In the first nine months of 2026, 56 families, comprising 185 people, returned to Kurzeme after living abroad. During the same period, a further 65 families, comprising 189 people, expressed an interest in returning to Latvia, while the return migration coordinator at the Kurzeme Planning Region prepared personalised proposals for 151 families, comprising 443 people. In the third quarter alone, from July to September, 19 families, comprising 55 people, returned to Kurzeme.
Since the launch of return migration support in March 2018, a total of 636 families, comprising 1,920 people, have returned to Kurzeme after living abroad, up to the end of September 2026. During this period, personalised proposals were prepared for 1,902 families, comprising 5,360 people, while a further 517 families, or 1,530 people, expressed an interest in returning. Behind these figures are hundreds of personal return stories, reflecting a longing for home, a desire to be closer to family and the wish to build a future in Latvia.
“Interest in returning to Kurzeme remains strong, and families' decisions are influenced by both economic circumstances and the search for a stable, safe living environment, as well as a longing for their homeland and a desire to be closer to loved ones. Towards the end of summer, many families choose to return so that their children can begin the new school year in Latvia. Based on my experience, I recommend preparing for these changes well in advance, particularly by strengthening children's Latvian language skills and emotional readiness. Everyday conversations and reading in Latvian can make it considerably easier for children to adjust to their new environment. Cooperation between families and schools is equally important in helping children feel safe, accepted and supported,” emphasises Agnese Berģe, Regional Return Migration Coordinator at the Kurzeme Planning Region.
During the first nine months of 2026, the most popular places for return migrants to settle in Kurzeme were Liepāja and Ventspils, as well as the municipalities of Tukums and Talsi. Looking at return migration trends since the launch of the support programme in 2018, Kuldīga Municipality is also among the most frequently chosen places to settle. People returning from abroad are also choosing to live elsewhere in the region, including the municipalities of Dienvidkurzeme, Saldus and Ventspils. Decisions about where to settle are influenced by proximity to family and friends, employment and housing opportunities, children's education and overall quality of life. As every family has its own needs and priorities, timely access to personalised information about living opportunities across Kurzeme's municipalities is particularly important.
The Regional Return Migration Coordinator at the Kurzeme Planning Region provides individual support to people and families who are considering or already planning a return to Latvia. Working in cooperation with local authorities and national institutions, the coordinator helps identify housing, employment, education and other opportunities, supporting individuals and families in finding solutions suited to their particular needs. Close links are also maintained with the Latvian diaspora abroad to ensure that information about living opportunities in Kurzeme reaches those who are still considering whether to return.
The experiences of other return migrants can offer inspiration and encouragement to people who are considering returning to Latvia. For this reason, the Kurzeme Planning Region continues its “Stories of Return” series, sharing the experiences of people who have chosen to return to Latvia after living abroad.
The latest story features Lauma Grīva from Ventspils – an Olympian, a World and European Championships finalist, a multiple Latvian long jump champion, a coach and a mother of three. Her professional athletics career took her to many countries around the world, and she spent several years living outside Latvia, including almost two years in Italy. However, after becoming a mother, raising her children in Latvia, close to family and in a place where she felt a strong sense of belonging, became increasingly important to her. Returning to Kurzeme has enabled Lauma to combine family life with her professional activities. She now coaches children and adults, is involved in business and passes on the knowledge and experience gained through sport to the next generation. Read more about her journey and decision to return to Latvia in the story “Sometimes the Greatest Dream Is Not to Leave, but to Return”, available in the Stories of Return section of the Kurzeme Planning Region website.
Lauma's story, alongside those of other return migrants, reminds us that everyone's journey home is different, although many share a longing for their homeland, closeness to family and a sense of belonging. These experiences show how the knowledge, skills and perspectives gained abroad can create new opportunities for return migrants themselves while also making a valuable contribution to Kurzeme's development. At the same time, such stories can encourage others who are still considering building their future in Latvia.people find out where to seek the support they need when planning their return to Latvia.
About the Work of Return Migration Coordinators
If you are considering returning to Latvia and need information or support, you are welcome to contact a return migration coordinator. After identifying your individual needs, the coordinator works with local authorities and relevant national institutions to prepare a personalised proposal tailored to your circumstances.
Return migration coordinators can provide support with family services, housing and accommodation, employment and business opportunities, as well as social and other practical matters related to settling in Latvia.
Further information about the services and support provided by return migration coordinators is available on the central website www.remigracija.lv.
More information about return migration to Kurzeme, including personal return stories, is available on the Kurzeme Planning Region website at www.kurzemesregions.lv/remigracija and on the “Atgriežos Kurzemē” Facebook page.
Prepared by:
Agnese Berģe
Regional Return Migration Coordinator
Kurzeme Planning Region
Phone: +371 20478252 E-mail: koordinators@kurzemesregions.lv
Translated by AI