EU Long-Term Resident Status in Latvia in 2026
Latvia's new Immigration Law effective 15 September 2026 leaves EU long-term resident status as the general permanent-residence status.
PMLP says at least 5 years of temporary residence is now mandatory before permanent status. Its EU long-term resident guidance also requires continuous lawful residence, subject to permitted absence rules.
Applicants must show stable and regular means and Latvian-language knowledge of at least A2 level.
The status is not automatic. Temporary investor, startup, self-employed, employment or remote-work status should not be described as automatic permanent residence.
Official guidance: PMLP EU long-term resident status and new-law update.
Related: Latvia immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- PMLP — EU long-term resident statusgovernment · accessed 2026-09-23
- PMLP — New Immigration Law changesgovernment · accessed 2026-09-23