Latvia Golden Visa 2026: Temporary Residence by Investment in the EU

Programme Overview

Latvia, the central member of the three Baltic States, offers a residency-by-investment programme that provides internationally mobile investors with access to the European Union's internal market, Schengen Zone travel, and a pathway to EU citizenship — specifically Latvian citizenship — after a defined period of legal residence.

As an EU and NATO member state, Latvia offers the full framework of European legal protections, the rule of law underpinning common to EU member states, and the practical benefits of Schengen travel freedom. Riga, Latvia's capital, is a genuinely distinctive European city — a UNESCO World Heritage Centre for its Art Nouveau architectural heritage — with a growing technology and financial services sector, and a cost of living substantially below that of Western European capitals.

The programme has evolved significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Latvia, which shares a land border with Russia (via the Pskov Oblast), has been among the most assertive EU member states in tightening its residency framework for Russian and Belarusian nationals, reflecting genuine national security concerns. This context is important for any investor considering Latvia's programme in 2026.

Investment Routes

Latvia's Temporary Residence Permit by Investment is available via three qualifying routes:

Route 1: Real Estate Investment

Minimum €250,000 investment in real estate (the property may be purchased anywhere in Latvia — the earlier split between Riga and the rest of the country has been removed), plus payment of a 5% state fee calculated on the property's value (for a €250,000 property, this fee is €12,500).

The property must be purchased outright (no mortgage financing is recognised as counting toward the threshold) and must be held for the duration of the residence permit. The €250,000 investment is in the property itself — it is not a government deposit and is not refundable. The investment value may increase or decrease depending on Latvian real estate market conditions.

Note on programme status: Latvia's residence-by-investment framework has been under political review, and proposals to suspend or further restrict the real estate route have been discussed. Anyone considering this route should confirm that it remains open at the time of application and obtain current specialist advice.

Route 2: Capital Company Equity Investment

Investment in a Latvian registered capital company (SIA or AS), meeting all of the following simultaneously:

• Minimum €50,000 in share capital, plus a €10,000 state fee
• The company is a small or medium enterprise (fewer than 50 employees and annual turnover below €10 million)
• The company contributes a minimum of €40,000 per year in taxes to the Latvian state

This route is designed for genuine business operators rather than passive investors. It requires maintaining a functioning business that makes a meaningful tax contribution, which provides deeper economic benefit to Latvia. The capital threshold is lower, but the operational commitment is substantially higher.

Route 3: Subordinated Financial Capital

Placement of a minimum of €280,000 with a Latvian credit institution (licensed Latvian bank) as a five-year subordinated deposit, plus a €25,000 state fee. Subordinated capital has lower priority in a liquidation scenario than senior debt, making it a risk-bearing form of capital. The institution uses this capital for lending and investment activities.

What the Programme Provides

A successful applicant receives a Latvian Temporary Residence Permit (Pagaidu uzturēšanās atļauja):

• Initially valid for 5 years, renewable for further 5-year periods on maintaining the qualifying investment
• Schengen Zone freedom of movement: Latvian TRP holders may travel throughout the 29-country Schengen Zone without additional visa applications
• Right to reside in Latvia and conduct passive investment activities without restriction
• Access to Latvian healthcare on a contributory basis (health insurance is strongly recommended for private-sector access to quality care)
• Family reunification: Spouse and minor children may be included in the application under dependent TRP provisions

The TRP does not grant the right to work for third-party employers without a separate work permit, but holders may manage their own Latvian business interests.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Permanent Residency (PR): After five years of continuous Temporary Residence, applicants may apply for Permanent Residency. PR is not contingent on maintaining the qualifying investment after the TRP to PR conversion.

Latvian Citizenship (EU Citizenship): Latvian citizenship by naturalisation is available after 5 years of Permanent Residency (10 years total from initial TRP) for non-EU nationals. Requirements include:

• Latvian language proficiency test (A2 level minimum for standard naturalisation; this is a genuine requirement and requires study)
• Knowledge of Latvian history and constitution
• Renunciation of previous citizenship (Latvia does not generally permit dual nationality for naturalised citizens, though there are exceptions for citizens of EU member states in some circumstances — legal advice is needed on individual cases)
• Good character and integration into Latvian society

The Latvian passport provides full EU citizenship rights, including the right to live and work in any of the 27 EU member states, and visa-free access to approximately 190+ countries — one of the world's strongest travel documents. For investors who are willing to commit to the full naturalisation process (including the language requirement and renunciation consideration), Latvian citizenship represents a premium long-term outcome.

The Baltic Context: Why Latvia in 2026?

The Appeal

Riga is one of Europe's most architecturally beautiful capitals, with a well-preserved medieval old town (Vecrīga) and a famous Art Nouveau district (Quiet Centre) that together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is compact, walkable, and increasingly well-connected for business travel, with direct flights to major European hubs and a growing tech and financial services industry.

Latvia's digital infrastructure is world-class — the country was an early leader in e-governance and digital public services, and the tech ecosystem around Riga has produced globally recognised companies. The local property market remains accessible by Western European standards, with quality central Riga apartments available at prices per square metre significantly below comparable Tallinn, Warsaw, or Prague pricing.

Cost of living for high earners is competitive: quality dining, international schooling, and professional services are available at costs substantially below London, Amsterdam, or Zurich equivalents.

The Geopolitical Dimension

Latvia's eastern border with Russia (and the border with Belarus) creates a geopolitical context that must be addressed honestly. Latvia is a NATO member and an EU member; it is covered by Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and the EU's mutual defence provisions. The country has substantially increased defence spending since 2022 and hosts a permanent NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battle group.

For investors making property investments in Latvia, the geopolitical risk is reflected in pricing — Latvian real estate has not seen the valuation premiums of western EU markets — but it is also covered by the political and defence security guarantees of two of the world's most powerful collective security organisations. Individual risk assessment will depend on the investor's own geopolitical outlook and investment time horizon.

Russian and Belarusian nationals: Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia significantly tightened access to its residency programme for Russian and Belarusian citizens. As of 2024–2026, obtaining a Latvian TRP as a Russian or Belarusian national is subject to heightened scrutiny and significant restrictions. Any Russian or Belarusian national considering Latvia should obtain current, specialist legal advice before proceeding.

The Latvian Tax System

Personal income tax: Following a tax reform effective from 2025, Latvia levies personal income tax on a progressive basis — a base rate of 25.5% on income up to approximately €105,300 and 33% above that, with a further solidarity component on very high incomes (over €200,000). Figures are for the 2026 tax year and are periodically revised.

No inheritance tax between spouses and first-degree relatives (children, parents).

No wealth tax.

Capital gains tax: Capital gains on shares held for longer than 60 days are subject to a 20% CGT rate. Certain exemptions apply for small gains and for reinvestment. Real estate gains are subject to income tax.

Corporate tax: Latvia operates a unique distributed profit tax system — corporate income is not taxed when retained and reinvested in the company; a 20% tax applies only when profits are distributed as dividends. This makes Latvia highly competitive for operating companies that reinvest profits.

VAT: 21% standard rate.

How Global Investments Can Help

Global Investments advises investors on the Latvian residency-by-investment programme, including real estate acquisition (with full Latvian notarial and legal due diligence), permit application management, and long-term planning toward permanent residency and citizenship.

We work with specialist Latvian immigration lawyers and real estate advisers to ensure that property acquisitions meet programme requirements and represent sound long-term investments in the Latvian market.

Contact our team for a confidential consultation on Latvian golden visa options.

Property values may go down as well as up. Latvian immigration and tax regulations may change; this guide reflects conditions as of June 2026. Geopolitical risks in the Baltic region require individual assessment. Naturalisation requires Latvian language proficiency and may require renunciation of prior citizenship. Professional legal and tax advice is essential.