Latvia will continue to support Ukrainian refugees, while the amount of assistance will change slightly and Ukrainians themselves will receive new opportunities. Learn about the key changes in social assistance and the legal status of refugees from Ukraine in Latvia
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The Saeima of Latvia has made important decisions to support Ukrainians who have found refuge in the country. According to Delfi, the Seimas Commission on Defense, Internal Affairs and Prevention of Corruption approved amendments to the law on support for Ukrainian refugees.
Budget to support Ukrainians in Latvia and the amount of payments
The total amount of planned expenditures to support Ukrainian citizens in Latvia for the next year is 65 million euros. The Ministry of Social Security guarantees municipalities full reimbursement of expenses for the payment of assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
In addition to the standard compensation for accommodation and food costs for vulnerable categories of the population, as well as the cost of medicines, it is planned to increase the amount of one-time crisis assistance:
● For adults: 377 euros (previously 343 euros)
● For children: EUR 264 (previously EUR 240)
Change of legal status and residence permit for three years
Another important innovation concerns the residence permit for Ukrainians. Instead of the previous two years, refugees will be issued a residence permit for three years. This decision is aimed at reducing the administrative burden on both Ukrainians and the Department of Citizenship and Migration.
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Social guarantees – the main changes
It is also reported that refugee children aged 7 and older will be eligible for a social security certificate. Support will be provided until the age of 19.
The validity of Ukrainian travel documents has been extended until February 28, 2026. This means that even if a travel document has been overdue, it will remain valid until the specified period.
Changes for medical personnel from Ukraine in Latvia
Medical personnel from Ukraine, including doctors and pharmacists, will have to confirm their knowledge of the state language at the B1 level after three years of work in Latvia. In 2024, this will apply to 142 doctors who arrived in 2022.
All these changes are aimed at creating more comfortable conditions for Ukrainian refugees and simplifying administrative procedures.
We remind you! Citizens of Ukraine who have refugee status in Latvia usually work in various sectors of the country’s economy. Read more about the most popular industries and what percentage of Ukrainians are engaged in low-skilled work in our previous article.
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asked questions
Latvia has a separate law on the status of Ukrainian civilians, so there is no need to apply for refugee status. Starting from January 1, 2023, residents of Ukraine who apply for temporary protection status in the Republic of Latvia will be issued a temporary residence permit. Starting from 2025, the term of such a residence permit will be 3 years.
In order to obtain Latvian citizenship, a foreigner must first live in the country for 5 years with a temporary residence permit, and then for 5 years with a permanent residence permit. They must also fulfill a number of important conditions, including passing a language test.
Ukrainians in Latvia can receive a one-time financial assistance in a crisis situation – 343 euros (from 2025 – 377 euros) for an adult and 240 euros (from 2025 – 262 euros) for a child. In addition, refugees can receive a monthly allowance for each family member.