Over 800 Russians Lose Residence Permits in Latvia

The Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) published updated residence permit statistics, revealing that 841 Russian citizens have lost their legal status after failing to comply with the country’s new regulations.

In the summer of 2024, Latvia introduced amendments requiring Russian nationals to prove their Latvian language skills and reapply for residency. These changes applied even to third-country nationals with permanent resident status. The government set June 30, 2025, as the final deadline for reapplication. After that date, permits expired if new documents were not submitted. As a result, these individuals no longer have the legal right to reside in Latvia. The deadline for voluntary departure has been set for October 13, 2025. After this, deportation procedures may apply.

Grace Period and Language Exams
A transition period is in place for applicants who took the state language exam at least once before June 16, 2025, and registered for a retake by September 30. These individuals can apply for EU permanent resident status by October 31. While their application is under review—potentially for up to a year—their current residence permit remains valid. This gives a reprieve to those who failed the language exam on the first attempt.

Prior Notification and Responsibility

PMLP emphasized that affected residents were properly notified in advance via the agency’s website and individual communications. Authorities stress that the responsibility for timely document submission lies solely with the applicant. Failure to act automatically results in the loss of residency.

While alternative types of residence permits (e.g., for work, education, or family reunification) remain available, such applications are treated as entirely new cases. Former residents may re-enter, but it will become significantly more difficult. From September 2025, Latvia plans to tighten entry requirements for third-country nationals without Latvian visas or residence permits. They will need to submit personal data, travel purpose, itinerary, and destination details at least 48 hours in advance. They must also disclose contacts in Latvia and any relatives who previously held political, military, or government positions.

Stricter Border Rules and Migration Control

The upcoming rules primarily affect those holding visas or residence permits from other Schengen or EU countries. Diplomatic visitors and those on official short-term business with supporting documentation are exempt.



In September 2023, Latvia decided to indefinitely close the Silene border crossing due to illegal migration from Belarus. From March 19, 2025, the government also restricted operations at three other checkpoints—Paternieki, Terehova, and Grebneva—which may now only be crossed by vehicle.

These measures show Latvia’s shift from formal EU-wide migration policy to tighter national control. Residence permits and visas issued by other EU countries are no longer accepted without additional scrutiny. This marks a practical departure from Schengen reciprocity and highlights growing fragmentation within the zone. The harshest restrictions in recent years have targeted citizens of Russia and Belarus.