Residence permits for spouses in Latvia: what changed on 15 September 2026

Latvia's new Immigration Law has been in force since 15 September 2026, and one of the most notable changes concerns families. Previously, a foreign spouse of a Latvian citizen, a Latvian non-citizen or a foreign national holding a permanent residence permit received a one-year temporary residence permit on their first application. The law now allows that first permit to be issued for up to two years.

For families, this is more than a change to a number. If a spouse receives a two-year residence permit in Latvia, preparations for the next application can begin later than with an initial one-year permit. This brings greater predictability during the first years of life in Latvia. Another important benefit remains: this type of permit gives the spouse unrestricted employment rights in Latvia.

What exactly changed on 15 September 2026

The previous Immigration Law set out a fixed sequence: a spouse received a temporary residence permit for one year on the first application and for four years on the second, then could move towards permanent status if the requirements were met.

The new law has changed that sequence. A spouse of a Latvian citizen, a Latvian non-citizen or a foreign national holding a permanent residence permit in Latvia can now receive a temporary residence permit for up to two years.

If you submitted your temporary residence permit documents before the new law came into force, they will be considered under the previous rules. Permits already issued do not automatically become two-year permits either.

Who the new rule applies to

The change is particularly relevant to nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who are married to:

• a Latvian citizen;
• a Latvian non-citizen;
• a foreign national who already holds a permanent residence permit in Latvia.

If the applicant spouse is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, a different procedure for arranging residence in Latvia may apply. Before applying, it is therefore important to establish which rules apply to your family.

If the sponsoring spouse holds a temporary residence permit, different provisions govern family members' residence. We discuss the various grounds in our article on residence permits for spouses and children in Latvia.

The key condition: a genuine family, not a marriage on paper

The new law expressly makes this permit conditional on the spouses living together and sharing a household. The marriage certificate remains a key document, but the application process also examines the circumstances of the couple's family life.

In practice, the information in your documents should match your actual situation: your residential address, family details, financial support, application forms and other documents should present a clear and consistent picture.

Why a first permit for up to two years instead of one matters for families

• Less administration at the start of your stay. If the permit is issued for two years, you do not need to prepare the next residence permit application after just one year.
• More stability for the family. It is easier to plan work, housing rental, children's education and everyday life.
• Greater simplicity for employers. A spouse with this permit has unrestricted employment rights, and their residence is not based on a job with one particular employer.
• More time to prepare the next application. You still need to keep track of the deadlines stated in the decision and your documents.
• Better long-term planning. The family can plan ahead for a more stable residence status in Latvia.

Can you work with this residence permit?

Yes. Under the new Immigration Law, a foreign national may work without restrictions if they have received a temporary residence permit as the spouse of a Latvian citizen, a Latvian non-citizen or a permanent residence permit holder. This right also existed under the previous rules.

It is one of the most practical benefits of residence based on family ties. Once the relevant status and employment rights have been granted, the spouse can work in Latvia. Their residence permit is not tied to a particular employer. For the family, this means greater freedom when changing jobs and choosing a career.

What to check when preparing your documents

The exact document package depends on the applicant's nationality, the country where the documents were issued and the family's circumstances. The following documents and requirements usually need attention:

• the applicant's valid passport;
• a marriage certificate prepared in a form accepted in Latvia;
• an apostille or legalisation, if required for documents from the country concerned;
• translations of foreign documents, where needed;
• evidence that you have sufficient funds to live in Latvia;
• evidence of accommodation;
• a criminal record certificate, where required;
• preparation of the residence permit sponsorship request and application forms under the applicable procedure;
• health insurance and other documents, if required in the particular case.

What happens after two years?

A two-year permit is still a temporary residence permit. It does not automatically turn into permanent status. The next steps depend on the length and continuity of lawful residence, financial support and other requirements.

The new law provides a general route to a permanent residence permit after five years of continuous lawful residence, subject to the relevant conditions. These include sufficient financial means, Latvian language proficiency at least at A2 level and completion of a course on Latvia's culture and history. You should establish in advance which requirements and any exemptions apply to you. It is therefore best to start planning for long-term residence from your first permit.

How NBC.LV helps arrange a residence permit for your spouse

1. We check the status of the spouse already living in Latvia and identify the correct basis for residence.
2. We assess whether the new duration of up to two years applies to your situation.
3. We review the marriage certificate and explain apostille, legalisation and translation requirements.
4. We prepare a document checklist tailored to your circumstances rather than a generic template.
5. We help you prepare the evidence of financial support and accommodation correctly.
6. We prepare application forms, statements and other necessary documents.
7. We assist with the residence permit sponsorship request and submission of the documents.
8. We help respond to additional requests from the migration authority, if any arise.
9. After a positive decision, we advise on obtaining the residence permit card and the next steps.

If you are planning to arrange a residence permit for your spouse, contact NBC.LV about family reunification in Latvia. We will review your situation and explain which documents to start with.

Arranging a residence permit for family reunification in Latvia

Legal basis and sources

This article is based on the legislation of the Republic of Latvia current as of 22 September 2026.

• Latvia's current Immigration Law, including its transitional provisions.
• The previous Immigration Law, used to compare residence permit procedures.