Latvia Golden Visa: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Looking to secure EU residency? The Latvia Golden Visa offers a fast-track route through real estate or business investment. With Riga’s UNESCO-listed charm and strategic location, Latvia is a top choice for global investors.

In this Latvia Golden Visa 2025 guide you will learn about:

• What is the Latvia Golden Visa?
• How to obtain a Latvia Golden Visa
• Latvia Golden Visa requirements
• Latvia residence by investment cost
• Latvian residence by investment processing time
• How to apply for the Latvia Golden Visa
• Latvia Golden Visa benefits

What is the Latvia Golden Visa?

The Latvia Golden Visa, or Latvia Residency by Investment program, enables non-EU nationals to obtain a renewable temporary residence permit for up to five years through qualifying investments. The Latvian Residence by Investment scheme offers foreign investors a range of investment options, making it one of the more accessible pathways to European residency. While it doesn’t grant immediate permanent residency or citizenship, it provides a clear pathway to both.

Latvia does not offer direct citizenship through investment. Instead, it 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.

Step-by-step overview:

• Temporary residence permit: This permit is available to foreign nationals who invest at least €50,000 in a Latvian company (with a minimum annual tax contribution of €40,000) or in Latvian real estate. It is typically valid for five years.
• Permanent residency: Investors can apply for permanent residency after residing in Latvia for five continuous years (and spending at least four of those years in the country). This stage grants greater legal stability and rights in Latvia.
• Citizenship eligibility: After holding permanent residency for five additional years (ten years total in Latvia), applicants may qualify for citizenship. They must also:
  • Demonstrate legal income
  • Pass a Latvian language exam
  • Undergo a test on Latvian history and culture, and
  • Show integration into Latvian society.
• Dual citizenship restrictions: Latvia generally does not allow dual citizenship. Most applicants will need to renounce their original nationality to obtain Latvian citizenship, with limited exceptions for EU and select countries.

Latvia Golden Visa Benefits

If you are still digging into which Golden Visa program could be the right fit for you, Latvia has many good points to its name. Some of the advantages of the Latvian Golden Visa are:

Travel across the Schengen Area

Latvia is an EU member country and part of the Schengen Area, providing easy access to Europe.

Enhanced mobility

A Latvian passport provides visa free travel to 172 countries, perfect for non-EU, non-EA, and non-Swiss citizens looking to enhance their global mobility. The Latvia passport ranks 39th position in the GCS Enhanced Mobility Index. You can secure Latvian citizenship through the program if you have lived in Latvia for a ten-year period (five years with temporary residency and five years with permanent residency).

Family eligibility

Family members can be included in the application, such as your spouse and children (aged 18 or younger or aged above 18 in some cases where they are unmarried and still dependent on the main applicant).

An affordable golden visa

The Latvia Golden Visa is one of the most affordable Golden Visa programs in Europe.

Minimum physical residency requirements

You only need to visit the country once a year to maintain residency. However, note that if you are looking to secure permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship, you will need to live in Latvia for the majority of the year.

High quality of life

Latvia boasts a high quality of life, a welcoming population, and excellent healthcare and infrastructure, alongside one of the fastest Wi-Fi networks in the world. Latvia ranks 37th position in the Quality of Life Index

Strategic location

With many travel opportunities to Europe, Russia, and further afield, you are very well connected.

Language

You should find that most Latvians speak a good level of English, even in the more remote areas.

Route to permanent residency and citizenship

After five years of maintaining your investment, you can apply for Latvia permanent residency, and after a further five years with permanent residency status, you can apply for Latvian citizenship.

How to Obtain a Latvian Golden Visa

If you are considering relocating to Latvia, then the Latvia Golden Visa is a popular immigration option. The scheme is open to individuals who are willing to invest in the country’s economy in return for residency.

It’s a win-win – you receive residency in a charming European country, while Latvia significantly boosts its economy. In order to apply, you will need to be a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen.

One of the many advantages of applying for a Latvian Golden Visa is the different types of investment options on the table. The following sections will provide you with key information on each, from making a real estate investment to making a bank transfer.

Option 1: Real estate investment

The most popular option to acquire Latvia residency by investment is through making a property investment in the Latvian real estate market. Applicants must invest at least €250,000 in real estate in Latvia, and the investment must be held for a minimum of five years. You will also need to pay a one-time government fee equivalent to 5 percent of the purchase price. The property you buy cannot be agricultural or forest land.

Option 2: Business investment

The most affordable option to secure a Latvia Golden Visa is through making a business investment – this is the Latvia Investor Visa €50,000 option.

There are two options under the Latvian business investment option:

• Invest €50,000 in a capital company with fewer than 50 employees and an annual budget under €10 million.
• Invest €100,000 in a larger Latvian company with more than 50 employees and an annual budget over €10 million.

Both options require a minimum state fee of €10,000.

Option 3: Government bonds

You can also acquire a Latvia Investor Visa by purchasing government bonds amounting to €250,000. The bonds are non-interest bearing, meaning that at the end of the mandatory five-year holding period, you can get back what you paid, should you choose to withdraw the funds.

Note that there is a government fee of €38,000 if you choose this route to the Latvia Golden Visa.

Option 4: Make a bank deposit

The fourth and final option is to secure Latvia residency by bank deposit. You will need to make a deposit of €280,000 to a Latvian bank or a credit institution to purchase its bonds, and you will be required to hold this investment for a period of five years.

A difference between this option and the government bonds investment option is that if you choose to make a bank deposit, then you will be able to receive any interest that may be applicable, whereas this is not the case if you invest in government bonds.

There is also a government fee of €25,000, should you choose this option.

Option 5: Government Bonds

You can qualify by purchasing government bonds with a minimum investment of €250,000. There is also an additional state fee of €38,000. The investment can be withdrawn after five year

To be eligible for the Latvia Golden Visa, you must meet certain requirements in addition to making an investment:

1. Financial Requirements: You need to show you have enough money to support yourself and any family members. This includes proof of funds for the investment, a clean criminal record, and health insurance for at least one year.
2. No Debts: You must not have any unpaid taxes or debts anywhere in the world.

The official source for information on the Latvia Golden Visa, or Residency by Investment program, is the website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. It provides comprehensive details on eligibility, application procedures, and program requirements.

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 from non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss countries
• Applicants must have a clean criminal record is mandatory
• 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 can help in understanding your specific circumstances.

Eligible dependents

You can include the following family members in your Latvia Golden Visa application:

• Spouse: Your legally married partner.
• Children: Your biological or legally adopted children under 18.

To include dependents, you must provide documents such as marriage or birth certificates (legalized or Apostilled if needed), proof of your relationship, evidence of sufficient financial resources to support each person, and valid health insurance.

Extended Family

• Parents and Parents-in-Law: Can be included if they are fully financially dependent on you. There is no age limit.
• Grandparents: Not typically eligible, but may qualify if you can prove they rely on you financially.
• Siblings: Not considered dependents under this program. They must apply separately.

Document Requirements for the Latvia Golden Visa

Here is a list of the required document for the Latvian Golden Visa:

• Proof of investment: Documentation confirming the investment made in real estate, business, government bonds, or bank deposits, depending on the chosen investment option.
• Application form: A completed application form for the Latvian residence permit.
• Valid passport: A copy of the applicant’s valid passport, along with copies of any previous visas.
• Health insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for at least one year for the applicant and any dependents.
• Clean criminal record: A certificate or official document proving that the applicant has no criminal record in their home country or any country where they have resided for more than six months in the past five years.
• Proof of financial stability: You must show proof of financial stability to qualify for the Latvia Golden Visa. This can be an employment contract with a Latvian company or a bank statement showing you have enough money. For 2025, the 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.
• Proof of source of funds: Such as salary, business profit, sale of real estate or similar
• Tax compliance: A declaration or certificate confirming that the applicant has no outstanding tax debts worldwide.
• Medical certificate: A medical certificate confirming the applicant’s good health, if required.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant and any dependents.
• Proof of relationship (for dependents): Marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates for children to prove the relationship with the main applicant
• Proof of address: Utility bill no older than 3 months

How to Apply for the Latvia Golden Visa 2025: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Latvia Golden Visa boasts a straightforward process for obtaining residency, which is one of its key benefits. Within a span of two to three months, you and your family members, including your spouse and dependent children, can enjoy the freedom to travel throughout Europe.

The following section provides a step-by-step guide to applying for a Latvian Golden Visa.

Step 1: Submit a passport copy and complete a due diligence check: Start by providing a copy of your valid passport and undergoing a basic background check to ensure you meet eligibility standards.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility: Review all legal and financial requirements to ensure you qualify for the Latvia Golden Visa program.

Step 3: Select and complete your investment: Choose one of the approved investment options and complete the investment before moving forward. You must make the investment before submitting your Golden Visa application, because you’ll need to show proof of the investment when you apply.

Step 4: Gather required documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including proof of investment, clean criminal record, health insurance, and financial stability.

Step 5: Apply for an invitation letter (if Applying in Latvia): If you want to apply inside Latvia, an official invitation from the Citizenship Unit is needed. Only citizens from low-risk countries (like China and Vietnam) are eligible to apply this way.

Step 6: Book an appointment (if Applying from Abroad): If you’re applying through a Latvian embassy in your home country, an appointment must be scheduled—usually 3 to 4 weeks in advance.

To apply, you need to be physically present in Latvia at some point, especially for giving biometrics and picking up your residency card after approval. However, you can often submit your initial documents from abroad.

Step 7: Submit your application: File your application with Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The processing time for the Latvia Golden Visa usually takes between 30 days and 6 months. The exact timeline depends on how many applications are being processed and the details of your individual case.

Step 8: Receive a Temporary D-Visa: After submitting your application, you’ll be issued a temporary D-Visa to enter Latvia and complete your residency process.

Step 9: Attend biometrics appointment: Once in Latvia, you must attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo as part of the residence permit process.

Step 10: Get Your residence permit: After approval, you’ll receive a temporary residence permit valid for five years. You can choose to live in Latvia or simply visit once a year to maintain your status.

Step 10: Annual renewal requirement: To renew your residency, you must re-register every year for the first five years. This requires traveling to Latvia, submitting the necessary paperwork, and proving that your initial investment has been maintained. While there is no minimum stay requirement, physical presence is needed each year to complete this renewal process.

Step 11: Apply for permanent residency: After five years, you can apply for permanent residency if you’ve physically lived in Latvia for at least four of those years.

Step 13: Apply for Latvian citizenship: After ten years of total residency, you may apply for citizenship if you pass a Latvian language test and show knowledge of Latvian culture and laws. After recieving citizenship, you may apply for a Latvian passport which is considered the 43rd strongest passport in the world, according to the innovative Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions.

Where and how to submit your documents

• From outside Latvia: You can apply at the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
• From inside Latvia: If you already have a valid visa, you can submit your application in person at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
• Online submission: If you have a Latvian digital signature and a valid Latvian ID card, you can submit your documents online. This is especially useful if you’re renewing or switching your current residence permit.

Latvia Golden Visa Cost

The cost of obtaining a Latvia Golden Visa will depend on the type of investment. Here is a breakdown of costs involved:

• Purchasing property: Minimum investment of €250,000, five percent of property value paid to Latvian government, and two percent of purchase price paid as stamp duty to register ownership.
• Business investment: Minimum of €50,000, the business must pay at least €40,000 in taxes annually to the Latvian government, to maintain a residence permit, tax payments of a company shall annually correspond to at least €21,350.
• Bank deposit: Minimum of €280,000 to a Latvian bank.
• Government bonds: Minimum of €250,000 to purchase government bonds.

Latvia Golden Visa Processing Time

The Latvia Golden Visa process usually takes 2 to 4 months from the time you submit your application to when you receive your residence permit. If you apply remotely, it may take up to 6 months. In-person applications are faster and can be completed in about 60 days. While you can start the process remotely, you’ll need to travel to Latvia after getting your D-Visa to give your biometrics and finish the process.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Latvia Golden Visa

Does Latvia have a Golden Visa?

Yes, Latvia has a Golden Visa program, allowing third-country nationals with the means to secure EU residency in return for an investment in real estate, a Latvian business, bank deposits, or government bonds.

What are the Latvia Golden Visa requirements?

To be eligible for a Latvia Golden Visa, investors must make a qualifying investment in the country and meet additional criteria such as holding a clean criminal record and maintaining a minimum bank balance. Investment options include contributing €50,000 to a Latvian company, purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000, or placing a €280,000 deposit in a Latvian bank. The exact requirements and investment routes may vary depending on the chosen option.

What are the investment options for the Latvia Golden Visa?

The investment options for the Latvia residence by investment program include investing in real estate, making a bank deposit, purchasing government bonds, or investing in a Latvian company.

How does the Latvia Golden Visa program work?

The Latvia Golden Visa program works by offering investors residency in Latvia in exchange for significant investment into the Latvian economy. It is also the first step in obtaining Latvian citizenship by naturalization which takes ten years.

Can I invest in real estate for the Latvia Golden Visa?

Latvia’s Golden Visa program grants residency permits to individuals who make qualifying investments, including in real estate. The minimum real estate investment is €250,000, which can be applied to a single property in Riga or Jurmala, or split between two properties in other parts of Latvia—each with a minimum cadastral value of €40,000. Applicants should also account for government fees and other purchase-related costs.

Is there Latvia citizenship by investment?

Latvia does not have a citizenship by investment (CBI) program, but it does offer a residence by investment program, commonly referred to as the Latvia Golden Visa.

Does Latvia allow dual citizenship?

Latvia permits dual citizenship under specific conditions. Latvian citizens can retain their citizenship when obtaining citizenship from any EU or EFTA member state, any NATO country, Australia, Brazil, or New Zealand. Citizens of other countries usually need to renounce their current citizenship unless they qualify through automatic acquisition (e.g., marriage or adoption) or if the Latvian government grants an exception for national interest.

Can family members be included in a Latvia Golden Visa application?

Absolutely! Spouses and dependents are welcome to join the main applicant in applying for the Latvia Investment Visa in 2025.

Are there alternatives to Latvia's Golden Visa Program?

Yes, European alternatives to the Latvia Golden Visa program include:

• Portugal: The Portugal Golden Visa offers investments in real estate, funds, and heritage projects.
• Spain: The Spain Golden Visa offers investment options in real estate, business, stocks, and more, providing residency in a lively, diverse country.
• Greece: The Greece Golden Visa offers an affordable option, with real estate investment options and access to its sunny, historical landscapes.
• Italy: The Italy Golden Visa enables residency through investments in bonds, companies, or strategic projects, ideal for lovers of Italian culture.

Does the Latvia Golden Visa grant permanent residence?

The Latvia Golden Visa program provides investors with a residence permit, but it does not offer permanent residency or citizenship. To qualify for permanent residence, investors and their families must reside in the country full-time for at least five years before they can apply.

What are the Latvia Golden Visa benefits?

The Latvia Golden Visa—formally known as the Latvia Residence by Investment program—offers a range of benefits centered on residency and Schengen Area access. It enables investors and their families to live, work, and study in Latvia while enjoying visa-free travel across the Schengen zone. The program also provides a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship, with minimal physical presence requirements.