If you want to apply for Latvian citizenship, it’s important that you understand the process and your options before you go into it. The first thing you need to know is that there are several ways you can apply for Latvian citizenship, but the most common option is applying for Latvian citizenship by descent.
Americans with Latvian descent can apply for citizenship if their ancestor was born in Latvia but was either not naturalized or was naturalized after their child was born abroad. Americans can also apply for Latvian citizenship by descent if none of the ascendants in your direct line of descent renounced their right to Latvian citizenship.
It’s important to note that even though this is the most popular option, there are still exceptions you need to be aware of. This is why it’s essential to make your research and read as much information about the process as possible. This way, you’ll understand how everything works and you’ll be prepared.
In today’s article, we will go through the steps of the application process for Latvian citizenship by descent. We will be discussing everything in general terms, so we recommend you do further research or contact us if you feel like you can’t do this on your own! We can help you go through the entire process and we will make things a lot easier for you.
Step 1: Gather Your Family’s Personal Information
If you are planning on applying for Latvian citizenship, the first thing you have to do is gather your ancestors’ personal information. Take note of the dates and places of birth, as well as marriage dates, and death dates, whenever applicable, of your Latvian family member, including your ancestors.
If possible, you also need to take note of the exact dates when your Latvian ancestors became naturalized citizens of the US. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to follow through with the application if your Latvian ancestors voluntarily renounced their citizenship before June 15, 1940.
Step 2: Make Sure You Are Eligible
Once you have gathered all the personal information of your family members, you need to make sure you are eligible. If you are not sure you qualify for Latvian citizenship by descent, we recommend you take advantage of our free eligibility assessment services! We have a large network of lawyers by our side and we have plenty of resources to help you determine if you can apply.
In general terms, you are eligible for Latvian citizenship by descent if your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born there and haven’t renounced their Latvian citizenship. If you have at least one ancestor who was a Latvian citizen between 1918 and 1940 or left the country before 1990, it’s like you are eligible. Just keep in mind there are exceptions that you need be aware of to make sure you are in the clear.
Step 3: Gather All Necessary Documents
Applying for Latvian citizenship by descent requires you to provide the vital records of your family, including birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, and death certificates whenever applicable. You also have to find your ancestor’s naturalization records or provide proof that they have become naturalized citizens of the United States.
Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need:
Your birth certificate.
The birth certificate of your parents and other ancestors.
Naturalization certificates or official statements from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services if the naturalization certificates don’t exist.
Documentation of the extended search conducted by the National Archives for birth, census, or immigration records, or the lack thereof.
A notarized declaration that states that, to your knowledge, neither your ancestors nor you have renounced your Latvian citizenship.
A copy of your passport.
Proof of current residence.
Step 4: Authenticate All Necessary Documents
Once you have all your family’s vital records together, you need to have them authenticated by Apostilles. You will also need to have these documents translated into Latvian so you can submit them to the Latvian consulate that covers the jurisdiction you live in.
How Can We Help With Your Application Process?
We know how stressful applying for Latvian citizenship can be, so we offer services that make things a lot easier for everyone. We offer free and confidential eligibility assessments so you don’t have to do the research on your own to determine if you’re eligible for Latvian citizenship by descent.
If we discover you are indeed eligible, we will provide a quote for you, no strings attached! If you decide to work with us, we will provide all the support you need. We will take care of your linguistic, administrative, and legal needs during the entire process and we will go through all the Latvian regulations for you. In essence, we will do the heavy lifting!
It’s true that the process of getting your Latvian citizenship can seem daunting, but with our services, you will have a much easier time. Plus, there are many great advantages to having dual citizenship. You’ll be able to travel, work and/or study anywhere in the European Union without any time limitations.
You will also benefit from high-quality and inexpensive universal health care and higher education. Another great advantage of having dual citizenship is that you’ll be able to live in Latvia for as long as you want, change your life entirely, and enjoy the culture, art, history, and lifestyle.
Final Words
Before you get started with the application process for Latvian citizenship, you need to make sure your native country allows for multiple citizenships. Most countries do, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and more, but you need to double-check because there are exceptions.
If your native country doesn’t allow for multiple citizenship, you will have to renounce your current one before you apply for Latvian citizenship or it can happen automatically by operation of law depending on the country once you obtain your Latvian citizenship.
How can Baltic Migration help me?
Does your grandfather, grandmother or any other relative left Latvia during before or after WW2? Claim your Latvian citizenship now.
We offer a free and confidential eligibility assessment.
If you are eligible, we can provide you with a no-obligation quote.
We hope this article has provided you with a useful insight into the application process of claiming Latvian citizenship.
To find out more about citizenship in Latvia, please contact us at anna@balticmigration.com.