing time for the Latvian passport
• Renewing a Latvian passport
• Dual citizenship in Latvia

Latvia Passport Overview

Latvian passports (Latvijas pilsoņa pase) are issued to Latvian citizens for identification and international travel. While obtaining a passport is mandatory at age 15, parents can request one for younger children if required for international travel purposes.

Types of Latvian passports

There are three types of Latvian passports issued to citizens, including:

• Standard passport: Citizen passports are issued to Latvian citizens for international travel and identification after the age of 15 and is valid for ten years.
• Diplomatic passport: Issued to those that represent Latvian diplomatic missions, including government officials and ambassadors.
• Service passport: Provided to Latvian government employees who travel abroad for work purposes.

Latvia passport ranking

Based on the Global Passport Ranking from Global Citizen Solutions, the Latvian passport ranks 43^rd out of 199 passports worldwide. Here is how the ranking is broken down:

• Investment index: Ranks 57^th based on how the Latvian economy ranks regarding investment opportunities.
• Quality of living index: Ranks 37^th based on factors including cost of living, freedom, sustainable development, happiness, environmental performance, and migrant acceptance.
• Enhance mobility index: Ranks 39^th based on the travel benefits of each passport, including how many visa free countries the passport can travel to.

Latvia Passport Benefits

EU membership

Latvia is part of the European Union; this awards Latvian nationals with all the rights of being an EU member. This includes freedom of movement throughout the EU, with the right to live, work, and study in all EU countries.

Visa free travel

The Latvian passport visa free countries include over 100 countries across the globe. This includes popular destinations like Japan, Australia, Canada, and the UK.

Access to healthcare

Latvia has a growing private healthcare system with lower prices than certain countries in western Europe. However, because Latvia is part of the European Union, you can access healthcare at some of the top healthcare countries in the world with ease.

Access to education

As a member of the EU, Latvian passport holders have access to a fantastic range of education options, with top universities and private international schools.

Ease of travel

Latvia has an excellent range of transport links with other EU member states, making getting around simple and convenient. Plus, with an EU passport, travel is even easier.

Latvia Passport Free Countries

Here is a list of visa free countries for Latvia passport holders:

How to Get a Latvian Passport

To obtain a Latvian passport, you first need to become a Latvian citizen. There are four routes to obtaining Latvian citizenship, namely descent, naturalization, marriage, and investment. Each of these routes has its own requirements that must be met, so let’s have a look at what each requires.

Latvia citizenship by descent

To qualify for Latvian citizenship by descent, you must have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who is/was a Latvian citizen. If you were born to a Latvian parent, or you can provide sufficient proof of your grandparent/great-grandparent being a Latvian citizen, then you may apply for Latvian citizenship by descent.

You will be required to submit the following documents to the OCMA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs):

• Application form
• Personal identification document
• Birth certificate
• Family documents proving that your ancestors were Latvian citizens (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers, address registration, etc.)

Important to note: Requesting documents from the relevant authorities can take time and there is generally an additional fee.

Latvia citizenship by naturalization

To obtain Latvian citizenship by naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 15 years or older
• Have lived in Latvian territory continuously for five years with a permanent residence permit. Generally, only granted after living for five years on a temporary residence permit.
• Passed exams on naturalization
• Able to support yourself financially
• Able to renounce your initial citizenship if there is no dual citizenship agreement between Latvia and your home country.

Latvia citizenship by marriage

To obtain Latvian citizenship by marriage, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be married to a Latvian citizen for a minimum of ten years
• Submit your marriage certificate proving your relationship with the Latvian citizen
• Have lived in Latvia for a minimum of five consecutive years

Becoming a Latvian citizen by marriage is a form of naturalization and, as such, requires you to prove your proficiency in the Latvian language.

Latvia Residency by Investment (Golden Visa)

The Latvian citizenship by investment route, also known as the Latvian Golden Visa, is a popular way for investors to become Latvian citizens. If you wish to pursue this route, you must invest in one of the following:

• Real estate: Invest a minimum of €250,000 in property. The property must have a cadastral value of at least €80,000. Additional government fees apply (approximately 5% of the property value).
• Bank deposit: Deposit at least €280,000 in a Latvian bank for at least five years. A government fee of €25,000 applies.
• Business investment: Invest €50,000 in a capital company with fewer than 50 employees and an annual budget under €10 million OR invest €100,000 in a larger company with more than 50 employees and an annual budget over €10 million. There is an additional state fee of €10,000.
• Government bonds: Investors may also choose to purchase government bonds for a minimum of €250,000. This investment can be drawn out after five years. An additional €38,000 state fee is required.

The Latvian Golden Visa grants a temporary residence visa for five years, after which investors can apply for permanent residency in Latvia for a further five years. Once the ten years are complete one can apply for Latvian citizenship if the requirements have been met.

Document Requirements for the Latvia Passport

You will need the following documents to apply for a Latvian passport:

• Proof of Latvian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
• Valid Latvian ID card
• Passport photos
• Marriage certificate (if changing name)
• Birth certificate (minor)
• Parental consent from both a child’s parents (minor)

Latvia Passport Application Process

Step one: Gather required documents

It is essential that you have all the required documents on hand to provide alongside your application.

Step two: Submit application

If you are in Latvia, you can apply directly to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). If you are outside Latvia, you can take the application to your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate. You can make an appointment using the online e-booking system.

Step three: Pay the fees

You will need to pay the Latvian passport fees at the time of applying for your passport.

Step four: Passport collection

Depending on which options (normal or fast track), you can expect your passport in about two to ten days, depending on the backlog.

Latvia Passport Processing Time

The processing time for the Latvian passport varies, depending on which route you take. For applications within Latvia there is a normal and a fast-track option. The normal route takes around ten days, while the fast track can take just two days before you get your passport.

For applications outside of Latvia it will depend on your local Latvian consulate or embassy. Each will have its own processing time and varying fees.

The Latvian Citizenship Test

It’s important to know that there is a Latvian citizenship test that is also known as the citizenship by naturalization exam. You will be tested on the following:

• Latvian language proficiency
• The basics of Latvian culture and history
• Basics on the Latvian constitution
• Lyrics to the Latvian National Anthem

You can take the test three times and are eligible to retake certain sections if you do not meet the minimum requirements.

Some are exempt from taking the Latvian citizenship exam, including:

• Those that confirmed their knowledge of the Latvian language at a Latvian primary or secondary school.
• Those that completed their higher education in Latvia.
• Those that received a basic education in Latvia.
• Those over 65 are not required to do the written portion of the exam.

Latvia Passport Price

As of 2024, the Latvia passport prices are as follows:

Renewing a Latvian Passport

The Latvian passport is valid for ten years. This means you are required to renew your Latvian passport. The same steps apply when applying for a new passport, however, the documents may differ.

Document requirements

You will need the following documents to renew a Latvian passport:

• Old Latvia passport
• Valid Latvian ID (if the passport is not available)

Latvia Dual Citizenship

If you are a citizen of an EU country, NATO member state, EFTA member state, Australia, Brazil, or New Zealand, you are allowed to retain dual citizenship under the Latvian Citizenship Law.

Latvia generally does not allow dual citizenship unless:

• It was acquired by birth or inheritance.
• There is a special exception granted.

If your country of origin does not permit dual citizenship or is not covered by Latvia’s dual citizenship allowances, you must renounce your other citizenship.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Latvian Passport

Who is eligible for Latvian citizenship?

Anyone is eligible to obtain Latvian citizenship by descent, naturalization, marriage, or investment. In order to qualify for Latvian citizenship, you must meet the requirements of the path you choose, as each of their requirements differs.

What nationality is a Latvian passport?

A Latvian passport is issued to a citizen of Latvia, a Baltic state on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Latvia shares borders with Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, and Russia.

Do Latvians need a visa to enter the USA?

Latvian nationals can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver if they plan to travel to the United States for short-term (90 days or less) leisure or business purposes. Latvians with dual citizenship in the United States or Canada do not need to apply for this waiver or a valid visa. 

How to get a Latvian passport?

You can obtain a Latvian passport by one of the following four means:

• Descent
• Naturalization
• Investment
• Marriage

Each of these routes has different requirements that you must meet in order to obtain a Latvian passport.

How to apply for a Latvian passport?

To apply for a Latvian passport, you must schedule an appointment through the electronic pre-registration system. When attending your appointment, be sure to bring your completed application form for the passport.

Can I reapply for my Latvian passport online?

No, Latvian passports cannot be renewed online. To renew your passport, you must schedule an appointment and visit the nearest Latvian Embassy in person.

How strong is the Latvian passport?

Based on the Global Passport Ranking from Global Citizen Solutions, the Latvian passport ranks 43rd out of 199 passports worldwide. This is based on investment opportunities, quality of life, and enhanced mobility.

What countries can I go to with a Latvian passport?

You travel visa free to over 100 countries with a Latvian passport. Some popular options include Germany, Greece, Ireland, the US, Mexico, the UAE, the UK, and many other countries.

Can I have dual citizenship in Latvia?

You can obtain dual citizenship in Latvia if you are from an EU country, NATO member state, EFTA member state, Australia, Brazil, or New Zealand.