How to prevent deprivation of Latvian citizenship?
October 2, 2025
Dual citizenship is permitted in Latvia, but not in all cases. It's worth noting that the most common reason for taking away a person’s Latvian citizenship is precisely dual citizenship. This article will explain those cases where dual citizenship can lead to the deprivation and whether you can somehow keep Latvian citizenship even if you've already received the deprivation notice.
In what cases can Latvian citizenship be revoked?
In 2013, amendments to the Citizenship Law were adopted, significantly changing the legal framework related to dual citizenship. In some cases, dual citizenship became possible, and those who previously had no right to dual citizenship could now, under certain circumstances, legally hold multiple citizenships simultaneously. However, in a number of other cases, the situation reversed itself, meaning that some citizens who had previously legally held dual citizenship suddenly lost this right.
Until 2013, there was a well-established practice in Latvia of minors acquiring dual citizenship. The legal system offered no obstacles to a child acquiring dual citizenship with any country, provided the dual citizenship was acquired before reaching adulthood. Thus, a child could become a citizen of, for example, Ukraine or Israel, and simultaneously a citizen of Latvia. Dual citizenship acquired in this way was completely legal and previously had an indefinite validity.
There was no indication that this would ever change. However, the situation changed in 2013, when amendments to the Citizenship Law were adopted. Thus, as of today, it can be determined that if all three of the following conditions are met simultaneously, the Citizenship Office may initiate the process of depriving a person of Latvian citizenship:
- Dual citizenship was acquired before reaching the age of majority.
- Dual citizenship was acquired with a country with which Latvia as a general rule does not permit dual citizenship, such as Ukraine, Israel, or Russia (important: there are a number of exceptions to this general rule, and in some cases, dual citizenship is permitted with any country, including Ukraine, Israel, and Russia).
- The acquisition of Latvian citizenship was not associated with the registration of citizenship for the descendants of Latvian exiles (i.e. individuals who fled from German or Soviet occupation or were deported between June 17, 1940, and May 4, 1990, or their descendants).
If all three conditions are present, then dual citizens must decide which citizenship they want to keep and which one to renounce. Generally, this choice must be made before reaching the age of 25. Failure to make this choice within the prescribed timeframe is grounds for deprivation of Latvian citizenship.
How is citizenship deprived in such cases?
First, the Citizenship Office initiates an investigation into the legality of dual citizenship. As part of this investigation, the individual may be sent a letter requesting clarification regarding the circumstances of their dual citizenship acquisition. This is an important part of the procedure, as the investigation may reveal that there are no grounds for deprivation of citizenship. If the individual fails to provide their clarification within the specified timeframe, or if the clarification indicates that dual citizenship is illegal, the Citizenship Office will, upon completion of the investigation, issue a decision to deprive the individual of citizenship. This decision often is sent by registered mail to the individual's declared address of residence. Given the high level of digitalization in everyday life, including in public services, it's not surprising that registered letters sent by regular mail often go undelivered. Therefore, it's common for people not to immediately learn that their citizenship has already been revoked.
Can the deprivation decision be challenged?
A decision to revoke Latvian citizenship is made as an administrative act by the Citizenship Office. This administrative act may be challenged by submitting a corresponding application to the Head of the Office within one month of its entry into force. If the Head of the Office upholds the decision to revoke citizenship, the Head's decision can then be appealed in court. Important: challenging and appealing a decision to revoke citizenship suspends its effect. Accordingly, the individual remains a citizen of Latvia until the court has made a final decision on the matter. Challenging the deprivation can at least provide the necessary additional time to understand the legal nuances and determine whether dual citizenship is truly impossible in a particular case, and whether there are legal grounds for preventing the deprivation.
Is it possible to prevent deprivation of Latvian citizenship if the Citizenship Office has already made the decision?
It is possible, and such cases have taken place. But there are nuances.
The possibilities for retaining Latvian citizenship are determined individually in each individual case and depend on the specific legal and factual circumstances of the case. The legal circumstances that bear significance are the time and the legal basis of acquiring dual citizenship because dual citizenship won’t always be considered illegal just because it was obtained before adulthood. The factual circumstances of the case are also important, for example, with which of the two countries the individual has a closer connection and greater emotional and economic ties. The presence of such a connection alone does not guarantee a positive outcome, but it can nevertheless have a favorable impact on the case.
In some cases, it is possible to prevent deprivation of Latvian citizenship even after the deprivation decision has already been made by the Citizenship Office and entered into force.
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Quick reaction, the right strategy, and legally sound documentation are essential in the cases of prevention of Latvian citizenship deprivation. Dual citizenship is one of the core expertise areas at Belyaev & Belyaev. We have practical and successful experience in resolving such cases. Taking the right and timely actions will help you remain a Latvian citizen. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to obtain a more detailed consultation in your specific situation.
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