Citizenship Law

Citizenship Law was adopted on 21 July 1994. In enhancing its citizenship legislation, Latvia took into account recommendations of international human rights organisations such as the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. These organisations have acknowledged that Latvia's citizenship legislation corresponds to the general norms of democracy and human rights. Several amendments to the Law have been made in consultation with experts from the OSCE and the Council of Europe. The latest amendments, affirmed by the people of Latvia at a referendum in 1998, led to the law being further liberalised.

The fundamental principles of the Law on Citizenship are based on the restoration of Latvia’s independence and the principle of legal continuity. Consequently, holders of Latvian citizenship prior to 17 June 1940 and their descendants were granted citizenship automatically (including the representatives of national minorities) after the decision of 15 October 1991 of the Supreme Council.

Addressing the issue of the status of persons, or descendants of persons who arrived in Latvia voluntarily or under compulsion as the result of policy of the Soviet Union, the Law on Citizenship determines the naturalisation procedure by which all permanent residents of Latvia may become citizens and establishes the requirements that applicants for citizenship need to fulfil in order to participate fully in national public life.