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Latvia — The Baltic Bridge of Europe

Where Northern calm meets Central European rhythm. Latvia blends historic elegance, forested coastlines, and a thriving digital economy centered around its capital, Riga.

An EU and Schengen member with Eurozone stability, Latvia offers an affordable lifestyle, modern infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for investors, families, and remote professionals seeking a well-connected European base.

Riga skyline at dusk, Latvia



Movingto emblem

What Sets Latvia Apart?

Nestled on the Baltic Sea between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia offers the blend of Nordic order and Central European warmth. Its capital, Riga — known for art nouveau architecture and a fast-growing tech scene — serves as the region’s cultural and digital hub. English is widely spoken, and the pace of life remains balanced between urban energy and quiet nature.

With EU and Schengen membership, a euro-based economy, and a 0% corporate tax on reinvested profits, Latvia provides both stability and opportunity. Residents enjoy clean air, safe cities, and easy access to beaches, forests, and lakes — all within an hour’s drive. It’s a country where tradition and innovation meet, offering a sustainable and accessible lifestyle at the heart of Northern Europe.




10th
Global Passport
23rd
Safety Ranking
4th
Digital Nomad Index
61.9
Healthcare Score




Latvia Residency & Visa Pathways

Options for non-EU nationals — from remote professionals and founders to skilled employees, investors, and students.

Good to know: Latvia’s immigration framework offers a mix of temporary and long-term residence routes aligned with OECD and EU standards. Each pathway includes residence rights, access to healthcare, and family reunification options where applicable. Applicants must hold valid insurance, accommodation proof, and a clean record.

EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Workers)

Salary ≥ 1.5× national average (~€24 720/year)

For highly skilled professionals with a Latvian job offer and degree or equivalent experience. Provides combined residence and work rights with an accelerated path to long-term EU residency.

  • Degree or 5+ years relevant experience required
  • Lower salary threshold (1.2×) for shortage roles
  • Valid up to 5 years; renewable
  • Family reunification available
  • Counts toward PR and EU long-term residence

Startup Visa (Temporary Residence Permit)

Business idea approved by LIAA + €5 160 subsistence proof

For founders of innovative, scalable startups recognized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). Requires proof of funds and follow-up financing within the first year.

  • Up to 5 founders per startup
  • €5 160 subsistence proof for first year
  • Secure €15k–€30k funding within 12 months
  • 3-year TRP, renewable annually
  • Counts toward permanent residency

Employer-Sponsored Temporary Residence

Employment contract + qualifications + labor market test

For non-EU nationals hired by Latvian employers. The company must justify the hire and obtain approval from the State Employment Agency before filing the TRP application.

  • Labor market test (10 working days)
  • Proof of qualifications and contract required
  • Valid up to 5 years; renewable
  • Family members can apply for residence
  • Counts toward permanent residency

Investor Residence Permit

€50k–€280k investment + state fees

For investors contributing to Latvia’s economy via company capital, bank deposits, or government bonds. Grants 5-year residence with family inclusion and a path to PR.

  • €50k in company capital + €10k fee, or
  • €250k bonds + €38k fee, or €280k bank deposit + €25k fee
  • 5-year permit, renewable
  • Spouse and dependents included
  • Counts toward permanent residence

Student Residence Permit

University admission + proof of funds + insurance

For students admitted to accredited Latvian institutions. Allows part-time work during studies and limited post-study extension for job search or transition to work TRP.

  • Proof of admission and €500/month in funds
  • Valid for study duration + short extension
  • Work up to 20 hours/week
  • ½ study period counts toward PR
  • Family members apply separately





Major Recent Changes — Immigration & Tax Reforms

In 2024–2025, Latvia introduced several updates aligning its migration, taxation, and digital systems with EU and OECD frameworks. These reforms modernize residence rules, tighten verification for investors, and expand options for skilled talent and remote workers.

  • Digital Nomad Visa Expansion: Now formally available for non-EU remote workers employed by OECD-based companies, renewable for up to 2 years.
  • Startup TRP Framework Updated: Investment and milestone requirements clarified by LIAA, ensuring credible innovation and local contribution.
  • Investor Permit Reform: 2024 regulations introduced new state fee brackets (€10k–€38k) and stricter AML screening for business and financial investors.
  • Work-Based TRP Adjustments: Labor market testing now standardized (10 working days) for non-EU hires to ensure EU preference compliance.
  • PIT & CIT Alignment: Latvia maintained its 0% corporate tax on reinvested profits while refining personal income tax thresholds to encourage foreign professionals.

These reforms confirm Latvia’s strategic focus on innovation, transparency, and high-skilled mobility — promoting entrepreneurship, remote work, and compliant investment while preserving economic stability.




Latvia Golden Visa — Investor Residence Permit

Latvia’s Golden Visa provides a straightforward residence route for investors and their families through capital participation, financial instruments, or bank deposits. Active since 2010 and refined in 2024, it remains one of the EU’s most accessible residence-by-investment programs, combining Schengen mobility with a stable, business-friendly environment.

The permit grants five-year renewable residence rights, with eligibility for permanent residence after five years of continuous legal stay. Latvia’s zero percent tax on reinvested profits and transparent regulatory structure make it attractive for entrepreneurs and long-term investors.

Riga skyline — Latvia Golden Visa

Investment Routes

Applicants may qualify through one of three options: €50 000 company investment with a €10 000 state fee, €250 000 government bonds with a €38 000 fee, or a €280 000 bank deposit with a €25 000 fee. All routes include the investor’s family under one application.

Processing Timeline

The application process typically takes two to three months from submission to residence card issuance. Investors must present proof of legal funds, clean criminal record, and health insurance valid in Latvia and the EU.

Family Inclusion

Eligible dependents include the investor’s spouse or registered partner, minor children, and financially dependent parents. All receive residence cards with the same validity as the main applicant.

Key Benefits

Five-year residence with Schengen access, full family coverage, and a clear path to permanent residence. Investors enjoy a stable Eurozone economy, transparent legal system, and favorable business taxation.




Latvia Golden Visa
Step-by-Step Timeline

The Investor Residence Permit (Latvia Golden Visa) offers a structured process managed by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Applicants can usually complete the entire procedure — from investment to residence card issuance — in two to three months. Below is a stage-by-stage breakdown of how to obtain and maintain Latvia’s five-year renewable residence permit.

Step 1Planning

Determine investment route & eligibility

Choose between the company capital investment (€50 000 + €10 000 fee), government bond purchase (€250 000 + €38 000 fee), or bank deposit (€280 000 + €25 000 fee). Review eligibility for family inclusion and confirm financial documentation requirements.

Step 2Documentation

Prepare and legalise documents

Gather required documents — valid passport, proof of funds, bank references, police certificate, health insurance, and civil status documents. Translate all non-Latvian documents into Latvian and have them apostilled or notarised as required.

Step 3Investment

Complete qualifying investment

Execute the chosen investment — transfer company capital, purchase bonds, or make a time deposit with a Latvian financial institution. Obtain confirmation documents proving the transaction and compliance with program rules.

Step 4Submission

Submit application to OCMA

File the residence permit application with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia or through a Latvian embassy abroad. Include all supporting documents, proof of investment, and state fee payment confirmation.

Step 5Approval

Receive approval and collect visa

Once approved, you’ll receive a Type D entry visa for Latvia. Upon arrival, register your address, complete biometrics, and collect your residence card from the OCMA office.

Step 6Biometrics

Attend biometrics appointment

Provide fingerprints, photographs, and signature at the OCMA service center. Bring your passport, proof of investment, and original supporting documents for verification.

Step 7Residence Card

Collect residence permit

After verification, your residence card is issued for a five-year term. Dependents included in the application receive residence cards of equal validity. Renewal is possible as long as investment and residence conditions remain fulfilled.

Step 8Renewal

Maintain and renew residence

Ensure your investment remains active, taxes and fees are paid, and insurance coverage is continuous. Renew your residence card before expiry to maintain uninterrupted legal stay.

Step 9After 5 Years

Apply for permanent residence

After five years of continuous legal residence, investors become eligible to apply for permanent resident status. This grants indefinite stay rights, access to local employment, and broader EU mobility privileges.

Step 10After 10 Years

Apply for Latvian citizenship

Following ten years of continuous residence, investors may apply for Latvian citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency, integration, and compliance with national laws.




Quality of Life in Latvia — Life & Safety

Everyday living in Latvia — safety, healthcare, education, housing, and the calm rhythm of Baltic life in a modern EU setting.

Families

Latvia offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment with strong community values and access to nature within minutes of every city. Riga, Jurmala, and Cēsis are popular among expats for their balance of modern comfort and safe, outdoor-oriented living.

  • Safe, calm neighborhoods with community feel
  • Affordable family housing and green spaces
  • Active expat and international school network

Healthcare

Latvia’s healthcare combines a public insurance framework with a growing network of private clinics. English-speaking specialists are available in Riga, and health insurance is mandatory for residence permits.

  • Public & private system integration
  • EU-standard emergency & hospital care
  • Affordable private consultations

Education (International)

International education options are expanding, especially in Riga and Jurmala. Schools like King’s College and International School of Riga follow British and IB curricula with competitive tuition.

  • English-medium & IB schools available
  • Affordable compared to Western Europe
  • Strong higher-education network across the Baltics

Neighborhoods & Housing

Riga’s Art Nouveau center and seaside Jurmala offer distinct lifestyles — urban elegance or coastal calm. Property ownership is straightforward for foreign buyers, and long-term rentals remain below EU averages.

  • Riga city center & Jurmala seaside options
  • Ownership open to non-EU nationals
  • Stable, EU-regulated real estate market

Safety & Cost of Living

Latvia is one of the safest EU countries, ranking high for peace and personal security. Living costs — from rent to groceries — remain lower than Western Europe, making it ideal for balanced, sustainable living.

  • Low crime rate & peaceful environment
  • Affordable housing & utilities
  • High quality of life with moderate expenses

Climate & Outdoors

Latvia’s seasons shape an active outdoor lifestyle — summers by the Baltic Sea, autumn forests, and winter sports nearby. Nature is central to Latvian life, with beaches, lakes, and national parks all within short reach.

  • Four distinct seasons & clean environment
  • Beaches, forests, and lakes within an hour’s drive
  • Outdoor lifestyle deeply rooted in culture



What You Get With Movingto

From first consultation to residence card delivery, our Latvia desk provides attorney-led expertise, transparent communication, and a clear process built around Latvia’s current immigration and investment residence framework.
01|

Initial Consultation

We begin by understanding your goals — relocation, investment, remote work, or entrepreneurship — and assess your fit for Latvia’s main routes: the Investor Residence Permit, Digital Nomad Visa, Startup Visa, or EU Blue Card.

02|

Route Strategy & Eligibility

Based on your background, we map the most suitable pathway and ensure compliance with Latvia’s migration policies and OCMA (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) guidelines. You’ll receive a tailored plan outlining required documents, fees, and timelines.

03|

Document & Investment Preparation

We assist in gathering and pre-verifying all documents — passports, police certificates, proof of income or investment, translations, and apostilles. For investor or startup routes, we coordinate directly with LIAA and partner institutions.

04|

Application Submission

Your complete file is submitted to the Latvian embassy or directly to OCMA. Our team monitors the process, tracks approvals, and liaises with authorities to prevent administrative delays.

05|

Residence Approval

After approval and biometrics, your residence card is issued — generally valid for up to five years under the Investor Residence route. We provide full support with local registration, insurance, and tax setup.

06|

After-Care & Long-Term Support

Our post-approval assistance covers renewals, family updates, and compliance checks. We also guide you through the path to permanent residence after five years and citizenship after ten.





Frequently Asked Questions — Latvia

01
What is Latvia’s Investor Residence Permit (Golden Visa)?
Latvia’s Investor Residence Permit, often referred to as the Golden Visa, grants residence rights to non-EU nationals who invest in company capital, government bonds, or bank deposits. It provides a five-year renewable residence permit with full family inclusion and access to Schengen travel.
02
Can I work in Latvia with the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, but only for foreign employers or clients. The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote professionals working for OECD-based companies or clients to live in Latvia while maintaining their foreign income source. Local employment in Latvia is not permitted under this visa.
03
Does the Investor Residence Permit lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Yes. After five years of continuous residence, investors may apply for permanent residence. Citizenship becomes available after ten years of legal stay, provided language and integration requirements are met.
04
Who can be included in my Latvia residence application?
The main applicant can include a spouse or registered partner, minor children, and financially dependent parents. Adult children may qualify if they are in full-time education and depend financially on the applicant.
05
What are the income or investment requirements for residence?
The Digital Nomad Visa requires income of at least €4,213 per month (2.5× Latvia’s average salary). Investor routes start from €50,000 for company capital with a €10,000 fee, or €250,000 for bonds with a €38,000 fee. Each route includes additional administrative charges and proof of funds.
06
Do I need health insurance to apply for a residence permit in Latvia?
Yes. All residence applicants must show proof of valid health insurance covering emergency and inpatient care in Latvia and across the EU. Private international health policies are accepted if they meet local standards.
07
How long does it take to get a Latvian residence card?
The typical processing time ranges from two to three months after full document submission. Applications are handled by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Processing may vary depending on embassy workload and background verification.
08
Where do I submit my Latvia residence application?
Applications can be submitted at a Latvian embassy abroad or directly at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia. Applicants must appear in person for biometrics and verification once they enter the country on a Type D visa.



Exclusive Client Community

Latvia Residency & Investment Circle

A private space for investors, entrepreneurs, and families navigating Latvia’s immigration and residence options. Access expert briefings, verified updates, and shared experiences from others establishing residence via the Investor Permit, Digital Nomad Visa, Startup Visa, or family routes. (Includes guidance on OCMA procedures and LIAA startup support.)
Attorney-Led Updates
Regular insights from Latvia-based counsel on OCMA processes, document standards, and investment-route rules.
Policy & Application Insights
Clear, step-by-step guidance on requirements, timelines, background checks, and residence-card issuance.
Tax & Compliance Briefings
Practical notes on corporate tax (incl. 0% on reinvested profits), PIT rules, company setup, and dual-residency considerations.
Relocation & Local Setup Support
Connections for housing, banking, insurance, address registration, and school options — everything needed post-approval.
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Movingto Hub

Exclusive Client Community

Ongoing support, local resources, and expert briefings for clients establishing their new life in Latvia.

Expat Network

Connect with others relocating to Latvia — insights, relocation stories, and networking across Riga, Jurmala, and Daugavpils.

Member Discounts

Preferential rates on legal, relocation, property, and insurance services through verified Latvia-based partners and banks.

Expert Resources

Guides, checklists, and templates covering the Digital Nomad Visa, EU Blue Card, Startup Visa (LIAA), Investor permits, and OCMA procedures.

Ongoing Support

Help with renewals, family updates, and communication with Latvian authorities for residence or investor-permit holders.

Local Insights

Neighborhood guides for central Riga and seaside Jurmala, schooling options, healthcare networks, and transport tips for daily life.

Policy Updates

Stay informed on Latvia’s migration rules, investor regulations, and Digital Nomad policies — including OCMA and LIAA updates.

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