Latvian government backs package of immigration restrictions
The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved a broad set of measures to curb illegal immigration and limit foreign student numbers, while also planning new rules for residence permits granted through investment.
On September 22, Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers reviewed a report from Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava outlining measures to restrict immigration, based on earlier proposals from a parliamentary inquiry commission.
Current foreign resident numbers
According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, as of July 1 this year Latvia had over 106,000 third-country nationals registered with valid residence permits. Most temporary residence permit holders are from Ukraine, while Russian citizens make up the largest group among permanent residence permit holders. A State Audit Office representative told the Cabinet that Latvia's working-age population could shrink by nearly 10% by 2040, meaning it would be premature to rule out foreign labor entirely.
What the plan includes
The State Border Guard and police will continue coordinated raids to detain foreigners staying in the country without legal status. Riga Airport and international carriers will face new security checks comparing travel documents against tickets to prevent tickets being used under someone else's name.
The government plans to close programs that grant residence rights based on real estate purchases or investment in securities, replacing them with rules that prioritize investments generating real economic value — jobs, tax revenue, and innovation.
Universities will face stricter admission criteria for foreign students, a mandatory 70% attendance requirement, and the possibility of losing accreditation for violations. Foreign students may not exceed half of a university's total student body.
The plan also includes a working-time tracking system for third-country employees, restrictions on dishonest labor intermediaries, and skills checks for foreign drivers. Platform companies such as Wolt and Bolt will be required to regularly report the actual working hours of their foreign employees to authorities.
