Baltic States – CIS, Financial Services, Investments, Latvia, Legislation, Real Estate

Kozlovskis told LETA that the consequences of the Ukrainian crisis are a huge challenge to the Security Police, therefore, the institution's capacity needs to be increased in order to successfully inspect the applicants for temporary residence permits.

The government recently supported, in principle, allotting additional funds for the Security Police, however, the exact amount will be decided by the new government, and Kozlovskis hopes that this will be a priority for the next government. Kozlovskis said that he is currently unable to reveal the necessary amount of extra funds for the Security Police.

The Security Police need to inspect not only the potential applicants for temporary residence permits, but also those persons who have already received their permits. "If the Security Police receive no support, issuing of permits will have to be suspended, as there will be no control and that will pose threat to the national security," the minister stressed.

As reported, the amendments to the Immigration Law came into force on September 1, stipulating an increase in the minimal cost of real estate to EUR 250,000 for third-country citizens who buy property in Latvia so they could apply for Latvia's temporary residence permits.