Looking to secure EU residency? The Latvia Golden Visa offers a fast-track route through real estate or business investment. The program offers numerous advantages, including access to the Schengen Zone, family inclusion, and flexible investment options.
Applications for the Latvia Golden Visa take only 2-3 months, and there are no stay requirements. From Riga’s UNESCO-listed charm and strategic location to the various business opportunities, Latvia is a top choice for global investors.
Latvia Golden Visa: Key Takeaways
- The Latvia Golden Visa grants non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a 5-year residence permit via qualifying investment.
- Investment options: Real estate €250,000, business €50,000–100,000, bonds €250,000, or bank deposit €280,000.
- Government fees: €10,000–€38,000 depending on investment type.
- Processing time: Typically 30 days to 6 months, depending on documents and investment route.
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 18, and dependents under trusteeship.
- Requirements: Age 18+, clean criminal record, good health, sufficient financial resources, and health insurance.
- Pathway to EU residency and citizenship: Permanent residency after 5 years; citizenship after 10 years, meeting residency and language rules.
- Benefits: Affordable EU living, strong healthcare, safe environment, and freedom to travel across the Schengen Area.
The timing of these reforms is not yet clear but could take effect by mid- or late 2026. Anyone who receives a residence permit under the current rules will keep the full five-year validity, even if the amendments are passed.
What is the Latvia Golden Visa Program?
The Latvia Golden Visa program grants non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a temporary residence permit, valid for up to five years, in return for a qualifying investment in Latvia. Eligible investments may include a bank deposit, real estate purchase, government bonds, or company investment.
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
The Latvia Golden Visa offers a practical and affordable route to EU residency, making it an attractive option for investors, families, and globally mobile individuals seeking access to Europe without excessive residency requirements.
Fast Processing Time
Latvia has one of the fastest Golden Visa programs in the EU. Most residence permit applications are processed within 2 to 3 months, depending on the investment route and completeness of documentation. Compared to Southern European programs, Latvia involves less bureaucracy and quicker approvals.
Visa-Free Travel Across the Schengen Area
As an EU and Schengen member state, Latvia allows Golden Visa holders to travel freely across all 27 Schengen countries without additional visas. This is particularly beneficial for business professionals, frequent travelers, and families based outside Europe.
Clear Route to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
The Latvian Golden Visa provides a structured pathway:
- Permanent residency after 5 years
- Citizenship eligibility after a further 5 years, subject to residency, language, and integration requirements
While citizenship is not automatic, Latvia offers a transparent long-term settlement option within the EU.
Family Inclusion
Latvia allows Golden Visa applicants to include:
- A spouse
- Dependent children
- Dependents under guardianship
Family members gain residence rights, access to education and healthcare, and freedom of movement within the Schengen Area.
No Minimum Stay Requirement
One of the most appealing benefits of the Latvia Golden Visa is the absence of a strict minimum stay requirement. You are not required to live full-time in Latvia to maintain your residence permit, making it suitable for investors and international entrepreneurs.
Flexible Investment Options
Latvia offers several qualifying investment routes, including:
- Real estate investment
- Capital investment in Latvian companies
- Government bonds
- Bank deposits
This flexibility allows applicants to choose an option that aligns with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Affordable Cost of Living in the EU
Latvia is one of the most affordable EU countries for residents. Compared to Western Europe, living costs are significantly lower while still offering EU-level infrastructure and public services.
This makes Latvia particularly attractive for families, retirees, and remote workers seeking value within the European Union. The average cost of living in Latvia for one person in 2026 is €800 without rent.
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
- A high standard of safety
Latvia ranks within the top 19% in our Quality of Life Index.
Dual Citizenship (At the Citizenship Stage)
Latvia permits dual citizenship in specific circumstances, once citizenship is obtained, including for nationals of:
- EU and EFTA countries
- NATO member states
- Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand
- Other approved countries or cases (such as citizenship by marriage or descent)
Latvian Golden Visa Investment Options
Latvia offers several qualifying investment routes under its Golden Visa program, allowing applicants to choose the option that best fits their financial goals and risk profile.
01/ Real Estate Investment
To qualify through property investment, applicants must purchase real estate in Latvia worth at least €250,000 and hold the property for a minimum of five years.
In addition to the purchase price, a one-time government fee of 5% of the property value is payable. Agricultural and forest land do not qualify under this route.
This is one of the most popular Latvia Golden Visa options due to its tangible asset value and long-term investment potential.
02/ Business Investment
The business investment route is the most affordable entry point into the Latvia Golden Visa program. Applicants can choose between two options:
- €50,000 investment in a Latvian company with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover below €10 million
- €100,000 investment in a Latvian company with more than 50 employees and an annual turnover above €10 million
Both options require an additional state fee of €10,000. This route is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and active investors looking to establish a presence in the EU.
03/ Government Bonds Investment
Applicants may also qualify by purchasing €250,000 worth of Latvian government bonds, which must be held for five years.
These bonds are non-interest-bearing, meaning the invested capital can be recovered at the end of the holding period. A government fee of €38,000 applies under this option.
This route is often chosen by applicants seeking a lower-risk, state-backed investment.
04/ Bank Deposit Investment
Under the bank deposit option, investors must place €280,000 in a Latvian bank or credit institution for a fixed period of five years.
A state fee of €25,000 applies. Unlike government bonds, this option may generate interest income, depending on the terms offered by the bank.
Latvia Golden Visa Cost
| Type | Investment Amount | Holding Period | Government Fee | Key Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investment | €250,000 | 5 years | 5% of purchase price | Property must not be agricultural or forest land |
| Business Investment | €50,000 or €100,000 | 5 years | €10,000 | – €50,000 in small company ( – €100,000 in larger company (>50 employees, >€10M turnover) |
| Government Bonds | €250,000 | 5 years | €38,000 | Bonds are non-interest bearing; funds returned after 5 years if withdrawn |
| Bank Deposit | €280,000 | 5 years | €25,000 | Interest may apply; funds deposited in Latvian bank or credit institution |
Latvia Golden Visa Requirements
Here are the basic requirements to apply for the Golden Visa Latvia program:
- 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 is required to do their own due diligence to understand the requirements for their specific case. Speaking with an immigration specialist or Latvia Golden Visa lawyer can help in understanding your specific circumstances.
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.
Document Requirements for the Latvia Golden Visa
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
Applying for the Latvia Golden Visa involves several key steps. Follow this guide to navigate the process efficiently.
Step 1: Initial eligibility and preparation
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss nationals.
- Must have a clean criminal record and be in good health.
- Ensure no outstanding tax liabilities worldwide.
- Gather proof of sufficient financial resources for yourself and any dependents.
- Prepare all required documents (see the “Required Documents” section).
Step 2: Make your investment
- Choose one of the approved investment options: real estate, business, government bonds, or bank deposit.
- Complete the investment before submitting your application and obtain official proof.
Step 3: Prepare and submit your application
- Collect all required documents:
- Proof of investment
- Passport
- Health insurance
- Criminal record check
- Financial documents
- Photos and proof of address
- Proof of family relationships (if applying with dependents)
- Depending on your location:
- Inside Latvia: Apply in person at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
- From abroad: Submit at a Latvian Embassy or Consulate.
- Online: If you have a Latvian digital signature and ID card, you can submit digitally (mainly for renewals or switching residence permits).
Step 4: Travel to Latvia and attend biometrics
- After submission, receive a temporary D-Visa to enter Latvia.
- Attend your biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo) at OCMA.
Step 5: Receive and maintain your residence permit
- Once approved, you will receive a five-year temporary residence permit.
- You are not required to live in Latvia full-time but must visit at least once per year to maintain your residency.
- Annual renewal: Re-register your residency each year and confirm that your investment remains active.
- Permanent residency: After five years, you may apply for permanent residency (must have lived in Latvia at least four out of five years).
- Citizenship: After ten years of residency, you may apply for Latvian citizenship if you meet language and civic knowledge requirements.
Latvia Golden Visa Processing Time
The Latvia Golden Visa (Residence by Investment) typically takes 30 days to 6 months to process. Processing speed depends on the investment type, completeness of documents, and individual background checks. Working with a dedicated Latvia immigration lawyer is highly recommended.
Taxes to Consider for the Latvia Golden Visa
Holding a Latvia Golden Visa gives you residency in Latvia, which can affect your taxes depending on your time spent in the country. Generally, temporary residents are non-tax residents unless they spend more than 183 days per year in Latvia or establish a permanent center of vital interests. Non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Latvia, such as local employment or business profits.
For those who become tax residents, Latvia applies a progressive income tax of 20–33%, while corporate tax is 20% on distributed profits. Capital gains, dividends, and rental income may also be taxed if sourced in Latvia.
Latvia has double taxation treaties with many countries, which can prevent being taxed twice on the same income. While the Golden Visa alone doesn’t make you a tax resident, careful planning is recommended if you plan to spend significant time or run a business in Latvia. Consulting a Latvian tax advisor is advised.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique 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.
