Non-nationals only become eligible for a long-term residence permit after five years living and working in Latvia. Under its provisions, they can be absent for six months at a time; however, if they are absent over three months, they could lose their temporary residence permit. Applicants must meet conditions that are the best in the EU-10. Conditions would meet best practice if applicants did not have to pass a high-level written language test or prove sufficient income. Long-term residents are partially insecure in their new status (see box on nationality). But the permit entitles them to equal access as Latvians to employment, self-employment, welfare benefits, healthcare and housing. Latvia would meet best practice on rights associated if long-term residents could move, live and hold a residence permit in other EU Member States.
