Latvian State Language

Overview

The Latvian state language proficiency test (valsts valodas prasmes pārbaude) tests Latvian as a foreign language. It is run by the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), through its state language proficiency test department, under Cabinet Regulation No. 157 of 8 March 2022. The result is a state language proficiency certificate decision, needed for work, for a permanent residence permit or for EU long-term resident status.

Levels or stages

State language proficiency has three levels, A (basic), B (intermediate) and C (highest). Each level has two grades, a lower first grade and a higher second grade. You choose which level and grade to take.

Who can apply

The test must be taken by people who need a state language proficiency certificate for work purposes, for a permanent residence permit, or for EU long-term resident status. The professions that need a particular level and grade are listed in Annex 1 of the cabinet regulation. For a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status, at least the second grade of the basic level (A2) is required.

Certificates issued from 1 February 2001 are valid for permanent residence and EU long-term resident status. Certificates issued between 1 January 1992 and 31 January 2001 are valid only for official and professional duties.

Exam pattern

The test has several parts, and the answers in each part are assessed only if you sat all the parts. VIAA publishes sample tasks and listening recordings for each level (2026 versions for A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2). Exact task types per level are in these samples and in the regulation, so use them as your guide.

At the test, you must work on your own without help or aids. Only the materials supplied by the commission may be used, and you must not disturb others. A rule breach leads to removal and your performance is not assessed.

Marking and results

The decision on the result is available on the national portal latvija.lv from the seventh working day after the test, in the e-service for receiving certificates, decisions and statements on state language proficiency test results. A paper copy is posted by registered mail and arrives about two weeks after the test. You can contest the result by submitting an application on the VIAA form.

You pass if you score at least 60% in each skill. You receive a result document only if you sit all the parts, except any part you are exempt from. As listed on the official site in 2026, receiving the decision by registered post is a paid service costing 18 euros, invoiced on the test day.

Important dates

Test dates depend on the place. VIAA publishes schedules for Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Rēzekne and Ventspils. Choose a place and time from the schedule when you apply.

Fees

As listed on the official site in 2026, the state fee for the test is 52 euros. It must be paid no later than seven working days before the test. The fee is not paid by:

• Latvian citizens, Latvian non-citizens, and citizens of EU, EEA or Swiss Confederation states.

• People with the status of low-income or needy person, who show a valid certificate on the day.

• People with Ukrainian civilian status under the Ukrainian Civilian Support Law.

If you do not attend and do not send documents explaining the absence within a month, the fee is not refunded. Tell VIAA in advance if you cannot attend.

How to apply

1. Choose a place and time in the schedule (Riga, Rēzekne, Daugavpils, Liepāja or Ventspils).

2. Fill in the application form (PDF or DOC) on the VIAA page.

3. Send it with an e-signature to the VIAA state language test department by email, or post it to Vaļņu iela 2, Rīga, LV-1050, room 711.

4. Pay the state fee unless exempt.

For questions, VIAA lists the email address of the state language test office and several phone numbers on its pages.

Preparation tips

• Download the 2026 sample tasks and audio for your chosen level and practise under time pressure.

• Use the learning materials VIAA lists for level A, such as the Laipa and e-Laipa resources.

• Pick the lowest level that meets your requirement, as the A2 grade is enough for permanent residence.