The Republic of Latvia Naturalization Board

On 22 July 1994 the Saeima (the Parliament) of the Republic of Latvia adopted the Law on Citizenship which came into force on 25 August 1994. This statutory instrument is one of the most important steps concerning the alignment of social and legal relations in Latvia after the restoration of Latvia’s independence and an important factor on its way towards integration into the European Union.

The Law on Citizenship is being implemented by the state administrative institution – the Naturalization Board, which was set up on the basis of Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 463 on 18 October 1994. The Naturalization Board works under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and deals with all issues pertaining to citizenship of Latvia, as well as co-ordinates integration process of the society of Latvia within its powers.

The Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Latvia prescribes the level and amount of proficiency in the Latvian language and the knowledge of the basic principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, the text of the national anthem and the history of Latvia necessary for acquisition of Latvian citizenship through naturalization.

The Methodology Sector of the Methodology and Examination Centre of the Naturalization Board is responsible for the content and procedure of testing proficiency in the Latvian Language. Its tasks are as follows:

to develop materials for testing the proficiency of the Latvian language for naturalization (to develop, analyze, summarize materials);
to ensure testing and assessment of the Latvian language proficiency for the applicants of citizenship of Latvia.

Contact details

The Republic of Latvia Naturalization Board
Tel.: +371 7814001
Fax: +371 7814005
E-mail: np@np.gov.lv

The Methodology and Examination Centre
Tel.: +371 7223498
Fax: +371 7223498
E-mail: metod@np.gov.lv