Residence permit
A foreign national needs to apply for a residence permit if he/she wishes to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance. A residence permit allows a foreigner to conduct business, study , work as an employee or a self-employed person, to use medical and other public services. It also entitles a person to travel freely in the territory of the Schengen Agreement member states for a time period not exceeding three months in any half year.
Temporary residence permit is primarily applied for at consular representations of Latvia abroad. It is issued for a period of time from 1 to 5 years (depending on the reason of application) and can be prolonged after expiry. After 5 years you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
See detailed information for each case on Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs web-site.
Citizenship of Latvia
Citizenship of Latvia is at the same time the citizenship of European Union. Thus Latvian
citizens can enjoy all the same rights as citizens of EU except the right for work in some
countries but this limitation will also be eliminated in the coming years. Latvian citizenship can be obtained through naturalization by a person who has permanently and legally resided in Latvia for at least 5 years, has successfully passed naturalization test and denounced his/her former citizenship.
About 16% (372, 421) of Latvian permanent residents possess a specific status known as Aliens.
Latvian Language
You can learn to speak basic Latvian in 7-9 months. The length of time needed for advanced studies depends on your needs and how much you practice. | 
Latvia
