Who needs the Latvian A2 exam — and who is exempt
The Latvian state language proficiency test is not required of everyone. Whether you need it depends on the status you are applying for, and there is a defined list of people who do not have to sit it at all.
Which status needs A2
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) requires a document proving a passed state language test at level A2 from applicants for a permanent residence permit and for EU long-term resident status.
The certificate must have been issued on or after 1 February 2001. Older certificates are not accepted, so if you passed the test before that date you will need to take it again.
Who does not have to take it
PMLP lists five grounds for exemption:
- Education in Latvian in an accredited programme — primary, secondary or higher.
- A minority education programme, together with a passed centralised Latvian exam in grade 9 or grade 12.
- A health condition or functional limitation confirmed by a medical certificate.
- Being under 15 years old.
- Being 75 or older.
If you are exempt, you still file a document
An exemption is not the absence of paperwork. PMLP asks either for the language certificate or for a document showing the exam is not required in your case — a diploma, a school certificate or a medical certificate, depending on the ground.
What A2 actually means
A2 is the second of the levels VIAA tests, and it is a level of everyday competence rather than fluency: understanding short notices and messages, following simple conversations, filling in forms and writing brief everyday texts, and handling routine spoken exchanges.
The exam covers four skills separately, so it is not enough to be strong at reading and hope it carries the rest.
Sources
Every fact in this article comes from an official page. Rules and fees change — confirm on the source before you act on them.