Latvia

The new regulations adopted by the Saeima of Latvia as amendments to the Law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine include the following:

Requirement to learn the state language.

For citizens of Ukraine, an obligation is introduced to master the Latvian language at least at the basic A2 level within 2 years after obtaining the temporary protection status. In accordance with paragraph 43 of the transitional provisions of the Law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine, the two-year period for learning the language for citizens of Ukraine who have applied for or have obtained the temporary protection status by 31.12.2025 begins on January 1, 2026, and therefore the requirement to take the A2 level exam for this group of persons will come into effect on January 1, 2028.

For the performance of professional and official duties, language requirements will apply for a five-year period to the extent determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia.

Loss of temporary protection status.

The status may be lost if the person who holds it visits the Russian Federation or the territories of Ukraine occupied by it after January 2, 2026. Trips made before this date are not subject to the rule. The updated Law does not provide for exceptions, but each case may be considered individually in accordance with Latvia’s international obligations.

Accommodation and food.

Persons in need of assistance will be provided with:

• housing – up to 60 days,
• food – up to 30 days.

Households hosting Ukrainians are provided with compensation for up to 60 days.

For 9 vulnerable groups defined in the law, housing support and compensation may be provided for up to 180 days with the possibility of extension for another 180 days after the municipality verifies the relevant needs.

These forms of support will be valid until December 31, 2026.

Transport benefits.

• Ukrainian citizens will have the same discounts on travel on subsidized regional routes as those established for relevant categories of passengers in Latvia (children, people with disabilities, etc.).

Healthcare.

• Access to state medical services is maintained to the same extent as for persons insured under the mandatory state health insurance system.
• Mandatory payment of a patient contribution is introduced, except for groups that are currently exempt from co-payment (children, pregnant women, patients with certain diagnoses, etc.).

Veterinary requirements.

• Owners or keepers of animals imported into Latvia together with citizens of Ukraine will independently cover the costs of registration and mandatory veterinary procedures.
• From 2026, the responsibility for the animals’ compliance with sanitary requirements lies entirely with the owners.

Employment and grants.

No longer provided:

• benefits or grants for starting a job or self-employment;
• research and academic grants, including research scholarships.

Access to the services of the State Employment Agency (NVA) is maintained.

Travel documents.

• Expired Ukrainian travel documents will be considered valid in Latvia until March 4, 2027.

You can apply for temporary protection at any territorial division of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or at state and municipal single customer service centres outside Riga. Residence permits in Latvia are issued for the period of 3 years.

You must show the identity documents you have – foreign passport, ID card, domestic passport. If you do not have any of the above documents, you must apply to the Ukrainian Embassy for a certificate proving your identity. ⁠Here you can find the link to a completed application form for a residence permit.

Latvia is providing Ukrainians with 60 days of free accommodation and 30 days of free meals. Vulnerable categories of people have the right to housing for the period of 180 days which might be extended following the needs evaluation. Ukrainians whose housing costs exceed their income, or whose income does not fully cover housing costs, may apply for housing assistance. 

If you need to go back to Ukraine for reasons for a short time for instance for family visits, to collect papers or to rescue family members, you don’t lose your temporary protection status. Any short visit to Ukraine should not be considered by Latvia as a decision to return voluntarily before the temporary protection ends. This means that a short trip back to Ukraine shouldn’t lead to the revocation of the residence permit and loss of other rights attached to temporary protection status.

Please note that making trips to the Russian Federation and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine after January 1, 2026 will result into revoking your temporary protection status.

You can receive social benefits in accordance with the Latvian Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians as long as you are receiving temporary protection in Latvia. You may not be able to receive social benefits if you are outside the country until you return back to Latvia.

It is not required to report your return to Ukraine, if you plan to return to Latvia. If you do not plan to return to Latvia, then you may submit an application for termination of temporary protection in Latvia. Even though you may reapply for temporary protection after its termination under mentioned circumstances, it is advised to apply for termination of temporary protection only if you are confident about your permanent return to Ukraine.

In Latvia you can terminate your status in any branch of The Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs, as well as in Unified State and Municipal Customer Service Centres. If you are provided with a digital signature in Latvia, you can sign and fill the form online and send it to the Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs to [email protected].

You can terminate your temporary protection in Latvia from Ukraine in the embassy/consulate of the Republic of Latvia.  

Documents that can be used to enter Ukraine:

• Biometric passport (passport for traveling abroad)
• Diplomatic or service passport
• Valid child’s travel document
• Crew member ID card/seaman ID card
• Certificate for return to Ukraine

If your biometric passport has expired, you can extend it at the Ukrainian embassy in Latvia.

Please note that Ukrainian men aged 18-60 years of age may not be able to obtain a passport or certain consular services abroad without an updated military booklet. For information on the latest procedures for men to renew or obtain their identity documentation while abroad, please check the clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

If you left Ukraine with an internal passport (book-shaped) or ID card, you can still return to Ukraine. To do so, obtain a certificate for return to Ukraine from the Ukrainian embassy in Latvia (the certificate is issued on the same day).

In principle, citizens of Ukraine cannot be denied entry to Ukraine.

Be cautious of people who offer you help but cannot provide you with official documentation to identify themselves and their organization. Keep your personal information and documents safe and confidential. If you feel that you are in danger, call emergency number 112.

To report a suspected case of human trafficking you also reach out to 24/7 Hotline (+371) 28612120.

You should inform the school principal that you are withdrawing the enrollment of your child and inform where the child will be enrolled. Ask for an official document acknowledging your child’s educational achievement that will facilitate recognition of the qualifications in Ukraine. More information on what information the document should include can be found on the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science’s webpage.

Usually, children are left in the care of grandparents, sisters or brothers, in other words, close relatives. However, if such decision is not legally authorized, it affects both the children and the relatives who take care of the children. Without a legal representative, children will not be able to access medical, education, social and other services. Therefore, it is important to establish the guardianship of the child before leaving for a longer period to live and work in another country. For additional information please refer to Ukraine to Latvia quide, or consult with the Orphan’s and Custody Court of the municipality where the parents or appointed guardians reside.

Citizens of Ukraine cannot be denied entry to Ukraine under no circumstances. Children are subject to the same entry and exit control as adults. Please refer to State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for detailed information. Those crossing the border should have a passport or other document confirming their identity or at least a birth certificate. Children can cross the border with a birth certificate issued abroad.

In case there are no documents, in all countries apart from those where consular relations are ceased (i.e. Russian Federation), children would need to be assisted in obtaining a return certificate based on any documents that can confirm connection to Ukraine (and possessing its citizenship). Consulates may issue a return certificate based on copies of documents.

If a child is entering alone or with a non-parent adult, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine shall contact local child protection services, unless they have information about parents awaiting the child. It is advised to inform the Border Guard post that the parent is expecting the child on the Ukrainian side of the border in advance.

Please note that a child should also meet the exit requirements of the host country – please contact your local Ukrainian consulate to ask for information and get the required documents for return. In some cases, a birth certificate cannot be used as a travel document.

You can receive copies of your medical records from your health clinic in Latvia. The copies of medical records are issued according to the procedures detailed in the rulebook of your health clinic. The service might involve a fee.

A disability status obtained in Ukraine cannot be recognised in Latvia. A person need to undergo disability assessment in Latvia to be able to receive disability allowance. Disability assessment is carried out by the State Commission of Doctors for Health and Work Ability Expertise. Disability status is issued for the residence permit’ validity period. You can read more about disability assessment, disability allowance, and apply for disability allowance at the State Social Insurance Agency.

You will need to obtain a disability certificate issued in Ukraine. It can be done on arrival or remotely – please check the instructions on the governmental portal. 

Please note that even if your disability certificate obtained in Ukraine has expired, the document is automatically extended and is considered valid until 6 months after the end of martial law in Ukraine.

If you were an employee in Latvia, you do not need to declare your income and submit a declaration. If you were self-employed, please check the guidance and tax requirements from State Revenue Service. At the Unified Customer Service Centre for the provision of state and municipal services, Ukrainian citizens can receive a video consultation from an employee of the State Revenue Service on tax issues.

If you decide to relocate back to Ukraine and will no longer utilize your bank account in Latvia, it is advisable to inform the bank accordingly. If there is no activity on the account for a period of time, the bank may choose to close it.

Please note that each bank prepares its own general terms and conditions of the contract, with which the client must be introduced before signing the contract. It is in accordance with the provisions of this contract that legal relations between the payment service provider and the client are concluded, executed and terminated. In general, you should have access to your account as long as your residence permit is valid.

During the martial law in Ukraine the procedure of entry with pets is simplified.  The pet must have:

• An identification document issued by the EU member state – pet passport or international veterinary certificate.
• Microchip
• Vaccination against rabies.

For more information, please visit State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Please also contact your local veterinarian to learn about the requirements for pet transportation within EU.

You can find the official information on car registration in Latvia at the link. Ukrainian citizens can use their vehicles registered in Ukraine for three months from the date of entry without registering the vehicle in Latvia.

If a vehicle registered in Ukraine will be used in Latvia for more than three months, it may be temporarily registered for a period of up to 3 years to a Ukrainian citizen without a certificate of conformity. Aftre temporary registration procedure a vehicle is issued with license plates and a Latvian registration certificate.

When registering a vehicle previously registered in Ukraine (temporarily or permanently), the import of the vehicle must be processed in accordance with the procedure specified by customs legislation. In order to register a vehicle with the Road Traffic Safety Department, it must first be cleared by customs. You will need to submit a customs declaration to customs.

Driving licenses issued in Ukraine are valid for driving all categories of vehicles specified in them in Latvia for the period of temporary protection duration (currently, until 4th of March 2027). The Ukrainian licenses do not need to be exchanged for Latvian driving licenses.

The provisions of paragraph 1 of the first part of Article 22 of the Road Traffic Law do not apply to obtaining the right to drive vehicles. That is, the rule that a person must be a permanent resident of Latvia to obtain a driving license does not apply.

On January 27, 2026, the Latvian government approved an agreement between Latvia and Ukraine on mutual recognition and exchange of driving licenses. This agreement allows to exchange Ukrainian driving licenses for Latvian ones without taking exams. This applies to citizens of Ukraine who permanently reside or stay in Latvia for a long time.