Published: 23.09.2026
The government approved an Interior Ministry plan containing more than 70 measures to control and restrict immigration by third-country nationals. Proposals include entry quotas, regular in-person registration for some temporary-residence holders, closure of the investment residence-permit programme and restrictions on self-employment; most measures require legislative amendments.
According to the source, Latvia has begun preparing a broad tightening of immigration rules, but the plan itself does not automatically change entry or residence conditions. In the future, it could lead to entry quotas, additional obligations for temporary-residence holders and narrower access to study, work and self-employment. Third-country nationals, investors, international students and workers—including transport-sector drivers—would be most directly affected. Anyone planning to relocate to Latvia through work, study or investment should monitor the follow-up legislation, where the concrete requirements are expected to be set.