The Saeima adopts a new Immigration Law to regulate the entry and employment of foreigners

The Saeima has adopted a new Immigration Law, which will become the fundamental law regulating the entry, residence, and employment procedures for foreigners in Latvia. The law was published in the September 1, 2026, official edition of Latvijas Vēstnesis OP 2026/167 (No. 167).

Scope of the New Fundamental Law

The new Immigration Law is a law adopted by the Saeima, listed as the first item in the constitutional institutions section of the publication. It is intended to consolidate the rules on the entry, residence, and employment of foreigners in the state within a unified legal framework.

The law affects a wide range of persons, including:

• foreigners who wish to enter and reside in Latvia;
• employers who employ foreign labor;
• state and municipal institutions that issue residence permits and visas.

Regulatory Context

The Immigration Law was published in Latvijas Vēstnesis — the official publication of the Republic of Latvia — in the September 1, 2026, issue No. 167 with the official publication reference OP 2026/167. In the publication, the law is included in the section of legal acts adopted by the Saeima, confirming its status as a parliament-approved regulatory act.

Impact on Society

The new fundamental law will create a unified legal framework for immigration issues, affecting the daily legal relations of thousands of foreigners and employers. Its adoption marks a significant step in the alignment of Latvia’s migration policy, combining previously separately regulated issues into a single law.

Official source: Latvijas Vēstnesis, September 1, 2026, No. 167 — “Immigration Law” (Law), publication reference OP 2026/167, Saeima section.