The 56 applicants for citizenship include one dependent child. Nearly three-quarters of those qualifying for Latvian citizenship this month are ethnic Russians (73%) while 12% are Belarusians, and 5% Ukrainians, Poles and other ethnicities.
In total, 149,473 persons have been admitted to Latvian citizenship through naturalization since 1996. Last year the total was 595 persons.
In order to become a citizen of Latvia through naturalization, a person must fulfil residency criteria and prove a basic knowledge of the Latvian language, Constitution, history and the national anthem.
In the next few days, new citizens will receive a notification by mail from the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Board (Pārvaldas), which will contain information about their admission to citizenship, as well as information about how to get their first Latvian passport.
Congratulations to all of our new fellow citizens!
