AFORTIS Group

‼️Important updates are on the horizon for Latvia’s immigration rules. The Cabinet of Ministers has supported key amendments to the Immigration Law, which are now under consideration in the Saeima. Here are the main points you should know:

Part 1.

1. Job Loss ≠ Automatic Revocation of a Residence Permit
Foreign workers now will have a protected period to seek new employment:
Up to 3 months — the standard unemployment period.
Up to 6 months — if the employee has resided in Latvia for more than 2 years on a work-based residence permit.
An additional 3 months — for workers employed in arduous or hazardous conditions.

Holders of an EU Blue Card will be also protected during periods of illness, parental leave, or while awaiting a decision from another EU country.

2. Simplified Document Submission Process
Documents will be possible to submit:
Online via the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) platform (using an e-signature), even while outside Latvia.
Through authorized external service providers (outsourcing).
In person at the PMLP, if the individual is legally present in Latvia.
This will reduce the need for personal visits and shortens queues.

3. Clear Deadlines for Correcting Errors
If the application package is incomplete, the applicant will be given 14 days to rectify the deficiencies (with the possibility of an extension). This will make the procedure more transparent and predictable.

4. Changes for Students
A residence permit obtained on the basis of studies or an internship no longer grants the right to apply for permanent residence (PR) during its validity period. To transition to permanent residence, the legal basis must be changed (e.g., to employment or family reunification).

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