Genealogical research

The funds of the Archives comprise documents covering chronologically the most comprehensive and ancient period of the history of Latvia (from the 13th century to 1945), which can be used in doing genealogical research.
 
An interested person can request at the Archives a genealogical research done on a professional basis.
 
Latvian State Historical Archives prepares genealogical researches after receiving a request written in free narration by an interested person. In the request the applicant’s name, family name, postal address (individuals), or name of the institution, registration number and legal address (institutions) are indicated; the content of the inquiry is expressed as accurately as possible.
 
Maximum of known information concerning the members of kin is indicated in the request:
  • family name of the kin to be investigated,
  • names, family names of the known kinsfolk, their birth date and place, marriage registration date and place, death registration date and place, denomination, parish and other facts (addresses of educational institutions, jobs, addresses of real estate until 1944 in Latvia), which are necessary and which could be used for starting a research,
  • known occupation until 1940,
  • known or possible places of residence until 1940, pointing out a town or a parish, or manor-house and name of the homestead,
  • desired amount of information.
Genealogical research can be started when only some of the above-mentioned facts are known.
 
The request is submitted at the Archives in Client Service room (111) or by post.
 
After receiving the request, unless it has been submitted in person, the Archives acknowledge reception of the request, indicate its registration number, conditions of execution and criteria of calculating costs, in case of necessity ask for specific additional information, as well as to pay an advance and send a copy of the document confirming the advance payment.
 
The Archives carry out a genealogical research within 6–12 months, in some cases also in a longer period of time.
 
On client’s desire the Archives make also copies of documents and photos, genealogical charts. The information prepared can be received also by post or electronically.
 
The Archives commence execution of genealogical research after receiving of advance EUR 70 / LVL 50.

The advance can be paid in cash at the Archives, by postal order, via bank transfer. In case of a positive answer the advance payment is included in the final calculation of costs. In case of a negative answer the client is informed about the investigation made and its results. The advance covers the searching expenses and is not reimbursed.
 
The costs of genealogical research are calculated according to  „Regulations regarding the price-list of tariffs for paid services rendered by the National Archives of Latvia”. 
 
The costs depend on the quantity of the documents searched, the number of persons found and the amount of information.
 
An interested person can do genealogical research also in the Reading room of the Archives.