Foreign-born population – 2024 | 12.7% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.2 million, 59% women | Evolution since 2014: ‑12% | Russia (41%), Ukraine (22%), Belarus (15%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, 5 500 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Latvia (excluding EU citizens), ‑10.7% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 39.4% labour migrants, 12.5% family members (including accompanying family), 37.9% who came for education reasons and 10.1% other migrants. Around 800 short-term permits were issued to international students and 1 400 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 5 300 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 62% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Kazakhstan registered the strongest increase (800) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑500) in flows to Latvia compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑51%, to reach around 800. The majority of applicants came from Tajikistan (200), Afghanistan (200) and India (95). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Tajikistan (200) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑300). Of the 660 decisions taken in 2024, 28% were positive.
Emigration of Latvian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑6% in 2023, to 12 000. Approximately 24% of this group migrated to Germany, 15% to the Netherlands and 9% to Sweden.
In 2025, Latvia continued to advance its border management and migration governance, with a strong focus on national security and legal compliance. In December 2024, the government adopted the Integrated Border Management Plan 2024‑2028, aimed at strengthening institutional co‑ordination, modernising surveillance infrastructure, and enhancing cross-border co‑operation with EU partners. Enhanced surveillance measures at the Belarusian border remained in place, with the Cabinet of Ministers extending the regime for a further six months in March 2025, in response to ongoing irregular crossing attempts. In addition, access at three checkpoints – Paternieki, Terehova and Grebneva – was restricted to motor vehicles only.
To further mitigate security risks, Latvia extended entry and visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens until the end of 2026. New entry requirements are also planned for third-country nationals without Latvian-issued visas or residence permits. Once implemented, such individuals will be required to submit detailed information about their travel purpose, duration, itinerary, and affiliations at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
Labour migration regulations were also revised. Amendments to the Immigration Law in June 2024 granted authorities broader powers to restrict the ability of individuals or organisations to invite foreign workers in cases of legal violations, while also allowing the Cabinet of Ministers to impose visa restrictions in specific geopolitical contexts. Additionally, new rules were introduced to set the required financial means for third-country workers at the average wage within the relevant sector. Further changes, approved in December 2024, introduced stricter obligations for employers recruiting foreign nationals. From January 2025, employers must justify vacancies to the State Employment Agency, assess local candidates proposed by the agency, and provide documented reasons for any rejections.
Several EU directives were transposed into national law, including provisions related to the Emergency Travel Document and regulations clarifying the rights of EU Blue Card holders and their family members to access social services and disability-related benefits. In addition, state fees for migration services were increased in November 2024.
Latvia continues to offer temporary protection to Ukrainians, following the EU-wide extension until March 2026. Further amendments were adopted in November 2024, stipulating that, from 11 December, temporary residence permits would be issued for a three‑year period instead of two. The amendments also extended deadlines for the provision of various forms of assistance. In early 2025, however, authorities reported that more than 18 000 Ukrainian residents had not renewed their temporary protection status and consequently lost their legal residence.
In December 2024, Latvia adopted the Development Plan for a Cohesive and Civically Active Society 2024‑2027. The plan outlines integration measures for third-country nationals and beneficiaries of international protection, with a focus on social inclusion, civic education, and access to essential services.
For further information: www.pmlp.gov.lv | www.csp.gov.lv | www.emn.lv.
