In this section, we invite you to explore research and surveys on return migration trends and reasons, as well as facts and data that help to better understand return migration processes and the challenges associated with them.
Published: 19.01.2026.
In autumn 2025, the Riga Planning Region conducted a survey of return migrants on their return experience, with more than 500 respondents taking part. The results show that 70% of these residents feel happy after returning to Latvia.
Reasons for Returning
Among the main reasons for deciding to return, 52% of respondents indicated a desire to live in Latvia and be close to family and relatives. The next largest group, 22%, stated that they chose Latvia because they want their children to study in Latvian educational institutions.
Every fifth respondent acknowledged that one of the reasons for returning was the rising cost of living in their country of residence, while also noting that the standard of living in Latvia has improved. 11% returned for work-related reasons.
Daina Šulca, Remigration Coordinator in the Riga Planning Region:
“According to the survey results, almost 70% of return migrants feel happy in Latvia after returning from long-term residence abroad. At the same time, half of the respondents indicated that they would have preferred greater support from the state and municipalities during the relocation process. Return migrants most often cite proximity to family and the desire to live in their homeland as the main reasons for returning.”
Satisfaction with the Return Experience – Employment, Education, Ease of Relocation
66% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their return experience, while 26% admitted that their experience had not been as successful.
When asked how easy it was to settle into life in Latvia, 59% of respondents said it was easy, whereas 29% reported experiencing difficulties.
Another notable finding is that 52% of respondents found and started a job within three months, and 16% within six months. However, 16% had not found employment after more than six months, and an equal share stated that they were not seeking employment.
When assessing educational opportunities for children, 57% of parents whose children are studying in educational institutions after returning expressed satisfaction with the quality of education, while around 27% reported dissatisfaction.
Healthcare
In response to a question about access to the healthcare system, 42% of respondents stated that it is better than the availability and quality of services in their country of residence. One in three said the level is similar, while 27% considered healthcare in Latvia to be of a lower standard.
Satisfaction with State and Municipal Support, Coordinator Services
15% of respondents were unable to fully settle in Latvia after returning and did not feel a sense of belonging, while 51% adapted well and lead active lives. When asked a more provocative question about state and municipal support, the majority (44%) indicated that they would have preferred greater support. Slightly fewer (35%) were satisfied with the support received.
Meanwhile, 86% of respondents who used the support of a remigration coordinator reported satisfaction with the quality of the service provided, while around 14% had higher expectations regarding the coordinator.
The return migrant satisfaction survey was conducted in autumn this year by the Riga Planning Region, with more than 500 respondents participating.
The remigration coordinator project, in cooperation with planning regions, was launched in March 2018 with the support of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development. As part of the project, return migrants have settled in all nine municipalities of the region – Ādaži, Jūrmala, Ķekava, Mārupe, Olaine, Riga, Ropaži, Salaspils and Sigulda.
- Download: Survey results (LV)
In 2022, the Latgale Planning Region, in cooperation with the University of Latvia, carried out the most comprehensive study on return migration in Latvia to date – “Living and Working Opportunities in Regions as Drivers of External and Internal Return Migration” (LV).
The aim of the study was to identify living and working opportunities in Latvia’s regions, as well as municipal support instruments for promoting return migration, in order to explore opportunities for job creation and attraction in the regions and to develop proposals on the support or resources needed to achieve return migration objectives. We invite you to consult the summary of the key study results.
The activities of the University of Latvia (UL) Diaspora and Migration Research Centre are based on innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation between UL faculties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and other Latvian and international institutions, as well as diaspora researchers worldwide.