Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde, Rīgas 2. nodaļa — Local services in Riga

While Latvia is an incredibly beautiful country and I’ve had many wonderful experiences here, my recent visit to the immigration centre was nothing short of awful. The entire process was frustrating, unhelpful, and, frankly, disrespectful.

First and foremost, all the services were conducted in Latvian, despite the fact that this is a place specifically designed for foreigners and newcomers. While I understand that, as foreigners, we are expected to learn the local language, I still expected that some services would be offered in English, at least to make information more accessible for those of us who have just arrived and haven’t had the time to master the language. There were no signs or assistance available in English, and when I asked for help, no one seemed willing to speak English. It’s disheartening to feel so unwelcome while navigating the already difficult experience of settling into a new country. If the goal of the immigration center was to discourage foreigners from coming to Latvia, I’d say, 'Mission accomplished!'

The staff were exceptionally rude, with some treating you in a condescending, haughty manner as if they held some sort of power over you simply because they were handling your residency paperwork. One particularly unpleasant encounter occurred when I went to the biometric photo service on the second floor. One woman there was not only unhelpful but also extremely rude about my physical appearance. She pointed at my face and insisted that my piercing was not allowed, demanding that I take “that” off. I was baffled by this, especially because all my official documents, including the ones already accepted for my residency card, have included photos with this small, barely noticeable piercing. I believe her objections were more about personal preference rather than any actual policy, as she offered excuses like "Latvian passports don’t allow piercings"—which seemed completely unfounded. I mean I wasn’t even there for a Latvian passport…

Despite this, I followed her instructions, went to a tattoo shop (whose staff, by the way, were wonderful and assured me they didn’t have to remove piercings for their passport photos), and returned the next morning at 9 a.m. without a ticket, as she had instructed. I was told I would have to wait an hour, but after waiting for over an hour, she still refused to take my photos. Fortunately, one of her colleagues noticed me and kindly agreed to take my photos instead. Shout out to her! (The only one star in my rating is for her).

This experience left a bitter taste and made me feel like my time and dignity were being disrespected. If at all possible, I would strongly advise avoiding this particular immigration office. It’s clear that some of the staff there take pleasure in making the process as difficult as possible. Thankfully, Latvia as a country is beautiful, but the immigration centre in my experience has been an extremely...

No one answers phone from website at this location. Information took long as person is not at desk. Person at information checks all documents are complete before giving appointment. My turn was called at first floor woman was talking long time with college's between them while I was sitting about 5 minutes waiting to be at least looked to be attended, they arent ready to provide attention, after not even a greeting. Unwelcoming unfriendly.

Another appointment slow, I put all documents at her desk, not even looking at papers, refused to provide service just like that after another 30 minuts waiting. This one dont understand english had to call another one to help her looked all paper work was provided in front of her eyes at her hand, she make a mistake by not looking all information was provided, she denied the service even having all documents handed in front of her which where reviewed before the appointment by information. Lots of waste of time. They dont even apologize it like one has to beg them to provide the service one is paying for and waiting way too long to get. After calling someone else and checking the already complete documents then dignify to do her job in a bad manner. Service us a disaster only one person at information whis bot available, long lines, website doesnt work for appointments. Had to go personally there to make appointments then come back other days. Highly rude indifferent service. The wait before the turn was called was one hour, once your turn goes you have to wait as well they finish their private talking. I had to go back to to information desk to ask why service it's not being provided, information had to call the lazy woman if she could do her job . At least at information desk woman it's kind even though takes long long time to get service. At other PMLP s have more personal provides faster service. Installation at office midern, clean with visible big monitor. Ven though it's small space in two floors enough sits are available.Toilets...

First of all, immigration office in Latvia doesn’t speak English. Phone call refuse to speak in English, even email also refuse to reply in English. This department is specifically serve for foreigners and can’t even speak English for both email and phone calls. Is this a joke?

Secondly, you booked at appointment for specific time, and you still have to wait much longer than the scheduled time you need to wait like an hour more or less. May I ask why even scheduled a time when you can’t serve? Why even ask us to come on time? This is my second time schedule appointment, always the same.

Thirdly, immigration asks you come so many times and ask you to pay various of fees, why can’t you just charge even more for the application so that everything is included? Immigration in Latvia got me so annoyed with this. I do not like to pay when I come every freaking time.

You shall improve your service so that foreigners can feel more...