Ukraine to Latvia
Information for Ukrainians coming to Latvia
Last updated on 20.01.2026
Offer help
Welcome to Latvia!
Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war are warmly welcomed by the
Republic of Latvia and its citizens in these challenging times.
We will provide you with accommodation, food, and other
necessary help.
A hotline for services and support available for Ukrainian
residents in Riga:
+371 27 380 380
(on working days from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.)
|
The coordination between organisations offering help
and people needing it is managed by the non-profit
organization
Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem. Your data will not be made public and will only be
used to contact you.
Gribu palīdizēt bēgļiem NGO information point is located at Strūgu iela 4, Riga (Ukrainian House in Latvia), questions can also be asked by phone +371 20 381 039 (also WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber). |
Arrival in Latvia
On arrival in Latvia via the border crossing points, a border check will be carried out for persons with biometric passports.
If a person arrives without travel documents, the identity of
the person will be confirmed in cooperation with the competent
Ukrainian authorities.
From 1 September 2025, Ukrainian citizens who do not have a visa or residence permit issued by Latvia are obliged to submit certain information about themselves and the purpose of their trip to the Information System eta.gov.lv before entering Latvia by submitting an Electronic Travel Declaration. The declaration must be submitted at least 48 hours before arrival in Latvia, including if it is planned to cross Latvia in transit.
For questions regarding border crossing, you can contact the State Border Guard at the website: www.rs.gov.lv and by phone: +371 67913300.
If you encounter technical problems when filling out the Declaration in the eta.gov.lv system, please contact the Information Center of the Ministry of the Interior by writing to the e-mail address: pd@ic.iem.gov.lv.
Persons who have entered Latvia before 1 September 2025 and are currently in Latvia are not obliged to submit the relevant information.
A Ukrainian citizen staying in Latvia on the basis of a residence permit is obliged to declare their place of residence in Latvia within one month from the moment of receiving the residence permit card. Information on how to declare your place of residence in Latvia is available here.
Transport to Latvia
Transport to Latvia You can purchase bus tickets from various carriers, for example https://ecolines.net/ua/uk, https://www.flixbus.ua/, https://luxexpress.eu/lv/. If you need any help with the purchase of the tickets, please fill out this form. You will receive an answer within 48 hours.Pets
If you have a pet travelling with you from Ukraine, please contact your nearest veterinarian to arrange a visit as soon as you settle down. This visit should take place no later than within 5 working days after arrival of the pet. The veterinarian will examine, register, chip and vaccinate the animal. Phone +371 67095245. Website of the Food and Veterinary Service: https://www.pvd.gov.lv/en
Contacts
Information on crossing the state border (24/7) is available by
calling the State Border Guard
+371 67913569,
+371 67913568
The
website of the State Border Guard:
www.rs.gov.lv
The website of the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia:
www.iem.gov.lv/lv
Long-term stay
Ukrainian civilians have the right to obtain temporary protection status in Latvia. From January 1, 2025, the residence perimt will be issued for 3 years.
Information on the initial application for temporary protection status in Latvia, what documents are required, how and where to apply here.
In order to continue to reside in the Republic of Latvia after 4 March 2025, Ukrainian citizens must have a VALID residence permit!
Application for the renewal of residence permit must be sent as soon as possible as the consideration of it may take up to 3 months. Even if you have missed the renewal deadline, you can submit a renewal application. More information available here.
Information on the extension of temporary protection status:
*if a residence permit has been obtained -
here
*if you have previously been issued a visa -
here
*if the Ukrainian civilian is an adult citizen of the Russian
Federation or the Republic of Belarus -
here
Application forms are available here:
residence permit application form
sample application for requesting a repeated residence
permit
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Phone +371 67209422 and
+371 67209400; +371 67209600
- working hours of info phone on migration issues (Monday -
Thursday 8:30 - 16:00; Friday 9:00 - 15:00) You have the right
to communicate and receive answers in a language you understand
and also to request the services of an interpreter.
More information
on the OCMA website.
On-site state and municipal services are available at
315 State-Municipal Customer Service Centers
(VPVKAC). In them, Ukrainian civilians can receive various support and consultations, for example,
access to the Internet, the ability to copy, print and scan small-scale documentation
related to public administration services, information on the most requested services of
public administration institutions, remote, individual video consultations with specialists
from the State Social Insurance Agency, the State Revenue Service and other insitutions, as
well as assistance in using e-tools and applying for e-services available on the public
administration services portal
latvija.gov.lv, etc. Additional information is available
here.
Travel documents issued in Ukraine that have expired are considered valid in the Republic of Latvia until 4 March 2027.
A Ukrainian civilian will lose temporary protection in the Republic of Latvia if, after being granted temporary protection, the person has visited the Russian Federation or its occupied territories.
Ukrainian refugees who have been issued a visa or a temporary residence permit in Latvia, or have been granted a personal identity number, when they intend to return to Ukraine or travel to another country, should submit an application for cancellation of their temporary protection status and visa or temporary residence permit to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. More information here.
Cities and regions
Support center in Riga for Ukrainian Civilians
Ukrainian civilians can receive services they need at the Riga customer centres at E. Smiļģa iela 46 and Daugavpils iela 31. These centres are open on Mondays 8:30 - 18:00, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8.30 - 17.00 and Fridays 8.30 - 16.00. More information is available at site. or by phone: +371 80001 201.In Riga client centers, Ukrainian civilians can receive consultations and practical support, including:
- register personal information: name, surname, date of birth, passport or other document data, contact information, place of residence, etc.
- declare the place of residence if the client has been issued a residence permit,
- receive a SIM card of Latvian mobile operators,
- find temporary residence in a 60-day accommodation program and free meals for 30 days from the date of request.
Ukrainian civilians registered in other municipalities should contact the relevant municipality.
Riga Social Service accepts clients by appointment according to the place of residence. You can apply for a visit by calling 1201 or +371 6705048. More information here.
Social service employees in municipalities advise on the possibilities of receiving social benefits and receive information about the social support system in Latvia and other social care services:
- benefit in a crisis situation;
- guaranteed minimum income benefit;
- housing benefit;
- issue a note for receiving support packages (food, hygiene, etc.);
- other types of social support, such as psychological support.
From 2026, Ukrainian residents using Ukrainian mobile numbers can call, send text messages and use mobile data in Latvia and other EU Member states for the same price as in Ukraine.
Support in other cities
For more information on support opportunities, please contact the relevant municipality:
Local municipalities may also provide additional help and support, depending on their capacity.
We invite you to use the support tool calculator to quickly and easily find out about the state and municipal support available to families.
The calculator provides an opportunity to see state and municipal support for various groups of residents all in one place. It also allows you to compare the support provided by different municipalities.
We draw your attention to the fact that services are available to those residents of Ukraine who have declared their place of residence, and municipalities may also set restrictions on how long a person must have been declared in the respective municipality in order to receive certain benefits, so in case of any uncertainties, please contact the specific municipality.
We draw your attention to the fact that each municipality individually updates and provides data on support opportunities. The calculator is in Latvian, but it is easy to use.
Transport
The route planner, as well as the transport timetable (for buses and trains) are available here.
Ukrainian civilians who are declared in the administrative territory of Riga can use the
capital's public transport free of charge. Before that, you must receive an e-ticket in Riga
Transport Customer Center at Stacijas laukums 2, on the 2nd floor of the "Origo" shopping center.
Working hours on weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00, on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00.
This support is valid until 30 June 2026.
Regularly updated information for Ukrainian civilians about the public transport in Riga is available here.
- See all public transport arrival and departure times here
- Plan your route here
- See information about tickets here
- See the map of ticket trade places here
Parking
There are 6 zones in Riga: A, B, C, D, R and V, in which the parking fee and working hours, as well as the payment method, may differ. Maps with parking zoning can be viewed on the website of Rigas Satiksme. Currently, five payment methods are available in paid parking lots in Riga: prepaid, postpaid, by phone, monthly subscription and resident card. More detailed information is available here.
About parking rules in other cities, please consult web page of
respective municipality.
Vehicle registration
Civilians from Ukraine may participate in road traffic using
vehicles registered in Ukraine for three months since the moment
of entry without re-registering the vehicle in Latvia.
If
a vehicle registered in Ukraine is to be used in Latvia for more
than three months, a civilian resident of Ukraine may register
it for a period of 3 years without a certificate of compliance
(for more information, see:
Temporary vehicle registration).
When a vehicle is registered temporarily, Latvian
national registration number plates and a registration
certificate are issued for it. The documents and registration
number plates submitted for temporary registration are kept and
issued when the vehicle is removed from the register, and to be
moved from Latvia.
When registering a vehicle previously registered in Ukraine (temporarily or permanently), the importation of the vehicle must be formalised in the manner specified in the customs laws and regulations. In order to register a vehicle with CSDD, it must first be cleared by customs, meaning that a customs declaration must be submitted to the customs authority. This can be done by contacting a declaration service provider (a customs broker), looking up their contact details using a web browser search. The authorised customs broker will prepare the customs declaration and submit it to the SRS EMDAS electronic customs data processing system.
More information on customs formalities available here.
From September 1, 2023, a person aged 14 or older can
participate in road traffic with an electric scooter, if they
have the license to drive a bicycle or any category of vehicle.
Students can get the license to drive a bicycle at a school
where they learn the theory and take the exam, and anyone can
pass it at
CSDD departments.
Tires
From 1 December until 1 March – all vehicles must be equipped with winter tires.
In the period from May 1 to October 1, it is forbidden to drive a vehicle with studded tires.
Administrative fines
If you receive a fine, pay attention to the information in the fine print, as there are a number of administrative penalties for which officials can apply a conditional partial release (for example, if you pay a fine within 15 days after receiving it, there may be an exemption from payment 50 % of total volume).
Driving licence
Driving licences issued in Ukraine are valid for driving all categories of vehicles specified in the licences in Latvia for the period of temporary protection; the licences need not be exchanged for a Latvian driving licence.In relation to getting a driving licence, the provisions of Section 22(1) (1) of the Road Traffic Law do not apply. Specifically, this means that the rule requiring a person wishing to get a driving licence to be a permanent resident of Latvia does not apply here.
Housing
If you are in an emergency situation and you need accommodation, please contact the State Fire and
Rescue Service 24/7 hotline
+371 26654887.
If you
are in Riga, you can also contact the Riga city hotline
80001201 or 1201.
Ukrainians in Latvia are mainly
accommodated in official accommodation facilities and tourist
accommodation facilities.
Certain groups of persons who, for objective reasons, may find it difficult to provide housing after the period of accommodation provided by the state, have the possibility to receive accommodation support also after a period of 60 days, but no longer than until December 31, 2026.
Individuals who are eligible for accommodation after the 60 day period are:
- people with disabilities,
- care providers for people with disabilities;people of retirement age according to the retirement age set in Latvia,
- people who are acquiring education in person at a pre-school, primary education, general secondary or vocational secondary education institution or are transferring to studies at the next level of education,
- people who are obtaining education at a higher education institution or are continuing education in Ukraine through distance learning or remotely at a primary education, general secondary or vocational secondary education institution,
- women registered as pregnant,
- one of a child’s parent or an emergency guardian who takes care of the child up to the age of two,
- care provider for a preschool aged child and the child does not have the opportunity to attend a preschool educational institution,
- a child of preschool age who does not have the opportunity to attend a preschool educational institution.
Explanation of the groups of persons who have the right to receive accommodation support after 60 under the Ukrainian Civilian Support Law.
From 2026, persons who have been granted an extended period of accommodation may receive state-paid accommodation for up to 180 days. After the end of the 180-day accommodation period, the local municipality will verify whether the Ukrainian civilian still needs state-provided accommodation, if necessary, making a decision to extend it for up to 180 days.
Households can receive compensation of 100 euros per month for the first person accommodated and 50 euros per month for each subsequent person, but not more than 300 euros per month. If a natural person owns several properties in which Ukrainian civilians are accommodated free of charge, compensation may be received for each property in which Ukrainian civilians are accommodated. The application for compensation must be submitted to the municipality within 14 days of the start of accommodation.
Both a private person and a legal entity who are accommodating Ukrainian civilians free of charge may be reimbursed for a period exceeding 60 days, but not beyond 31 December 2026, if they are accommodating persons who are unable to provide accommodation on their own (see above). More information is available here.
Ukrainian civilians whose housing costs are higher than their income or who do not fully cover their housing costs can apply for housing benefit. Benefits are granted and paid by the municipal social service. More detailed information is available here.
The municipality may enter into a lease agreement with a private individual (landlord) for the accommodation of Ukrainian civilians. In this case, the municipality will pay a private person (landlord) a fee for the use of the dwelling in the amount of 100% of the agreed rent, which will include all payments related to the use of the dwelling, including utility payments, but not more than 300 euros per month for the dwelling. An individual in this case does not charge rent to a resident of Ukraine. The support is available for up to 60 days, but no longer than 31 December 2026. More information here.
Short-term accommodation
If you wish to look for accommodation on your own, for short term options we recommend using:
Long-term accommodation
For long-term options of apartments we suggest these websites:
Healthcare
State covered healthcare
Every Ukrainian civilian who arrives in Latvia or is already here is eligible for the same free of charge state-covered healthcare and medical services, including medicines, as are available to Latvian residents. From 2026, Ukrainian civilians will be required to make a patient co-payment, unless the person falls into one of the currently defined groups of persons who are exempt from patient co-payment (children, pregnant women, persons with certain diagnoses, etc.).Civilians of Ukraine in Latvia have the opportunity to receive various healthcare services. More information about healthcare services can be found here.
In addition to the price of the medicine, the pharmacy charges a fee for the pharmacist's service when first filling the prescription and dispensing the medicine. For Ukrainian civilians, these costs are covered by the state.
Urgent medical assistance
If you or your family member needs urgent medical assistance on arrival in Latvia, please inform the State Border Guard officials on duty at the border crossing point or call 113.
Covid-19
For vaccination against Covid-19, including the free fourth booster vaccine, please contact your GP, the vaccination office of your healthcare institution, or register electronically at manavakcina.lv if you have an e-signature or internet banking account registered in Latvia. A map of GPs and medical facilities providing vaccination can be found here.
In Latvia, state-paid vaccines are available for children and adults at certain ages, according to the vaccination calendar. For example,tick-borne encephalitis is widespread in Latvia, therefore tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended for all Latvian residents. To receive a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, as well as other vaccines, contact your GP or the nearest medical facility.
Contacts
Information about healthcare in Latvia: +371 8000 1234. If calling from abroad, please use: +371 67045005 (Monday-Thursday 8:30 - 17:00; Friday 8:30 - 15:00)
The website of the Ministry of Health
www.vm.gov.lv
The website of the National Health Service
www.vmnvd.gov.lv
Medical assistance for children
The Children's Hospital Foundation offers assistance to Ukrainian civilians in coordinating health services, as well as financial support in cases of neccessary medical services not covered by the state, transport to a medical institution, psychological assistance, medicines or medical supplies. More information here. Phone +371 25680140.
Psychological and emotional support
Free psycho-emotional support is available for children, adolescents and their families. More information here.
General Practitioners (GP) consultation number
In case you need medical advice outside the working hours of GPs, please call the GP consultation number 66016001 (Monday-Friday 17:00 - 8:00; weekdays - 24/7).
Tuberculosis treatment
Information and support for tuberculosis treatment, diagnostic services is available here.Support of non-governmental organizations
Information on non-governmental organizations providing support to Ukrainian citizens is available here. The list also includes organizations that provide support for people with visual and hearing impairments, as well as people with disabilities, and can support with technical aids and with applying for dedicated parking card.Maternity care and childbirth assistance
Ukrainian civilians in Latvia can receive state-paid maternity care and maternity assistance. More information about available services is available here.Termination of an unwanted pregnancy
Ukrainian civilians, who have suffered from violence during the Russian war in Ukraine, have access to state-funded abortion in Latvia. In order\to receive the service, Ukrainian civilians must obtain an identity document and make an appointment to a specialist. The full list of facilities making the procedure, is available here.
Disability
Ukraine's disability status is not accepted in Latvia, so Ukrainian civilians have to undergo a disability assessment to determine their disability status in Latvia. With the disability status, you can receive various state support, such as care allowance for a child with a disability, care allowance for a disabled person in need of care. State social security benefits for people with disabilities can be obtained if the Ukrainian civilian has resided in Latvia for at least three months from the date of issue of the long-term visa or residence permit. To receive these benefits, the Ukrainian civilian or his/her legal representative must apply to the State Social Insurance Agency. More information here.
Children
Information on the support provided by the state and municipalities to Ukrainian children
in Latvian schools can be found in the
list
compiled by the association Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem (in Latvian and Ukrainian).
Every child who has arrived in Latvia as a refugee from Ukraine has the opportunity to receive education.Also, children will be able to attend interest education groups without any restrictions, including to learn minority languages and culture. Information on admission procedures in schools is available on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science.
The Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) provides all necessary medical care to children from Ukraine. To apply for medical assistance and examinations, please call +371 256 801 40. BKUS website. Information on vaccination for children is available here.
Legal representatives and professionals (e.g. educators) of Ukrainian civilian children with behavioural problems and communication difficulties can receive advisory support from the Centre for Child Protection. More information here.
Information on what to do if:
- the child has arrived in Latvia without parents or an adult known to him,
- the child has arrived in Latvia with another Ukrainian family, but without his parents,
- the child has come to his acquaintances, relatives, but without parents,
- if a group of children from the Ukrainian orphanage arrives in Latvia
Information on children's rights in Latvia is available here.
The "Family of Honour" (''Goda ģimene'') certificate is available to families with three or more children under the age of 18, people over 18, but under the age of 24 who are pursuing general, vocational or higher education, and to families caring for a disabled child or an adult under the age of 24 who has a disability of Group I or II. Holders of this card can benefit from discounts on services offered by public and private companies in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. More information here.
Security
For non-emergency questions or concerns please call the police information line 67075333 on working days from 8.00 to 16.30.
In cases where victims of crimes need support, persons can call a specially created telephone number - 116006 or visit the website www.cietusajiem.lv.
The State Police closely monitors developments in society and pays increased attention to any expression of opinions and actions related to aggression against Ukrainian refugees or support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The hate crime/hate speech reporting form of the Latvian Human Rights Center is available here
Citizens are encouraged to report all statements and individuals
who call for, support and justify Russia's war in Ukraine. State
Police:
vpdd@vp.gov.lv;
pasts@vp.gov.lv;
+371 67014002 or 110;
State Security Agency 24/7 phone
67208964;
info@vdd.gov.lv.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has launched an
information campaign
"Spot the Threat of Trafficking in Human Beings!"
with prepared tips that can help you avoid the threat of
trafficking in human beings.
1. Search for jobs on safe and verified websites
If you are looking for a job, choose trusted and verified
websites or job search platforms. Do not accept job offers from
unknown sources or sources that look too good to be true.
2. Check offers of "dream jobs"
To attract potential victims, recruiters often create
unrealistic "dream job" offers. Study all offers carefully and
be sceptical about the bonuses and rewards promised.
3. Learn about employment law
Before taking a job in Latvia or working abroad, find out about
employment rights and protections in the country where you work.
This step will help avoid illegal employment and exploitation.
4. Protect your personal belongings
Do not hand over identity documents or bank cards to people you
do not know. Even if your documents have been lost or taken
away, you can always turn to the State Police for help.
5. Take a photo of your documents
Always keep copies of your personal documents, including your
passport and eID card, on your phone. This can help you prove
your identity when you ask for help.
6. Inform your relatives
If you plan to move or work in another country, tell your
relatives or friends about your plans, your new contacts and the
address of where you will be living or staying. This will ensure
accessibility if help or support is needed.
7. Consult the labour inspectorate
If you encounter labour law violations or other illegal working
conditions, consult your local labour inspectorate. Even if
there is no formal employment contract, everyone has the right
to protection and support.
Job opportunities
The State Employment Agency (SEA) will help Ukrainian civilians find employment in Latvia.
- At any SEA customer service point in person or by phone (Monday to Thursday - from 9.00 to 16.30; on Fridays - from 9.00 to 15.00).
Contacts
State Employment Agency toll-free number:
+371 80200206
Available vacancies and jobs are available
on the SEA website.
From 20026, Ukrainian civilians are obliged to learn the state language at least at the basic level 2 (A2) within two years of granting temporary protection in order to perform their professional and official duties; in turn, within five years – to the extent determined by the Cabinet of Ministers for the performance of the relevant professional and official duties. Additional information here.
More information on employment requirements and rules in
Latvia is available on the website of
the State Labor Inspectorate (SLI).
Information on employment opportunities in the field of education is available here.
Information on employment opportunities and requirements in the
field of childcare services is available
https://www.ikvd.gov.lv/lv/atbalsts-nedrosa-bridi#ukrainas-civiliedzivotaju-registracija-bernu-uzraudzibas-pakalpojuma-sniedzeju-auklu-registra.
Information on employment opportunities and requirements in the field of health is available here.
Information about creative scholarship programme in the field of
culture is available
here.
Annual income declaration
Ukrainian refugees who are employed in Latvia do not have
to submit an annual income declaration.
If a person is employed:
Annual income declaration is not
required. The non-taxable minimum and allowances for dependents
are applied by the employer to these people. On the other hand,
benefits for medical treatment, education and donations are not
applied to Ukrainian civilians.
If a person has a registered economic activity:
Annual income declaration must be submitted between March 1 and
June 1. In the declaration, the income received during 2022 is
indicated and the personal income tax payable is calculated.
When submitting an annual income declaration, income is subject
to the non-taxable minimum and relief for dependents. On the
other hand, benefits for medical treatment, education and
donations are not applied to Ukrainian civilians.
The annual income declaration is filled out online
in the
Electronic declaration system. If you need the help of a State Revenue Service specialist to fill out the
declaration, you can get it by calling 67120012 or, by applying
in advance, at a face-to-face consultation
Finances
One can exchange hryvnias for euros - at currency
exchange points (for example, Tavex) according to their exchange
rate.
VISA and MasterCard payment cards issued by Ukrainian banks are operational in Latvia, but technical problems may occur. These payment cards can also be used to withdraw money from ATMs.
More information is available here, on the websites of the following Latvian banks: SEB, Citadele, Swedbank, Luminor, Industra Bank, Regional Investment Bank.
Education
Ukrainian civilians can continue their studies as exchange students, while researchers can be employed in Latvian research institutions. The list of higher education institutions, study programs and contacts is available here
Ukrainian civilians receive their education in Latvia in the Latvian language. Free lunches are financed from the state budget for those children who are enrolled in basic education programs in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade.
More information about primary, secondary, professional and higher education opportunities in Latvia for Ukrainian citizens you can find here.
Latvian higher education and scientific institutions included in the Register of Scientific Institutions may offer internships to Ukrainian researchers at their institution.
Information about educational opportunities in Riga for Ukrainian refugee children (schools, kindergartens, music, sports, art schools, etc.) is available here.
Assistant service
is available for children with disabilities in pre-school and
general education institutions.
Culture and socialization
Ukrainian civilians have the right to visit all state museums in Latvia free of charge. The list of museums can be found on the website of the Ministry of Culture.
Books in English, Ukrainian and Russian are available in Latvian municipal libraries. Libraries provide a chance to use all the common areas with computers and Internet connection, use working space, socialize, and participate in all of the organized events.
The Latvian public media portal LSM has an LSM+ section, which brings together all public media content in other languages - news, analysis and unique stories in English, Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Polish.
Ukrainian civilians have the opportunity to attend cultural
orientation courses, events and other activities. The cultural
orientation courses cover topics on public administration and
the rule of law, Latvian culture and values, and the history of
Latvia or the city/region. Activities are provided in all
regions of Latvia, in face-to-face, remotely or in a hybrid
model.
More information is available on the website of the
Society Integration Fund.
Association "I Want to Help Refugees" has published a handbook "Living in Latvia" in Latvian and Ukrainian for Ukrainian civilians living in Latvia, to help them get used to the local climate, language environment, different economic system and society. The book can be downloaded or read online here.
Support and resources
Information about the procedures of the state language tests can be found on the website of the National Centre for Education.
Civilians of Ukraine do not have to pay a state fee for the national language test.
You can get a statement about the result of the national
language proficiency test using the e-mail address on the
Latvija.lv portal or by mail by paying EUR 12,01.
The Integration and Inclusion Agency of the Society Integration Foundation is a project funded by the European Union and the Latvian State. The Agency's services include interpretation and translation, legal assistance and psychological and psychotherapeutic counselling. Its offices are located in Riga, Liepāja, and Daugavpils.
In order to bring together those who want to donate clothes, shoes, furniture, household appliances, children's goods, etc., and those who want to recieve this help, an interactive map https://www.kartadopomogy.lv has been made. It provides information on more then 145 places in Latvia, where you can donate or receive the things and help you need.
In Latvia, Ukrainian civilians older than 5 can apply for free Latvian language courses. Information on educational institutions providing free Latvian language courses for Ukrainian civilians can be found on the website of the Society Integration Foundation.
A special section in Ukrainian language and an application form
have been created on the portal
Ziedot.lv, so that refugees from the Ukrainian war can rely on help for
medical treatment, rehabilitation and the purchase of medicines,
as well as receive consultations and support in emergency
situations.
At the NGO Information Point on the first floor of the NGO "Ukrainian House in Latvia" premises,
Strūgu iela 4, Riga, 1st floor you can find out
where to find humanitarian aid (clothes, shoes, hygiene and
other essentials for children and adults), where to get free
household items, where to go if you need free legal,
psychological or veterinary advice, what are the current
cultural events and events for families. To apply for face-to-face consultation or to ask
questions remotely, information Point phone
+371 20381039 (working days 9.00 - 17.00).
Other useful resources
- Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia
- "Gribu palīdzet bēgļiem" Facebook group
- Online resources for learning Latvian
- Latvian news in Ukrainian: eng.lsm.lv
-
Every Friday at 20:05 on Latvian Radio 4 there is a program
"Ми з України"
for Ukrainian people in Latvia
-
The Ukrainian TV programme "RADA" is broadcast free of charge
in Ukrainian
- Latvian news in Russian: rus.lsm.lv
- Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians
Association "Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem" has prepared several videos in Ukrainian that answer the most frequently asked questions about arriving and starting life in Latvia, healthcare, legal assistance and documents, information resources, starting a job, e-services, and other topics.
The e-address is a digital mailbox on the Latvija.lv portal (in
the "Mana Latvija.lv" section) and provides an opportunity to
officially communicate with all Latvian government institutions.
For example, the results of Latvian language proficiency tests
can be obtained with the help of an e-address.
The e-address can be accessed by connecting to the portal with
your digital identity (for example, using a residence permit).
Please note that only Ukrainian refugees who have residence
permits with a valid period can create and use an e-address on
the Latvija.lv portal.
Videos have been prepared to learn how to create an e-address,
how to access the mailbox of an e-address and how to send a
message.
When opening a video through the YouTube, select subtitles
(subtitles/cc) and the Ukrainian language in the video
settings.
How to
create (activate) an e-address.
How to
access the mailbox of an e-address.
How to
send a message to an e-address.
Voluntary work opportunities:
-
In the association "Tavi draugi"
-
The group of volunteer drivers
of the "Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem" movement for cases when it is
necessary to help move people or belongings, mainly in
Riga
-
Latvian language teaching staff club
of the "I want to help refugees" movement
Social support
Contacts
For information on the available social support for Ukraine residents in Latvia +371 80700011 (Mondays to Thursdays 8.30 - 17.00, Fridays 8.30 - 15.00). More information on the website of the Ministry of Welfare.
Ukrainian civilians who have received a certificate from the municipal social service on the status of a household in need or in a crisis situation are entitled to support packages: one person is able to receive two food parcels in a period of two months, a hygiene and household goods parcel, two additional child food parcels if the family has young children aged 7 to 24 months, as well as an additional package of hygiene products if the family has small children under 2 years of age.
In addition, families with children aged 5-16, and who have received a certificate on the status of a household in need, or in a crisis situation will be able to receive a package of neccessary school materials for each child. More information about the criteria for receiving support packages is available here.
During the first three calendar months after the day of submitting the first application, Ukrainian citizens can receive social services and social assistance without an assessment of their material situation.
With a certificate, you are able to receive support packages at any of more than 400 distribution points throughout Latvia. The certificate can be obtained from the municipality (see “Cities & regions”). It is also possible to receive ready made meals in the soup kitchens without presenting a certificate or other documents. More information about soup kitchens in Riga can be found here.
Ukrainian civilians who are declared in the administrative territory of Riga can use the capital's public transport free of charge. Before that, you must receive an e-ticket in Riga Transport Customer Center at Stacijas laukums 2, on the 2nd floor of the "Origo" shopping center. Working hours on weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00, on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00.
This support is valid until 30 June 2026.