The Saeima has changed the procedure for extending temporary...

LATVIA – Saeima Press Service (22/09/2022)

According to Saeima Press Service, the Saeima supported in the second and final reading urgent amendments to the Immigration Act, changing the procedure for issuing and extending temporary residence permits for citizens of Russia and Belarus.

The amendments no longer allow the extension of temporary residence permits for Russian and Belarusian citizens who have received a residence permit on the basis of an investment or the purchase of real estate in Latvia. In addition, Russian citizens will not be eligible for a remote work visa.

There are also exceptions, namely a temporary residence permit may be granted on the basis of family reunification, international protection, public interest or humanitarian considerations. The law envisages that the scope of restrictions for Belarusian nationals will be less extensive.

However, permanent residence permits for Russian citizens who were Latvian citizens or non-citizens prior to obtaining Russian citizenship will be valid until 1 September 2023. After that, if they wish to obtain a new residence permit, they will have to provide proof of proficiency in the state language by the end of the relevant period, as stipulated by law.

The amendments were introduced in response to the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, as well as individual and economic sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia and Belarus. Earlier, the Saeima had already decided to temporarily suspend the granting of temporary residence permits to Russian and Belarusian citizens.

As stated in the explanatory note to the draft law, due to the severity of the situation and risks associated with immigration of Russian and Belarusian citizens to Latvia, the extension of previously issued temporary residence permits under the general procedure is unjustified.

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