The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the annual Action Plan for Providing Support to Ukrainian Citizens in the Republic of Latvia for 2026, as well as taken note of the informative report by the Ministry of the Interior on the current situation regarding the provision of support.

The plan outlines the actions of state institutions, municipalities, non‑governmental organizations, and businesses to ensure coordinated and effective support for Ukrainian citizens who reside in or will arrive in Latvia in 2026. The Action Plan covers ten areas of activity, including the issuance of documents, provision of information, primary support (accommodation for up to 60 days and catering for up to 30 days), social assistance, access to education and healthcare, employment promotion, language training, and integration measures.

The scope of support is determined according to the principle that it must not exceed the services available to Latvian residents.

Key changes in 2026 include:

• application of patient co‑payments (except for exempt groups);
• clarification of accommodation support periods;
• abolition of the employment start‑up allowance and research scholarships;
• requirement for Ukrainian citizens to acquire Latvian language skills at least at A2 level within two years;
• extension of the validity of travel documents issued in Ukraine until 4 March 2027;
• establishment that temporary protection will be lost if a person, after receiving it, visits the Russian Federation or its occupied territories.

As of 1 December 2025, 31,412 Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status were registered in Latvia, and the labour market situation continues to improve — 10,449 Ukrainian citizens were in active employment relationships. The full announcement by the Ministry of the Interior is available here!

Changes to Regional Public Transport Rules for Ukrainian Citizens

According to amendments to the Law on Support for Ukrainian Citizens, starting next year the conditions for travelling on regional public transport — trains and regional buses — will change. Ukrainian citizens will receive the same travel discounts that currently apply to specific categories of passengers.

Free travel on trains and regional buses will be available for:

• preschool‑age children

• unaccompanied children

• children with disabilities

• persons with disabilities in Group I and their accompanying persons

• persons with disabilities in Group II

Discounted fares will apply to:

• large families

• families caring for a child with a disability

• other eligible population groups

To receive travel discounts, passengers must present identity and eligibility documents required by law, including:

• disability certificate issued in Latvia

• “Honorary Family” card (Goda ģimenes apliecība)

• pupil or student ID

• certificate granting social guarantees
  

More information in Ukrainian is available here.