Amendments to the Citizenship Law: Dual citizenship recognition in Latvia

On May 9, 2013 the parliament of Latvia the final reading adopted amendments to the Citizenship Law that recognize dual citizenship.

According to amendments, Latvia citizens who have acquired the citizenship of another member state of the European Union, European Free Trade Association or North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or Australia, Brazil and New Zealand will retain Latvian citizenship.

Dual citizenship will also be an option for Latvian citizens who have acquired the citizenship of a state that has signed an agreement with Latvia on recognition of dual citizenship.

According to amendments persons who have acquired the citizenship of a state not mentioned above will be able to retain Latvian citizenship upon permission issued by the Cabinet of Ministers. Those who have acquired the citizenship of another state through marriage or adoption will also able to retain Latvian citizenship.

The amendments to the Citizenship Law will come into force on 1 October 2013.