Pilsonība.lv › VIAA or PMLP — which test do you actually need?
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VIAA or PMLP — which test do you actually need?
Short answer: if you are applying for a permanent residence permit, EU long-term resident status or a language level for work — it is the VIAA state language proficiency test (A2 for permanent residence). If you want Latvian citizenship through naturalisation — it is the PMLP test, which adds the anthem, history and the Satversme to the language part. Two different authorities, different tasks and different pass marks; neither replaces the other.
| VIAA — state language proficiency test | PMLP — naturalisation test | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | A permanent residence permit and EU long-term resident status (A2); for professions and positions — the level set by Cabinet regulations (A1–C2). | Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. A VIAA certificate does not replace it: in naturalisation the language is tested by PMLP. |
| Who runs it | State Education Development Agency (VIAA), viaa.gov.lv. | Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), pmlp.gov.lv. |
| What is tested | Language only: listening, reading, writing, speaking — four skills, three tasks each. | Language (four skills) plus knowledge: the anthem text, Latvian history and culture, the basics of the Satversme. |
| Points and pass mark | 15 points per skill, at least 9 required (60%). One failed skill — the whole test is retaken. | Language: 25 points per skill, pass mark 16 (64%). Anthem 2/1, history 10/7, Satversme 8/5. A failed part is retaken separately. |
| Level | The one you choose: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. Permanent residence — A2. | No CEFR level is awarded; the language part is roughly B1 in difficulty. |
| Fee | 52 € (low-income persons exempt). | Naturalisation application fee; reductions for certain groups — see pmlp.gov.lv. |
| Exemptions | Not needed with education in Latvian or documents the regulations treat as equivalent. | People educated in a Latvian school and some other groups are exempt from the language or knowledge test — check pmlp.gov.lv. |
| Where to practise here | viaa.html — A2 units in the official format (3 × 15), a timed mock test. | eksamens.html — a 7-part simulator with the PMLP structure, anthem, history and Satversme flashcards. |
How to choose in a minute
Ask yourself one question: where will I submit the result? To the migration office for a residence permit or to an employer — VIAA. With a naturalisation application — PMLP. If you plan both (permanent residence first, citizenship later), preparation overlaps in the language part: VIAA A2 vocabulary and sentence types are the base; the PMLP language part is longer and harder (roughly B1) and the knowledge part is added.
The most common mistake
Studying “for the exam” in general without knowing the format. VIAA A2 writing has a 35-word advertisement and an e-mail with words to inflect; PMLP writing is a 60–80-word letter to a plan. VIAA listening plays every recording twice and asks you to write a word from a list; PMLP also has open answers. Practise in your own format — this site has a separate trainer for each.
What they share
Both test four language skills, play recordings twice, have handwriting on paper and a spoken conversation with an examiner about yourself, a picture and a situation. Neither allows a dictionary or a phone. In both, the weakest skill decides the result — which is why readiness on this site is based on the weakest skill.
Important
This is an independent learning site, not VIAA or PMLP. Pass marks and fees come from Cabinet Regulation No. 157 and the naturalisation regulations as of the check date; verify the current procedure on viaa.gov.lv and pmlp.gov.lv before registering.
Related pages
Latvian state language test A2 — how it works and how to prepare →Latvian citizenship and naturalisation exam →Latvian state language test A1, A2, B1 →