Latvian parliament adopts revised immigration law after presidential objections

Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, has adopted a revised Immigration Law after President Edgars Rinkēvičs objected to provisions on temporary residence permits issued in return for investment, LSM reported.

The president had also asked lawmakers to consider granting temporary residence permits for the purchase of real estate, but that proposal did not receive support.

The main change made during the review was slightly stronger oversight. The law introduces tighter migration controls, broader monitoring of third country nationals and new integration requirements.

The legislation aims to establish a clear, transparent and effective immigration system covering the entry, residence, employment, integration and deportation procedures of third country nationals. It also seeks to reduce the risks of fictitious immigration and illegal employment.

The law clarifies the procedures for issuing visas and residence permits by setting clearer deadlines and procedures and expanding the grounds for refusing or cancelling permits when a threat to public order or security is identified. It also provides for stricter checks before entry into Latvia, including a requirement to provide information about the purpose of entry and the conditions of residence.

During the initial review, lawmakers held extensive debates on the cost of temporary residence permits. Then-deputy and current Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List had proposed issuing so-called golden visas for five years in exchange for a 10,000 euro payment to the state budget and a 50,000 euro investment in a company employing no more than 50 people and with annual turnover or a balance sheet of no more than 10 million euros.

That proposal was rejected. Instead, lawmakers approved temporary residence permits for up to five years for applicants who sign an agreement and invest at least 150,000 euros for at least five years with a state-established Alternative Investment Fund manager, while also paying 10,000 euros into the state budget.

The permit would remain valid only if the fund manager confirms throughout its validity that the investment agreement has not been terminated and that the remaining investment is at least 150,000 euros. It was this provision that led President Rinkēvičs to return the Immigration Law to parliament for a second review.