Since 2023, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has been implementing the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund project “Modernization of the Unified Migration Information System Software Platform (Phase 1)”.
The objective of the project is to develop and improve the digital communication environment of public administration in the field of residence permits. This is achieved by providing clients with a remote service cycle—from a convenient application process to the receipt of a decision—thereby fostering cooperation with third countries and strengthening key migration management aspects in areas of interest to European Union migration policy.
As a result of the project, a client self-service solution (e-service) for residence permits will be developed and implemented, offering a full remote service cycle. The target group will receive a convenient, high-quality solution for submitting documents to obtain residence permits.
A great deal was accomplished in 2025. Here is an insight into our achievements:
Development of the residence permit e-service is actively ongoing. The work includes testing software components of the new e-service and integrating them with existing databases to ensure a stable and reliable service. The goal is to create a user-friendly platform where users can apply for services, submit documents, make payments, and receive decisions online. In 2025, the foundation was laid for a high-quality, user-friendly, and sustainable solution.
The information hotline remained a reliable point of support in 2025 for anyone needing assistance with migration and residency issues in Latvia. Although the contract for service provision under the project concluded in September 2025, a parallel procurement process ensured the continuity of the service, which will be maintained until the end of the project. Residence permits remain the most frequently discussed topic. In 2025, the call centre received 30,518 incoming calls, with a 95% answer rate. Questions regarding residence permits accounted for 39% of the calls.
To promote digital document workflow within the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the digitalization of personal files continues under the project, thereby enhancing the accessibility of electronic services. In 2025, a total of 10,946 files were processed, with an average of 912 files digitalized per month.
The power of EU funds for Latvia's development
All these achievements are a vivid testament to how decisive and far-reaching our membership in the European Union family truly is. The support provided by the European Union Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund is more than just a financial investment; it is a demonstration of trust and solidarity that allows Latvia not only to keep pace with the times but also to set regional standards for digital governance.
Thanks to this close synergy with the European Union, we have been able to implement activities that fundamentally transform the work culture of public administration and the accessibility of services. The vision and resources of the European Union have been the invaluable driving forces that turn complex processes into modern, transparent, and user-friendly solutions. This partnership strengthens not only our national digital capacity but also the common European security and migration management space, proving that through unity and shared purpose, we create a safer and more efficient future for everyone.
