Latvia offers citizenship by descent to descendants of citizens who lived in the country before the Soviet occupation in 1940. For many families, the biggest challenge is proving eligibility through documentation. Latvian authorities require precise records, and applications without a complete paper trail are often delayed. Understanding the Latvian Citizenship law and its specific documentation requirements is crucial to a successful case.
This guide explains which documents are required for Latvian citizenship applications, how to prepare them, and common mistakes to avoid during the application process.
Why Documentation Matters
Latvia’s turbulent history means many records were destroyed or scattered during war and occupation. To prove your right to citizenship, you must establish an unbroken chain linking you to a Latvian citizen before 17 June 1940. Without properly certified and translated records, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) cannot approve your case under Latvian citizenship law.
Core Categories of Documents
- Civil status documents — birth, marriage, and death records.
- Proof of Latvian ancestry — records showing your ancestor’s citizenship status before 1940.
- Identity and legal documents — passports, police clearances, and residence proof if relevant.
Civil Status Documents
Birth Certificates
Applicants for Latvian citizenship must provide their own long-form birth certificate. For descent cases, you also need birth certificates for your parent and grandparent to create the generational link — ensuring your family lineage can be verified.
Marriage Certificates
If names changed through marriage, marriage certificates explain the differences.
Death Certificates
Death certificates may be required if your ancestor has passed away and their birth certificate alone does not complete the chain.
Proof of Latvian Ancestry
Pre-1940 Citizenship
The ancestor must have been a Latvian citizen before the Soviet occupation on 17 June 1940. Acceptable records include:
- Latvian birth certificates.
- Latvian passports issued before 1940.
- Registry extracts confirming citizenship.
Understanding the country’s citizenship law helps ensure these documents meet legal requirements.
Archival Records
If direct civil records are missing, you may need archival documents, such as:
- School enrollment records.
- Military service records.
- Property deeds or tax records.
Identity and Legal Documents
Current Passport
A valid passport is required for identification.
Police Clearance Certificates
Applicants for Latvian citizenship who are over 14 must provide police clearance certificates from their country of residence and any country lived in for more than six months.
Residence Records
For those applying for Latvian citizenship from within Latvia, proof of residence may be required.
Apostilles and Legalization
All foreign records must be legalized with an apostille or consular legalization. Latvia will not accept uncertified foreign documents.
Translation Requirements
All foreign documents must be translated into the Latvian language. Translations must be certified by a sworn translator, as the Latvian language is mandatory in all official government submissions
Common Challenges
- Destroyed records: Many families cannot find pre-1940 documents; archival searches may be required.
- Spelling variations: Names often differ between Latvian, Russian, and German records. Affidavits or supplementary evidence may be needed.
- Processing delays: OCMA cases can take 12–24 months if additional evidence is required.
Example Document Trail
Andris, a U.S. applicant, applies through his grandfather. He provides:
- His own birth certificate.
- His father’s birth and marriage certificates.
- His grandfather’s 1930 Latvian birth certificate.
- His passport and police clearance certificate.
- Apostilles and certified translations for all U.S. records.
This proves an unbroken line from his pre-1940 ancestor to him, strengthening his dual citizenship eligibility within the European Union.
FAQs – Latvian Citizenship by Descent
Do I need pre-1940 records?
Yes. Latvian citizenship is based on descent from pre-1940 citizens.
Can archival records replace birth certificates?
Sometimes, but you will likely need confirmation from OCMA.
Do children need police clearance certificates?
No. Only adults are required.
How recent must civil records be?
Most certificates must be issued within the last six months.
Important Note
Every Latvian citizenship case is different. Even with complete records, approval is not guaranteed. Authorities may request additional evidence, especially in cases of dual citizenship where applicants already hold nationality in other European countries.
We recommend starting with our $250 full service guide and working with a trusted citizenship expert who can review your situation.
Final Checklist: Documents for Latvian Citizenship Applications
- Applicant’s long-form birth certificate
- Parent’s and grandparent’s birth certificates
- Parents’ and grandparents’ marriage certificates (if names changed)
- Ancestor’s pre-1940 Latvian birth certificate or passport
- Archival records (if civil documents missing)
- Death certificates for ancestors (if relevant)
- Applicant’s current passport
- Police clearance certificate(s) (not required for minors)
- Residence proof (if applying inside Latvia)
- Apostilles or consular legalization
- Certified Latvian translations
If you can check every box, you are ready to move forward with your application process. The Latvian government may ask for additional documents, but these will give your application a good foundation. The European Union recognizes dual citizenship for Latvian nationals, offering the benefits of free movement and access across member states.
Ready to learn more about citizenship by descent? See if you qualify with our eligibility assessment, and get one step closer to enjoying the benefits of being an EU citizen.
Your Path to Dual Citizenship in Latvia
Applying for Latvian citizenship can be complex, but with complete records, proper translations, and understanding of citizenship law, your path to reclaiming your heritage is achievable. Whether motivated by identity, family, or opportunity, securing dual citizenship in Latvia allows you to enjoy the rights of one of the European Union’s independent member nations.
Sources
OCMA, “A person who was a citizen of Latvia on 17 June 1940 or their descendant.” Pre-1940 rule, document list, procedure. Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde
OCMA page on descendants who already hold another citizenship. Clarifies alternative route via case law. Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvald