Moving to Latvia requires obtaining the appropriate visa or residence permit from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). The permit you need depends on your purpose for relocating. Non-EU citizens need a work visa, student visa, digital nomad visa, or an active business/startup visa. Investors can also choose the Latvia Golden Visa, which offers a 5-year renewable residence permit starting from a €50,000 business capital contribution. You must apply before arrival or within 90 days after entering.
This article will be your guide to everything you need to know if you’re looking to relocate to Latvia in 2026. It covers visa and residency options, important considerations such as healthcare and living costs, a practical checklist, moving with pets, and more.
Moving to Latvia: Key Takeaways
Facts About Latvia
| Official Name | Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika) |
| Capital | Riga |
| Population | Approximately 1.8 million |
| Official Language | Latvian |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Climate | Temperate climate with four distinct seasons and humid continental characteristics |
| Key Industries | Information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, timber and wood processing, and logistics |
Why are expats moving to Latvia in 2026?
- Corporate tax on retained earnings: Latvia only taxes corporate profits when they are distributed as dividends, while retained and reinvested earnings are taxed at 0%. This makes the country especially attractive to startup founders and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses within the EU.
- Business equity residency: Latvia has one of the EU’s most accessible residency-by-investment routes, through its Latvia Golden Visa, requiring a minimum €50,000 investment in a business plus a €10,000 one-time state fee. Successful applicants gain access to the EU market and the Schengen Area. However, proposed 2026 legislation could remove other investment routes and shorten permit validity, and the program is currently under legislative review.
- Digital nomads and tech scene: Latvia’s modern infrastructure, reliable high-speed internet, and dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, which is a Type D long-stay visa, make it an attractive destination for remote workers and tech professionals. The visa requires a monthly income of around €3,400, approximately 2.5 times the national average wage, and allows eligible applicants to stay for up to two years.
- Schengen Mobility: Latvian residency allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area while requiring a lower investment than many residency-by-investment programs in Western Europe.
- Affordable Living: Latvia has lower housing and everyday living costs, which is a big draw for expats. Living in Riga is 20%–45% cheaper than in many Western European cities and countries, with overall costs around 22% lower than in France, 29% lower than in Spain, and up to 45% lower than in Paris.
- International family readiness: Families relocating to Latvia benefit from a selection of international schools offering IB and European curricula, making it easier for children to continue their education while settling into the country.
How to Move to Latvia: Visas and Residency Options
Moving to Latvia as a non-EU/EEA citizen requires obtaining a Long-Stay Visa, also known as a Type D visa, for entry, followed by a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
Your options depend on your financial situation and reason for moving.
1. Latvia Golden Visa
The Latvia Golden Visa is one of the EU’s most affordable residency-by-investment programs with a few investment options to choose from.
- Company share capital investment: Applicants must invest at least €50,000 in the equity capital of a Latvian business and pay a €10,000 state fee. The company is also required to generate at least €40,000 in annual tax payments. This route grants a five-year renewable Temporary Residence Permit (TRP).
- Real estate investment: Applicants can also qualify by purchasing eligible real estate with a minimum market value of €250,000, plus a state fee equal to 5% of the purchase price.
- Subordinated bank deposit: Applicants can also qualify by placing a subordinated deposit of at least €280,000 with a Latvian credit institution for a minimum of five years, together with a €25,000 state fee.
Note: Proposed 2026 legislation could remove some of these investment routes and shorten permit validity. As of the latest update, the amendments have been referred back to Parliament for further review and have not yet been finalized.
2. Remote work and digital nomads
- Digital Nomad Visa: The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers employed by, or operating a self-employed business registered in, an OECD country, a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which includes countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe.
- Duration: The visa is issued for one year and can be renewed for a second year.
- Income requirement: Applicants must legally prove a stable remote income of around €3,400 per month, which is approximately 2.5 times the average monthly salary in Latvia.
3. Employment and board membership
- Standard work permit & Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): Applicants are required to have a job offer from a Latvian employer who has registered the vacancy with the State Employment Agency (NVA).
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is available to highly skilled professionals with a university degree or significant professional experience. It offers a higher salary of around 1.5 times the national average salary, as well as faster family reunification.
- Board member/representative TRP: Executive board members of Latvian companies can qualify if the company has operated for at least one year, conducts genuine business activities, and meets the required salary and tax contribution requirements. The minimum gross salary is reviewed annually and is currently around €3,000+ per month.
4. Higher education and research
- Student TRP: Students enrolled in full-time accredited degree programs at recognized Latvian universities can apply for a Student TRP. They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during official breaks.
- Post-graduation rights: Bachelor’s graduates receive four months to look for work or apply for a master’s program. Master’s and doctoral graduates receive an initial four months, which can be extended by up to nine additional months (up to 13 months in total) to find employment or start a business, subject to approval by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
Important Things to Consider When Moving to Latvia
To become a long-term resident in Latvia, you must live in the country continuously for five years with a valid residence permit from Citizenship and Migration Affairs. This status provides additional rights, such as easier travel within the EU and the Schengen Area.
1. Healthcare requirements for expats in Latvia
- The visa prerequisite: To get your visa/residence permit approved, you must show proof of private health insurance covering at least €42,600. This minimum coverage requirement is a part of Latvia’s visa health insurance rules.
- Public vs. private: While registered taxpayers gain access to the public system, long specialist wait times push most expats toward private clinics.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Expect private specialist consultations to cost roughly €40–€80 per visit out-of-pocket. Most expats choose a local private health plan or international coverage to skip waiting lists and guarantee English-speaking doctors.
2. Living costs in Latvia
- Real rent ranges: According to Numbeo’s 2026 data, a one-bedroom apartment in Riga averages €530 per month in the city center, with rents ranging from €400–650. Outside the city center, the average rent is €355 per month, with prices averaging from €280–450. Neighborhoods such as Centrs and Skanste are at the higher end of the city-center range, while Āgenskalns and outer districts are generally more affordable.
- The heating costs: In summer, utilities like electricity, water, and waste average €80–€120/month. During the winter heating season from November to March, central heating adds €120–€200+ extra per month, depending on building energy efficiency.
- Budget for expats: According to Numbeo’s 2026 data, a single person’s monthly cost of living in Latvia, specifically, in Riga, costs, excluding rent, an average of €875, covering groceries, dining out, transport, utilities, and leisure. Including rent, a realistic monthly budget is around €1,230–1,400. Depending on where you live, expats can expect total monthly costs of approximately €1,231 for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center or €1,406 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
3. Transportation System in Latvia
- Urban transit: Riga’s transport network, officially called Rīgas Satiksme, uses an integrated ticket system. A 90-minute ticket costs €1.50 for all passengers, and the monthly ticket covering all public transport is €30 for all days of the month. This covers trams, trolleybuses, and buses.
- Regional rail (Vivi): Electric trains connect central Riga with the seaside town of Jūrmala in 20 to 50 minutes, depending on your destination. Fares range from €1.20 to €1.50. For example, the journey from Riga to Majori takes around 30 minutes and costs €1.50.
- Car Sharing: Between walkable city centers, affordable transit, and car-sharing platforms like Bolt Drive, buying or importing a personal car is an unnecessary expense for most city-living expats.
Moving to Latvia with Pets
Moving with your pets requires thorough planning, and these steps must be followed and prepared ahead of time, months before traveling.
- Your pet must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785) before the rabies vaccine,
- The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel.
- People coming from a high-risk/unlisted country also need a rabies antibody titer test, with blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, followed by a mandatory 3-month wait from the blood-sample date before entry.
- An EU Health Certificate, endorsed by your home country’s veterinary authority (USDA, CFIA, DEFRA, etc.), is valid for only 10 days from endorsement to entry.
Other key rules
- Pets must travel within 5 days of your own travel date to qualify as non-commercial. You are allowed a maximum of five pets per person.
- Entry must be through an official EU Travelers’ Point of Entry, such as Riga Airport
- Unlike the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway, Latvia does not require tapeworm treatment.
Once you have settled, register your dog with the Agricultural Data Center (LDC) and expect a small annual municipal fee in Riga. Pet-friendly rentals are common, but they may require a higher deposit or pet fee. It is advisable to start the process 6–8 weeks in advance.
Practical Check-List When Relocating to Latvia
This practical checklist helps you plan your move to Latvia. It is divided into phases, covering everything from preparing before you leave and moving to Latvia to important tasks after you arrive, including setting up your home, handling taxes in Latvia, and settling in for the long term.
| Timeline | Key Task | Action Required (Rules & Important Info) |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 Months Before Moving | Visas & Documents | Select a visa pathway, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your permit end date, and apostille all civil records. All foreign non-EU documents must be officially translated into Latvian. |
| Pets | Crucial order: Your pet must be microchipped (15-digit ISO) before receiving a rabies vaccine. Wait at least 21 days before travel. If arriving from a rabies high-risk country, a three-month waiting period after a rabies titer test is required. | |
| 1–3 Months Before Moving | Application | File your Type D Visa or Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) application. You must provide bank statements showing sufficient funds (for example, around €1,800+/month for a family of four). Higher income requirements apply to investors and digital nomads. |
| Logistics | Purchase health insurance with a minimum coverage of €42,600 (a visa requirement). Book your flight within five days of your pet’s travel (the “5-day rule” prevents commercial cargo reclassification) and reserve 2–4 weeks of temporary accommodation. | |
| First 30 Days After Arrival | Residency | Attend your mandatory biometrics appointment at PMLP to collect your TRP card. You will also receive your 11-digit Personas kods (national ID and tax number), which is required for official contracts. |
| Local Setup | Officially declare your residential address (Deklarēšanās) within 30 days of receiving your TRP. Open a local or EU bank account using your Personas kods and activate a local SIM card. | |
| Healthcare | Register with a local family doctor (Ģimenes ārsts) for state healthcare or register with a private provider, such as ARS or Veselības Centrs 4. | |
| VID Tax Registration | Register with the State Revenue Service (VID) through the EDS portal. Log in using Smart-ID or eParaksts, as usernames and passwords are no longer accepted. | |
| First 3 Months (Settling In) | Tax Residency | Staying in Latvia for more than 183 days within a 12-month period generally makes you a tax resident. Assign your Electronic Tax Booklet (Algas nodokļu grāmatiņa) to your employer through the EDS portal to claim tax allowances. |
| Long-Term Setup | Ensure your lease includes landlord consent for address declaration (deklarācija). Register dogs with the LDC database and pay any municipal dog tax. Non-EU driver’s licences must be converted through the CSDD within one year. |
Moving to Latvia from the US and UK
| Category | Moving to Latvia from the U.S. | Moving to Latvia from the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Entry | Visa-free for up to 90 days (ETIAS pre-authorization required). | Visa-free for up to 90 days (ETIAS pre-authorization required). |
| Long-Term Visas | Must apply for a Type D Visa and Residence Permit through a Latvian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. | Must apply for a Type D Visa and Residence Permit through the Latvian Embassy in the UK (post-Brexit rules). |
| Document Verification | Civil documents must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State or the relevant State Secretary. | Civil documents must be apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). |
| Healthcare Requirement | Comprehensive private international health insurance is required for visa processing. | Private health insurance is required. GHIC/EHIC only covers short stays and does not meet residency requirements. |
| Pet Relocation | Requires a USDA-accredited veterinary certificate and USDA endorsement within 10 days of travel. | Requires a DEFRA-accredited veterinary certificate and official UK endorsement within 10 days of travel. |
| Driving Licences | U.S. licences are valid for up to one year, after which applicants must pass Latvian driving tests to obtain a local licence. | UK licences are valid for up to one year and can be exchanged for a Latvian licence without taking driving tests. |
| Tax Obligations | U.S. citizens must continue filing U.S. tax returns annually regardless of where they live. Foreign Tax Credits may help reduce double taxation. | UK tax residency generally ends after leaving the UK. Ongoing UK tax obligations usually only apply if you continue earning UK-source income. |
| Flight Connections | Flights to Latvia typically require at least one stop, commonly via Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or London. | Direct flights to Riga are available daily from London through airlines such as AirBaltic and Ryanair. |
Pros and Cons of Moving to Latvia
| Category | Pros (Advantages) | Cons (Drawbacks) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living and Rent | Affordable living: Rent and everyday expenses are around 30–50% lower than in Western Europe. A one-bedroom apartment in central Riga typically costs €550–€800 per month. | Higher winter utility bills: Heating costs can increase by €120–€200+ per month during winter. |
| Business and Taxes | Business-friendly: Latvia offers 0% corporate tax on retained and reinvested profits, along with accessible business and Digital Nomad Visa options. | Lower salaries: Average local net salaries are around €1,100–€1,300 per month, which may be low for Western expats. |
| Lifestyle and Safety | High quality of life: Latvia has low crime, fast internet, walkable cities, and easy access to forests, beaches, and nature. | Cold, dark winters: Winters are long, with limited daylight and below-freezing temperatures. |
| Location and Travel | Easy European travel: Latvian residency provides access to the Schengen Area, and Riga International Airport offers direct flights across Europe. | Reserved culture: Latvians may seem quiet or formal at first, and friendships often take time to develop. |
| Healthcare Access | Affordable private healthcare: Private clinics, such as ARS and Veselības Centrs 4, provide high-quality English-speaking care, with appointments typically costing €40–€80. | Public healthcare delays: The public healthcare system often has long waiting times and staff shortages. |
| Language & Integration | English is widely spoken in Riga: Many younger people, tech professionals, and service workers speak English. | Latvian is often required: Government services, official paperwork, and life outside Riga usually require Latvian, which can be difficult to learn. |
Most Popular Areas in Latvia for Expats
These are some of the best places to live in Latvia for people looking to relocate.
Riga
As Latvia’s capital and largest economic centre, Riga is the top choice for expats, digital nomads, and corporate professionals looking for international amenities, job opportunities, and direct flight connections across Europe through Riga International Airport.
Popular central districts like Centrs, Klusais Centrs, and Āgenskalns have Art Nouveau architecture, walkable streets, co-working spaces, and the country’s best private medical facilities, but living costs are higher here than elsewhere in Latvia. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for €400–650 per month, and the city has the highest number of English speakers, international schools, and public transport options.
Jūrmala
Jūrmala is located just 25 minutes west of Riga along the Gulf of Riga. It is a high-end coastal resort city famous for its white sand beaches, pine forests, and historic wooden villas. It is ideal for remote workers and retirees who want a calm, resort-style environment while maintaining quick access to Riga’s amenities through frequent 30-minute train connections.
Rental costs can increase significantly during the summer tourist season, but long-term, year-round leases are more affordable and come with additional benefits, including a quiet lifestyle, fresh coastal air, spa centers, and low crime rates.
Liepāja
Liepāja is situated on Latvia’s southwestern Baltic coast. It is the country’s third-largest city, known for its musical heritage, ice-free commercial port, and growing renewable energy sector. It offers an affordable coastal alternative to Riga, with apartment purchase and rental prices roughly 40–50% lower than in the capital. The city features mild maritime winters, sandy beaches, an active cultural calendar centered around the Great Amber Concert Hall, and well-connected public transport.
Sigulda
Sigulda is located in the Gauja River Valley, roughly 50 kilometers northeast of Riga. It is known and appreciated for its beautiful forested hills, hiking trails, and outdoor sports facilities. It is a favorite among active families and hybrid workers who want a tight-knit, eco-friendly community while staying within a 50-minute train commute of the capital.
Housing consists of single-family homes and quiet apartment complexes, which are both perfect options for anyone looking to buy property in Latvia, complemented by excellent local schools, low crime rates, and year-round outdoor activities, including skiing in winter and kayaking in summer.
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