Sanctions against Russia and Belarus

Golden Visas and Residence Permits

The Immigration Law says that the issuance of temporary residence permits to the citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus is suspended until June 30, 2023. At the same time, there are exceptions based on family reunification, international protection, employment, the need for study, as well as national interests or humanitarian considerations. You can read more information here.

Trucks and lorries

According to the new sanctions adopted by the EU legislation, trucks from Russia and Belarus cannot cross the border of Latvia. You can read the full story here.

Ports

The 5th package of sanctions includes an entry ban on Russian-flagged vessels to EU ports. Exemptions apply for medical, food, energy, and humanitarian purposes, amongst others.

Banking

It is not be possible to make any transactions with the Russian banks and individuals on the list of sactions, and their assets are frozen. So far, 56 MEUR has been frozen. You can read more on FKTK website here to find the list of names and banks. Many local banks do not make any trransacions with Russia and Belarus, such as Swedbank.

The EU sanctions map developed by the EU may be used to search information: https://www.sanctionsmap.eu/.

Ban on importing Russian coal

From August 2022, a ban on importing coal from Russia will occur. You can read more information at the European Commission website here.

Airspace

Latvia has closed its airspace to Russia since 26th February, 2022. More information at the Riga International Airport website.

Export ban

• Further targeted export bans – in areas in which Russia is vulnerable due to its high dependency on EU supplies. This includes, for example, quantum computing, advanced semiconductors, sensitive machinery, transportation and chemicals. It also includes specialist catalysts for use in the refinery industry. This will continue to degrade Russia's technological base and industrial capacity.
• Adding jet fuel and fuel additives, which may be used by the Russian army, to the existing export ban.

Companies taking a stance to support Ukraine

Many Latvian companies have stopped exporting goods and services to Russia, such as Cido Group, Food Union, Latvijas Finieris, Elko Group, Aldaris (a part of Carlsberg Group) and many others. Rimi and many other supermarkets do not sell any products from Russia and Belarus.