Share of Foreigners in Latvian Language Exams Increases
Last year, 11,428 people took Latvian language proficiency exams, including 200 Russian and 2,080 Ukrainian citizens, as well as over 1,500 unemployed individuals and 60 diaspora representatives. The most common level taken was A2.
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According to the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), the number of people registering for Latvian language proficiency exams reached 11,428 last year, reflecting a growing share of foreign participants. The exams were taken by representatives of 54 countries.
Among the participants, 200 were Russian citizens who were required to take the exam due to amendments to the Immigration Law. Additionally, 2,080 participants were Ukrainian nationals. Over 1,500 unemployed individuals and job seekers who learned Latvian through State Employment Agency courses also took the test, along with 60 members of the Latvian diaspora.
Throughout the year, more than 1,300 exam sessions were conducted, totaling 9,275 test cases across six proficiency levels. The most common exam level was A2, accounting for 64% of cases. This level is the minimum requirement for obtaining a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status.
To help people prepare, VIAA organized monthly consultations attended by approximately 500 individuals, as well as seminars for adult Latvian language teachers.
