Latvian Citizenship Through Ancestry
Bordered by the Baltic Sea and known for its dense forests, historic capital of Riga, and strong cultural traditions, Latvia has long punched above its weight in European history.
But Latvia’s past is also marked by upheaval. During the 20th century, Soviet occupation and war forced many Latvians to flee their homeland with no way to return. Today, the Latvian government offers two legal paths to reclaim citizenship and restore what was interrupted by history.
If your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent left Latvia under these conditions, or if you have an earlier Latvian ancestor and can prove language fluency, you may be eligible to restore your citizenship.
Eligible Generations
Great-grandparents or more
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
Some cases
A path back to the place your family once called home.
Latvian citizenship by descent offers a way to reclaim legal status, preserve cultural identity, and open new opportunities across the EU.
Why Does Latvia Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Throughout the 20th century, many Latvians were displaced by conflict, occupation, or fear of persecution. To acknowledge this history, Latvia offers two pathways for descendants of those citizens.
This process reflects Latvia’s recognition of the global Latvian diaspora and its effort to legally reconnect families with their national heritage.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify for Latvian citizenship if you can answer yes to one of the following:
- Do you have a direct ancestor who left Latvia between 1940 and 1990?
- Do you have a direct ancestor who lived in Latvia between 1881 and 1940?
AND
Can you prove Latvian ethnicity and fluency in the Latvian language?
Not sure if this applies? Take the assessment to find out:
Want to find if you are eligible for Latvian Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Latvian Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
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Get the Latvian citizenship guide
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Frequently asked questions
Does Latvia have citizenship by descent?
Yes, Latvia offers citizenship by descent to individuals who can prove direct ancestry from Latvian citizens. This includes descendants of Latvian nationals who held citizenship before June 17, 1940—the date of Soviet occupation. Latvian law recognizes both bloodline (jus sanguinis) and exile-based descent, particularly for families displaced by war, persecution, or occupation.
Who is eligible for Latvian citizenship by descent?
You may be eligible for Latvian citizenship by descent if one of your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents was a Latvian citizen before 1940 and lost citizenship due to emigration, deportation, or political upheaval. Eligibility is especially strong for descendants of Latvians who fled the Soviet or Nazi regimes between 1940 and 1990. In addition, individuals of Latvian or Livonian ethnic origin may apply, even if no formal citizenship was recorded, as long as sufficient ancestral and cultural ties can be documented.
How can I get citizenship in Latvia?
To acquire Latvian citizenship by descent, you must submit an application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia or through a Latvian embassy abroad. You must provide documents such as your ancestor’s proof of citizenship before 1940, along with birth and marriage records linking each generation down to you. If approved, you are registered as a Latvian citizen and can then apply for a Latvian passport. The process can take several months and Citizenship.EU can help from beginig to end
Can I get Latvian citizenship through a grandparent?
Yes, you can obtain Latvian citizenship if one of your grandparents was a Latvian citizen before the Soviet occupation in 1940. You must prove this lineage with official documents such as birth, marriage, and citizenship records. Latvia recognizes descent through both maternal and paternal lines, and the law does not require you to have been born in Latvia or to speak the Latvian language if applying by descent. The process involves gathering generational records and submitting them through OCMA or a consulate, and Citizenship.EU can assist you from beginning to end.
Can Jewish descendants apply for Latvian citizenship by descent?
Yes, Jewish descendants of Latvian citizens who were displaced during the Holocaust or Soviet occupation may qualify for citizenship by descent. Latvian law recognizes that many Jewish citizens lost their nationality involuntarily during the 20th century. To apply, you’ll need to prove your ancestor’s pre-1940 Latvian citizenship and establish a clear line of descent. This often requires careful archival research and documentation. Citizenship.EU can assess your eligibility and connect you with professionals who specialize in complex ancestry cases, including Jewish heritage applications.
Does Latvia allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Latvia allows dual citizenship for individuals acquiring it through descent. If you become a Latvian citizen by ancestry, you can usually retain your current nationality, provided your home country also permits it. This is particularly beneficial for members of the Latvian diaspora in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. Citizenship.EU can determine if you qualify for dual citizenship and refer you to experts who can guide you through the process.
How can Citizenship.EU help me with Latvian citizenship by descent?
Yes, Latvia allows dual citizenship for individuals acquiring it through descent. If you become a Latvian citizen by ancestry, you can usually retain your current nationality, provided your home country also permits it. This is particularly beneficial for members of the Latvian diaspora in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. Citizenship.EU can determine if you qualify for dual citizenship and refer you to experts who can guide you through the process.
Can I pass Latvian citizenship to my children if I acquire it by descent?
Yes, once you are granted Latvian citizenship by descent, you can typically pass it to your children, especially if they are minors at the time of your recognition. Children born after you become a Latvian citizen are usually eligible automatically. However, adults may need to apply separately, depending on their circumstances and whether they were born before your own citizenship was confirmed. Citizenship.EU can help assess your family’s eligibility and refer you to professionals who can guide you through the process for your children as well.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
