Latvia Golden Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible for the Latvia Golden visa?

  A person qualifies for the Latvia Golden Visa if they make an investment of at least €50,000 and meet the following conditions:

  • are over 18;

  • come from a non-EU or non-EEA country;

  • have no criminal record;

  • are in good health and can provide a medical certificate;

  • hold at least €8,880 in their bank account, plus additional funds if including family members.

  A spouse legally married to the main applicant and dependent children under 18 can be included in the same application without additional investment, provided sufficient savings are demonstrated: €8,880 for a spouse and €2,664 per child.

• What are the required documents to obtain Latvia residence by investment?

  Applicants for the Latvian residency by investment must submit the following:

  • completed application form;

  • valid passport;

  • medical certificate confirming good health;

  • police clearance certificate from the country of residence;

  • bank statement proving sufficient funds;

  • proof of investment — company registration documents for the business investment route (the only route open to new filings from 15 September 2026), or, for applications filed by 14 September 2026, a property title deed or bank deposit certificate;

  • payment receipts for state and processing fees;

  • biometric data and medical examination results submitted upon arrival in Latvia.

• Is the Latvian Golden visa worth it?

  Yes, the Latvia Golden Visa may be worth it, as it offers one of the most affordable and efficient routes to EU residency, starting from €50,000 and taking 3+ months to obtain.

  The status provides visa-free Schengen travel, access to European healthcare and education, and the right to live, work, and study in Latvia. For investors and entrepreneurs, Latvia also offers corporate tax advantages within the business investment route.

• Can I apply for permanent residence or citizenship in Latvia after holding the Golden Visa?

  Yes, you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship in Latvia after holding the Golden Visa, provided you meet residency and language requirements.

  To qualify for permanent residence, you must legally live in Latvia for 5 continuous years and demonstrate Latvian at A2 level. After a further 5 years as a permanent resident, you may apply for Latvian citizenship, subject to language and civics exams.

• Can I get residency in Latvia if I buy a house?

  The real estate route is withdrawn for applications filed on or after 15 September 2026, under a new Immigration Law. Investors who filed by 14 September 2026 inclusive continue to qualify under the prior rules: real estate worth at least €250,000, already built and located in Riga or within a 30-kilometre radius of the city, either as a single property or two connected apartments each valued at a minimum of €125,000, plus around 7% in state and notary fees and an escrow account fee of €1,000+. Existing residence permits granted on this basis are unaffected. For applications from 15 September 2026 onward, the business investment route applies instead; a new state investment fund route has also been enacted but is not yet operational pending Cabinet of Ministers implementing regulations.

• What is the minimum investment required for the Latvia Golden Visa?

  The minimum amount is approximately €50,000, subject to Cabinet of Ministers implementing regulations, invested in a pre-approved Latvian company.

• What investment options are available under the Latvia Golden Visa?

  Latvia's investment routes were restructured under a new Immigration Law in force from 15 September 2026. For applications filed from that date:

  • business investment (share capital) remains open, from approximately €50,000, with final thresholds subject to Cabinet of Ministers implementing regulations;

  • a new state investment fund route (from €150,000, held at least 5 years, plus a €10,000 State budget payment) has been introduced but is not yet operational, pending Cabinet of Ministers implementing regulations;

  • real estate purchase (from €250,000) and bank deposit (€280,000+) are withdrawn for new filings.

  Applications filed by 14 September 2026 inclusive continue under the prior Immigration Law.

• Can my family members be included in the application for the Latvian Golden Visa?

  Yes, you can include your spouse and children under 18 in your Latvia Golden Visa application. For a spouse to be eligible, you must be legally married. Children must be financially dependent on you and unmarried.

• Is it necessary to live in Latvia after receiving the Golden Visa?

  No, it is not necessary. Latvia does not impose residency requirements for Golden Visa holders. However, you must visit the country each year to renew your residence permit card and retake biometrics.

  If you plan to obtain Latvian permanent residence or citizenship, you must live in Latvia continuously: 5 years for PR and an additional 5 years for citizenship.

• What are the renewal requirements for maintaining the Latvia Golden Visa?

  The Latvia Golden Visa residence status is granted for 5 years, while the residence permit card is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. Investors are required to visit Latvia each year to submit new biometrics.

  After 5 years, residency can be renewed for another term or exchanged for permanent residency, provided the investment is maintained throughout this period.

• Are there restrictions on the type or location of real estate I can purchase for the Latvia Golden Visa?

  This route is withdrawn for applications filed on or after 15 September 2026. For investors who filed by 14 September 2026 inclusive, the restrictions that applied were:

  1. Property must be already built; off-plan or under-construction developments were not eligible.

  2. Property must be located in Riga or within a 30-kilometre radius.

  3. The investor had to buy either one property meeting the €250,000 threshold or two connected apartments, each worth at least €125,000.

• What is the tax benefit for the business investment under the Latvia Golden Visa?

  Latvia offers a favourable corporate tax regime: profits reinvested into the company are exempt from corporate income tax. The standard 20% tax rate applies only when profits are distributed as dividends. This policy encourages business growth and capital reinvestment

• What happens to my Latvian residency if I sell the investment before five years?

  If the investment is sold, withdrawn, or cancelled before 5 years, the residence permit becomes invalid. Golden Visa holders must maintain their qualifying investment for at least 5 years to retain their residence status.

  If the person wishes to continue being a resident after 5 years, they must also keep their investment.

  After 5 years, the funds may be recovered if the person no longer wishes to maintain residency or obtains permanent residence.

• What are the differences between the two business investment thresholds under the Latvia Golden Visa?

  The Latvia Golden Visa offers two business investment thresholds, approximately €50,000 and €100,000 (final figures subject to Cabinet of Ministers implementing regulations), which differ based on the size and performance of the company receiving the investment.

  The €50,000 option applies to smaller Latvian companies with limited turnover and fewer employees. It is designed for investors supporting developing or medium-sized enterprises.

  The €100,000 option is intended for larger companies with higher annual turnover and more staff, reflecting a greater contribution to the national economy.

  Both options grant eligibility for the same 5-year residence permit, provided the investment is maintained, and both require payment of a €10,000 state fee.