Naturalisation in Latvia: the two exams the Citizenship Law requires
Applying for Latvian citizenship by naturalisation involves two separate examinations. They are set by the Citizenship Law and administered by PMLP, and they are not the same as the A2 test taken for a residence permit.
The language test
The language examination covers four skills — listening, reading, writing and speech. PMLP describes its purpose as establishing whether an applicant can integrate into society and communicate in everyday and public situations.
The knowledge test
The second examination covers the basic provisions of the Constitution, the text of the national anthem, and the basics of Latvian history and culture.
It can be taken orally — two questions plus the anthem — or in writing, as 18 questions plus the anthem.
Who is exempt, and partially exempt
- People educated in Latvian at a higher education institution.
- People who scored at least 50% in the centralised grade 9 Latvian exam, or at least 20% in the grade 12 exam — valid for five years.
- People who completed more than half of their primary education in Latvia.
- People aged 65 and over are exempt from the writing part only.
- People with disabilities in groups I, II and III, with the relief depending on the disability.
Retakes
A failed examination can be retaken, but not more than three times within one review proceeding. That limit is worth knowing before you book the first attempt.
This site prepares you for the language, not the knowledge test
The practice material here is built for the state language proficiency test. It will help with the language examination; it does not cover the Constitution, the anthem or history and culture, and you should prepare for those separately from PMLP’s own materials.
Sources
Every fact in this article comes from an official page. Rules and fees change — confirm on the source before you act on them.