The Latvia Golden Visa remains the cheapest residency-by-investment program in the European Union, with investment options starting from €50,000 plus government fees. The program also stands out for fast processing times, no minimum stay requirement, and access to the Schengen Area. The Latvian Golden Visa scheme continues to attract entrepreneurs, families, and investors looking for a flexible “Plan B” residency option in Europe.
Latvia has also experienced 51% annual growth in 2025, as real estate is becoming more popular, with rental yields of 7% to 8.5%. In the first quarter of 2025, 107 applications were issued compared to 149 in the whole of 2024. Therefore, for investors looking for quick residency with the same Schengen access, this is the perfect program, and now is the time to invest. Investors who are making long-term plans in Europe can apply for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Latvia Golden Visa in 2026, including investment options, processing times, residency requirements, tax considerations, the proposed reforms, and how Latvia compares to other European Golden Visa programs.
.
Latvia Golden Visa: Key Takeaways
Updates and Latvia Golden Visa News: June 2026
Grandfathering protection for current applicants
Anyone who receives a residence permit under the current rules will keep the full five-year validity, even if the amendments are passed.
Latvia Golden Visa News May 2026
Recent media coverage has also reinforced the importance of proper financial and legal due diligence when selecting investments under the business route. For this reason, investors are encouraged to work with experienced legal and immigration specialists, such as Global Citizen Solutions, to help make sure their investments meet all regulatory and compliance requirements.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Latvia remains one of Europe’s most affordable and fastest residency-by-investment programs, particularly for investors looking for flexibility and Schengen access.
Latvia Golden Visa: Quick Facts
| Investment Options | €50,000 business investment or €250,000 qualifying real estate investment |
| Government Fee | €10,000 (business route) or 5% of property value (minimum €12,500) for real estate |
| Ongoing Requirements | Business route: company must pay at least €40,000 in annual taxes. Real estate route: property taxes must remain up to date. |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum stay requirement; annual visit required to renew ID card |
| Schengen Access | Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area (90 days within any 180-day period) |
| Rental Yield Potential | Real estate route: approximately 6.1%–7.2% gross yield |
| Path to Citizenship | Eligible after 10 years, subject to A2 Latvian language proficiency and residency requirements |
| Key Advantage | One of the lowest investment thresholds for EU residency with no minimum stay requirement |
Who is the Latvia Golden Visa best suited for?
The Latvian Golden Visa is currently one of Europe’s most affordable and flexible residency-by-investment programs. It is particularly well-suited for the following profiles:
- Budget-conscious investors: With a minimum investment of €50,000 plus a €10,000 state fee into the equity of a Latvian company, it is the lowest entry point for EU residency. This makes it ideal for those who want a “Plan B” or EU access and mobility rights without a large investment.
- “Plan B” seekers and frequent travelers: The program has no minimum stay requirement to maintain residency. You only need to visit Latvia once a year to renew your ID card. This is perfect for people who want the security of a second residency and visa-free access to the Schengen Area but do not wish to relocate full-time.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners: Because one of the primary routes involves investing in a Latvian company, it is well-suited for those looking to expand business operations into the European market. Latvia is strategically located between Western and Eastern Europe, has a highly educated multilingual workforce, and offers competitive corporate tax rates.
- Families prioritizing EU access: A single investment covers the main applicant, their spouse, and minor children. It is a cost-effective way to provide children with access to European education and healthcare systems while living in a safe, stable environment.
- Passive investors: For those who prefer a hands-off approach, the bank deposit of €280,000 or the government bond of €250,000 options are ideal. While they require more capital than the business route, they have a very low-involvement path to residency with a clear exit strategy after five years.
What is the Latvia Golden Visa Program?
The Latvian Golden Visa program grants non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a temporary residence permit valid for up to 5 years in return for a qualifying investment in Latvia. Eligible investments may include bank deposits, real estate purchases, government bonds, or company investments.
The program allows investors and their families to travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, live and work in Latvia, and provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after fulfilling specific residency and other requirements.
There is no Latvian Citizenship by Investment. Instead, Latvia provides a structured pathway that begins with a residence permit. Investors can initially obtain a five-year temporary residence permit by meeting specific investment criteria. After five years of residence, individuals may apply for permanent residency, and subsequently, Latvian citizenship after a total of ten years, subject to fulfilling additional legal and integration requirements.
Latvia Golden Visa Benefits 2026
The Latvia Golden Visa benefits include fast-track processing, Schengen access, and family inclusion, making it a top option for investors, entrepreneurs, and families in 2026. Here are the top benefits of the Latvia Golden Visa program:
- Unmatched affordability: With a minimum business equity investment of just €50,000, it is the most budget-friendly residency-by-investment program in the European Union.
- Flexible property route: Alternatively, the real estate pathway sits at €250,000 anywhere in Latvia, allowing you to secure a tangible asset at a fraction of the cost of programs in Spain, Greece, or Italy.
- Schengen zone freedom: You gain immediate visa-free travel throughout the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- No minimum stay requirement: You do not need to physically relocate to Latvia to maintain your status. To keep the 5-year renewable residency active, you only need to visit the country once a year to update your physical ID card.
- Tax efficiency: Latvia ranks highly in international tax competitiveness. The country features a 0% corporate income tax on reinvested and retained earnings; you only face a standard 20% corporate tax rate when profits are actually distributed as dividends.
- Strong rental market: If you choose the real estate route, the property can be legally rented to generate passive income, with average gross rental yields in Riga at a strong 7% to 8.5%.
- Full Family and Living Rights: A single application covers you, your spouse, and any dependent children under 18. While you aren’t forced to live there, you and your family have the full right to live, work, and study in Latvia, giving you access to high-quality European healthcare and subsidized EU-rate education.
- Clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship: After 5 years of maintaining your Golden Visa investment, you have the right to upgrade from a temporary residence permit to an unconditional Permanent Residence permit. After 10 years of continuous legal residence, Golden Visa holders can apply for full naturalization to become Latvian citizens.
- High quality of life: Latvia combines modern infrastructure with a relaxed lifestyle. Residents benefit from a strong healthcare system, reliable public transport, access to nature and green spaces, and a high standard of safety. Latvia also ranks within the top 19% in our Quality of Life Index, as well as ranking 9th on the Global Retirement Index.
Latvian Golden Visa Investment Options and Costs in 2026
The Latvia Golden Visa 2026 program provides non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss investors with multiple routes to obtain residency in Latvia through real estate, business investment, government bonds, or bank deposits. Understanding the Latvia Golden Visa requirements and comparing Latvia residence by investment options is essential for making the right decision.
1. Business equity investment
This is the cheapest Latvia Golden Visa route in the entire European Union. Investors have two choices based on the size of the company:
- Option A (Small Business): Invest at least €50,000 into a company with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover under €10 million.
- Option B (Large Business): Invest at least €100,000 into a company with more than 50 employees and an annual turnover exceeding €10 million.
- Important note: In addition to the investment, you, the investors, must pay a one-time €10,000 government state fee after approval has been granted.
2. Real estate investment
- Minimum Investment: €250,000.
- Cadastral Value: The property must have a government-appraised cadastral value of at least €80,000.
- Extra Costs: A mandatory 5% state fee is applied to the purchase price, adding an extra €12,50.
3. Bank Deposit
- Minimum Investment: €280,000 deposited into a Latvian bank.
- Important note: The funds must be locked in for a minimum maturity period of 5 years. You will also pay a one-time €25,000 state fee to the government upon approval.
4. Government Bonds (Zero-Risk Financial)
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 into interest-free, specific government bonds issued for this purpose.
- Important note: The securities must be held for 5 years. Similar to the bank deposit route, a one-time government fee of €38,000 is required.
Latvia Golden Visa Investment Comparison: Which one is best for you?
| Investment Type | Latvia Golden Visa investment amount | Holding Period | Government Fee | Best For | Key Requirements / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia Golden Visa Real Estate | €250,000 | 5 years | 5% of the purchase price | Passive investors | Property must not be agricultural or forest land; hold investment for a minimum 5 years |
| Latvia Golden Visa Business Investment | €50,000 / €100,000 | 5 years | €10,000 | Entrepreneurs / active investors | €50,000 in a smaller company (under 50 employees, under €10M turnover) OR €100,000 in a larger company (over 50 employees, over €10M turnover). An additional state fee of €10,000 payable after approval. |
| Latvia Golden Visa Government Bonds | €250,000 | 5 years | €38,000 | Low-risk / conservative investors | Bonds are non-interest-bearing; funds returned after 5 years |
| Latvia Golden Visa Bank Deposit | €280,000 | 5 years | €25,000 | Fixed-term / low-maintenance investors | May earn interest depending on bank terms; hold deposit for minimum 5 years |
Latvia Golden Golden Statistics Between 2025
Latvia’s Golden Visa program is seeing growing demand, with approvals currently on track to increase by around 51% year over year. Based on data from the Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), in 2025, Latvia issued a total of 206 residence permits through its Golden Visa program, including 88 principal investors and 118 family members. Business and real estate investments remained the most popular routes, and account for the vast majority of applications.
| Investment Route | Principal Investors |
|---|---|
| Company Equity Investment | 42 |
| Real Estate Investment | 41 |
| Bank Deposit | 3 |
| Government Bonds | 2 |
| Total Principal Investors | 88 |
| Permit Type | Number of Permits |
| Principal Investors | 88 |
| Family Members | 118 |
| Total Permits Issued | 206 |
Latvia Golden Visa applications by nationality
According to OCMA data, Turkish nationals were the largest group of Latvia Golden Visa applicants in 2025. Demand for the program increased significantly during the year, with much of the interest driven by the €50,000 business investment route.
| Nationality | Share of Applicants |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 20% |
| Vietnam | 11% |
| United Kingdom | 9% |
| India | 9% |
| China | 7% |
| United States | 4.5% |
| Azerbaijan | 4.5% |
| Dominica | 4.5% |
| Pakistan | 4.5% |
| Uzbekistan | 4.5% |
| Other Nationalities | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Latvia Golden Visa Requirements 2026
To qualify for the Latvia Golden Visa, applicants must meet the Latvia Golden Visa investment requirements and maintain their investment for at least five years
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Applicants must be non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss nationals
- Applicants must have a clean criminal record
- Applicants must be in good health
- Applicants must have no outstanding tax liabilities worldwide to qualify for the program
- Applicants must show proof of enough financial resources to sustain them and their family in the country.
- Applicants must hold the investment for a minimum of five years.
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for at least one year for the applicant and any dependents.
Important to note: These are the general Latvia Golden Visa requirements. Each applicant should review their individual circumstances and consult with an immigration specialist. Global Citizen Solutions works alongside the top Latvia Golden Visa lawyers. As a trusted Latvia immigration specialist, GCS can help in understanding your specific circumstances and goals.
Who Can Be Included in a Latvia Golden Visa Application?
The Latvia Golden Visa allows applicants to include eligible family members under a single residence permit application, provided all requirements are met.
Eligible Dependents Under the Latvia Golden Visa
The following family members can be included as dependents:
- Spouse: Your legally married partner.
- Children under 18: Biological or legally adopted children below the age of 18.
- Persons under trusteeship: Individuals legally under the care or guardianship of the main applicant.
To include dependents, applicants must provide official supporting documents, such as legalized or Apostilled marriage or birth certificates, proof of relationship, evidence of sufficient financial means to support each family member, and valid health insurance coverage.
Extended Family Members (Conditional Eligibility)
Certain extended family members may be eligible under limited circumstances:
- Parents and parents-in-law: May be included if they are fully financially dependent on the main applicant. There is no strict age requirement, but dependency must be clearly documented.
- Grandparents: Not typically eligible, but may be considered in exceptional cases where full financial dependency can be proven.
- Siblings: Not eligible as dependents under the Latvia Golden Visa, unless they are legally under the applicant’s trusteeship.
Updated Document Requirements for the Latvia Golden Visa in 2026
To successfully apply for the Latvia Golden Visa, you must provide the following documents:
- Passport – Copy of a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Proof of investment – Documents confirming your qualifying investment (real estate, business, government bonds, or bank deposit).
- Source of funds – Evidence showing your investment comes from a legitimate source (salary slips, business income, property sale, etc.).
- Proof of financial stability – Bank statements or other records demonstrating you can support yourself and dependents.
- Criminal record certificate – Confirming no criminal history in your home country or any country where you’ve lived for over six months in the last five years. Applicants from visa-free countries may be exempt.
- Health insurance – Valid coverage for at least one year for you and any dependents.
- Completed application form – Official Latvia Golden Visa residence permit form.
- Proof of relationship for dependents – Marriage and birth certificates (legalized or Apostilled) for spouses and children.
- Medical certificate – Confirmation of good health.
- Photos – Recent passport-sized photographs of all applicants.
- Proof of address in Latvia – Lease, property deed, or other documentation.
- State fee receipts – Confirmation of payment of all applicable government fees.
Note: For 2026, the minimum required funds are €2,220 per month (€26,640 per year) for the main applicant, €740 per month (€8,880 per year) for a spouse, and €222 per month (€2,664 per year) for each minor child.
How to Apply for the Latvia Golden Visa 2026: A Step-By-Step Guide
The Latvia Golden Visa application process involves several steps, from confirming eligibility to maintaining your residence permit. With guidance from Global Citizen Solutions, every step is handled efficiently to ensure a smooth process.
Following the procedures on the official Latvia Golden Visa website, our advisors guide you through eligibility, document preparation, investment, and submission. Here is a more detailed breakdown of everything you need to know for applying for the Latvia Golden Visa in 2026:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Applicants must be over 18, non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, have a clean criminal record, good health, and enough financial resources. Global Citizen Solutions can assist with eligibility checks and initial due diligence.
Step 2: Choose and complete your investment
Select an approved investment option, such as real estate, business investment, government bonds, or a bank deposit. The investment must be completed before the application is submitted, and proof of investment is required.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Applicants need a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a criminal record certificate, proof of funds, and proof of address. Family applicants must also provide relationship documents. Global Citizen Solutions and Latvian immigration lawyers can assist with translations, legalization, and apostilles.
Step 4: Submit the application
Applications can be submitted in Latvia through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) or abroad through a Latvian embassy or consulate. Processing times are around 30 days for standard applications, 10 working days for fast-track processing, and 5 working days for express applications.
Step 5: Attend the biometrics appointment
After submission, applicants receive a temporary D visa and must travel to Latvia to complete biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs. This is required before the residence permit can be issued.
Step 6: Receive and maintain the residence permit:
Successful applicants receive a five-year temporary residence permit. To maintain residency, investors must keep their investment active, complete annual renewals, and visit Latvia at least once a year.
Step 7: Apply for long-term residency or citizenship:
Permanent residency can be available after five years, while citizenship can be possible after ten years, subject to residency, language, and civic knowledge requirements.
Latvia Golden Visa Processing Time in 2026
The Latvia Golden Visa application process usually takes around two to four months from the time the application is submitted until the residence permit is issued. Applications completed remotely can take up to six months, while in-person applications may be processed in as little as 60 days.
Although much of the process can be handled remotely, applicants must travel to Latvia after receiving the Visa D to complete biometrics and finalize their residency permit.
Taxes to Consider for the Latvia Golden Visa
One of Latvia’s greatest advantages for entrepreneurs and international investors is its competitive tax system. Latvia ranked second globally on the International Tax Competitiveness Index 2025, mainly because of its business-friendly corporate tax structure.
1. Tax residency
If you spend less than 183 days a year in Latvia, you are considered a tax non-resident and will only pay tax on income earned in Latvia, such as rental income or dividends from a Latvian company. If you spend more than 183 days a year in the country, you become a Latvian tax resident, which means Latvia can tax your worldwide income.
0% tax on reinvested profits
Companies operating in Latvia pay 0% corporate income tax on retained and reinvested profits. However, a 20% tax only applies when profits are distributed as dividends. This structure makes Latvia particularly attractive for entrepreneurs who are expanding into Europe or are looking to reinvest business income into company growth.
| Tax Category | Tax Non-Residents (Less than 183 Days in Latvia) | Tax Residents (More than 183 Days in Latvia) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Income | 0% in Latvia on foreign income. Only Latvian-sourced income is taxed. | Progressive personal income tax applies: 25.5% on income up to €105,300 and 33% on income above €105,300. |
| Corporate Income Tax (Business Route) | 0% on retained or reinvested profits. A 20% tax applies only when dividends are distributed. | 0% on retained or reinvested profits. A 20% tax applies only when dividends are distributed. |
| Dividends Paid to Individuals | No additional tax if the 20% corporate tax has already been paid. | No additional tax if the 20% corporate tax has already been paid. |
| Rental Income Tax (Real Estate Route) | Flat 10% tax on gross rental income under the simplified reporting scheme. | Flat 10% on gross rental income, or taxed under progressive personal income rules if treated as an economic activity. |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.2% to 1.5% of the property’s cadastral value. | 0.2% to 1.5% of the property’s cadastral value. |
| Capital Gains Tax (Property Sale) | Flat 25.5% tax on net profit from property sales. | Flat 25.5% tax on net profit. An exemption may apply if the property has been your main residence for more than 12 months. |
| Interest Income (Bank Deposit Route) | 25.5% withholding tax deducted by the bank. | 25.5% tax on capital income. |
What happens after the five-year holding period for Latvian Golden Visa holders?
After five years, Latvia Golden Visa holders can renew their residence permit if they want to maintain their status and keep their investment. Applicants who have physically lived in Latvia for at least four of those five years may also qualify for permanent residence. For those aiming to obtain a Latvian passport, the next step is to secure permanent residency after five years, continue living in Latvia for another five years, and then apply for citizenship by meeting the country’s language and integration requirements.
| Pathway Feature | 1. Exit & Liquidate | 2. Renew Temporary Visa | 3. Upgrade to Permanent Residency (PR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status Result | The permit expires, and residency and Schengen access rights are lost. | Temporary residency is renewed for another 5 years. | Residency is upgraded to permanent residency and is no longer tied to the investment. |
| What Happens to the Investment? | The investment can be sold, liquidated, or fully withdrawn. | The investment must remain active or be replaced with another qualifying investment. | The investment can usually be sold or liquidated after permanent residency is approved. |
| Physical Stay Requirement (Years 1–5) | No stay requirement. | No minimum stay requirement, except visiting Latvia at least once per year for ID renewal. | Applicants must have lived in Latvia for at least 4 out of the 5 years, generally spending 183+ days per year in the country |
Citizenship through the Latvia Golden Visa: Full Timeline
Yes, it is possible to get Latvian citizenship through the Golden Visa program, but the process is not direct. Latvia does not offer instant citizenship through investment. Instead, the Golden Visa serves as the first step in a longer pathway to naturalization, which usually takes about 10 years.
Latvia Golden Visa vs Other European Golden Visas
The Latvian Golden Visa is the perfect program for anyone looking for temporary residency in Europe with all the mobility benefits, while still looking for the cheapest residency option with the fastest processing time.
However, there are other European Golden Visas that might suit other goals for investors looking for a base in the EU, like the Malta MPRP, which is perfect for permanent residency, Italy Golden Visa for innovative entrepreneurs, Greece Golden Visa for real estate and PR, and Portugal Golden Visa for anyone looking for a route towards citizenship.
| Feature | Latvia Golden Visa | Italy Golden Visa | Malta (MPRP) | Greece Golden Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | €50,000 (Business Equity) | €250,000 (Innovative Startup) | €113,000 to €169,000 (real estate, government contribution and NGO donation) | €250,000 (Commercial-to-Residential Conversion) | €250,000 (Donation) or €500,000 (Fund Subscription) |
| Real Estate Option | €250,000 (Available nationwide) | No longer available | €300,000+ (Lease) or €375,000+ (Purchase) | €400,000 (Regional areas) to €800,000 (Prime areas such as Athens) | Completely discontinued |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | 1 day per year (mainly for ID renewal) | No minimum stay | No minimum stay | No minimum stay | 7 days per year |
| Processing Speed | 2–3 months (very fast) | 4-6 months | 12 months | 4–6 months | 12–18+ months due to backlogs |
| Path to Citizenship | 10 years, including full-time residence during the last 5 years and a language test | 10 years with full-time residence and B1 Italian language test | No direct citizenship pathway; mainly a permanent residency program | 7 years with full-time residence and B1 Greek language test | 10 years with A2 Portuguese language test and no full-time stay requirement |
| Best Suited For | Budget-conscious investors looking for affordable EU residency and flexible stay rules | High-net-worth individuals interested in Italy’s €100k flat tax regime | Families seeking permanent residency without major real estate purchases | Investors looking for property ownership and rental income potential | Investors mainly focused on obtaining an EU passport |
Does Latvia allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Latvia allows dual citizenship, but only with certain approved countries or under specific legal exceptions.
Under the Latvian Citizenship Law, dual nationality is permitted if your other citizenship is from:
- An EU or EFTA country (such as Germany, France, Norway, or Switzerland)
- A NATO member state (such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Turkey)
- Approved partner countries, including Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand
If your original citizenship is from a country outside these approved groups, you are generally required to renounce it within 30 days of obtaining Latvian citizenship.
Key Exceptions
- Citizenship by Descent: Descendants of Latvian exiles who fled during historical occupations, as well as ethnic Livs, can hold dual citizenship with any country.
- Children: Children can hold dual citizenship with any nationality. However, if the second citizenship is from a non-approved country, they will be required to choose one citizenship by age 25.
- Marriage or Adoption: If a second citizenship is acquired automatically through marriage or adoption, dual citizenship is allowed regardless of the country involved.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
