As of 2026, Latvia’s Golden Visa has been among the top residency by investment programs in Europe for those prioritizing affordability. the Latvia Golden Visa program grants a 5-year residency requirement, with no physical presence requirement, to maintain your second residency status. For investors willing to relocate there full-time, it also offers an indirect path to permanent residency after 5 years or citizenship after 10 years. In 2025, it reached a total of 201 applications, according to the latest data from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, an increase of around 34.9% from the previous year.
The Latvian Golden Visa takes 2-4 months to process and grants successful applicants and their eligible family members. This fast-track application process is mostly due to the lack of backlogs, as the program is newly gaining momentum among investors. The program’s affordability hinges on its minimum business investment requirement of €50,000 and a €250,000 real estate investment, with rental yield potential up to 8%.
Key Program Details: Latvia Golden Visa
- As a residency by investment (RBI) program, Latvia Golden Visa was introduced in 2010 with the aim of attracting more visitors and contributing to the Latvia’s economy.
- It stands out as an economic EU citizenship route with a Latvian Golden Visa minimum investment amount of €50.000.
- To be eligible for the program, applicants must be non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizens with a clean criminal record.
- Applicants can include their spouses and children who are 18 or below/above, provided they are financially dependent on the main applicant.
- To maintain their Latvian residency status, they must keep their investment for at least five years, pay taxes, and visit Latvia to renew their resident permit ID cards once a year.
- The minimum investment amounts are €250,000 for real estate, €280,000 for a five-year bank deposit, €250,000 for government bonds, and €50,000 for a business investment.
- As one of the quickest EU residency by investment programs, the Latvia Golden Visa processing time for each application is approximately 1-3 months from the initial application date.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- What is Latvia’s Golden Visa?
- Benefits of Latvia Golden Visa Program
- Eligibility Criteria for Latvia Golden Visa
- Investment Options: How to Get Latvian Citizenship by Investment?
- Latvia Golden Visa Cost
- Latvia Golden Visa Requirements
- How to Apply for Latvia Golden Visa
- Alternatives to Latvia’s Golden Visa Program
- FAQs on Latvia Residence by Investment
What is Latvia’s Golden Visa?
Latvia Golden Visa, officially known as Latvia Investor Visa, was introduced with the Latvia immigration act on 2010, July 1. As one of the earliest European Golden Visa programs, its main purpose is to attract more visitors and make a significant contribution to the country’s economy after the 2008 economic crisis.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) is the only authority to grant Latvia citizenship. It decides the eligibility criteria and requirements for the RBI program on its official website and analyzes the applicants. Accordingly, it grants qualifying investors a 5-year valid residence permit.
Is a Latvian Golden Visa Worth It?
Since 2014, we have offered more than 16 investment migration programs worldwide at Get Golden Visa. We have always valued second residency options, especially for our investors’ residency and global mobility.
From this perspective, Latvia stands out as an option for investors seeking affordability for getting a residence permit ID cards as a worthwhile investment. Latvia Golden Visa requires a minimum business amount of €50,000, which offers the cheapest European Golden Visa option.
On the other hand, Latvia’s real estate market could be a new, strategic, tangible asset for many considering investing in real estate and obtaining residency. Compared to Greece, you can obtain your Latvia residence by investment via €250,000 at any place in Latvia without any property restrictions. Another unique advantage is that you can rent out your property in Latvia for both short and long-term rentals with a potential rental yield of around 7.9%-8.5%.
Latvia Investor Visa Statistics 2025-2026
According to the latest statistics revealed on 8 Feb, 2026, the Latvian Golden Visa program reached 201 approvals in 2025, on track to rise by about 34.9% compared to 2024 (149 from all of 2024). When we delve into investment statistics. We see 41 real estate applications in 2025, reaching 48% of all investment residence permits, up from 29% in 2024.
Following real estate applications, business investment in the equity capital of a Latvian company remains slightly ahead, accounting for %49 of approvals with around 42 applications. In addition, the top nationalities that were granted residence permits by investment in 2025 include Turkey (20%), Vietnam (11%), the UK (9%), and India (9%).
| Year | Total Visas |
| 2013 | 3,903 |
| 2014 | 5,603 |
| 2015 | 868 |
| 2016 | 609 |
| 2017 | 379 |
| 2018 | 439 |
| 2019 | 516 |
| 2020 | 162 |
| 2021 | 308 |
| 2022 | 258 |
| 2023 | 166 |
| 2024 | 149 |
| 2025 | 201 |
| Rank | Nationality | Total Investors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Turkish
|
54 |
| 2 |
Chinese
|
20 |
| 3 |
Uzbek
|
17 |
| 4 |
Vietnamese
|
12 |
| 5 |
Indian
|
9 |
| 6 |
Iraqi
|
7 |
| 7 |
Georgian
|
7 |
| 8 |
Canadian
|
7 |
| 9 |
British
|
6 |
| 10 |
Azerbaijani
|
6 |
Benefits of Latvia Golden Visa Program
Golden Visa in Latvia stands out as a strategic asset for investors who want to benefit from its diverse offerings, as stated below:
- Latvia’s Golden Visa program offers a faster processing time than other European Union Golden Visas. It typically takes 1 to 3 months since the application date.
- Latvia Golden Visa permits family reunification. As a main applicant, you can add your spouse and children up to 18 years old.
- There are flexible investment options, but two stand out. The first one is a business investment thanks to its affordability; the other is a real estate investment because there are no restrictions on property type, unlike in Greece.
- Once you obtain your Latvia Golden Passport successfully, you can enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area up to 90 days within any 180-days.
- You can benefit from residency rights in Latvia, including access to healthcare, education, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- The capital, Riga, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic architecture, welcoming families, and offering the beautiful nature of Northern Europe, social services, and investment opportunities.
- Apart from Russia, English is widely spoken among younger generations and locals in urban areas, making it easy for international residents.
- With rising inflation in many countries, low cost of living matters, especially for families. Thereby, Latvia stands out as an affordable European Union residency option with a minimum wage of €740 per month.
- Although Latvia Investment Visa is a residency by investment program, it offers an indirect path for permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years of residence for those willing to relocate to Latvia. Note that the Latvian Golden Visa does not impose any minimum physical residence requirement for a temporary residence permit, and the path to permanent residence and citizenship requires other eligibility criteria.
Who Should Prefer Latvia Golden Visa?
Among the European Golden Visa programs, Latvia’s program is the best for:
- Investors looking for an affordable EU route as it offers the cheapest Golden Visa in Europe, starting from €50,000 business investment. Therefore, it is ideal for mid-level investors, entrepreneurs with limited capital, or investors who are looking for an affordable EU foothold.
- Investors who want European mobility with the lowest threshold without living there full-time.
- Families seeking affordable EU residency for their children.
- Investors who are interested in rental income (Passive income seekers). Through the €250K real estate investment route, you can grant a rental income yield of up to 8%.
Who is it not ideal for?
- Investors seeking European citizenship. Latvia Golden Visa program is a residency by investment program. For citizenship, you must have been living there for 10 years.
- Those seeking stronger lifestyle benefits. Programs like Greece, Portugal, and Italy are much more appealing.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Qualify for Latvia Golden Visa?
Now that we have learned the pros of Latvia Residence by investment, it is time to move on with eligibility criteria.
The Main Applicant
The foreign investors must meet the criteria stated below to apply for Latvia Golden Visa by investment:
- Hold a passport from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
- Maintain a spotless criminal history
- Make a qualifying investment
- Prove you’re financially sound
- Have valid health insurance for you and your dependents
Note that Russian and Belarusian applicants are not eligible to apply for the program.
Family Members
For Latvia investor visa, you can include your family members on your application:
- The spouse
- Dependent children who are 18 and below
Note: Children over 18 and parents must apply separately if they want Latvian residence by investment. Additionally, parents or legal guardians must provide proof of guardianship for their dependent children.
Investment Options: How to Get Latvian Citizenship by Investment?
So far, we have determined who can apply for the program to get a temporary residence permit. Now, it is time to look for Latvia’s Golden Visa investment options under Section 23(1) of the Latvian Immigration Law.
1. Real Estate Investment
To buy property under the Latvia Golden Visa program to obtain residency in the EU, you need to invest at least €250,000. You must also pay an additional 5% government fee equal to your Latvian real estate investment option.
What makes this option attractive to many investors is that it is one of the few remaining options that allow you to purchase any type of real estate with the required minimum amount. While in Greece Golden Visa, investors can only obtain residency through conversion projects through EUR 250,000, the remaining properties’ threshold raises to €400K or €800K, depending on the region.
Apart from this, once you complete the property purchase process completely, you can rent it out for a short or long term. You can benefit from a potential rental yield of around 7.9%-8.5% in the EU market, making it a strategic asset for those seeking capital appreciation.
The real estate investment cost table:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Value | €250,000 |
| Government Tax (5% of property value) | €12,500 |
| Land Registry Fee (1.5% of property value) | €3,750 |
| Legal Fee (for main applicant €2,500 + €500 for each family member) + VAT | €2,500 + VAT |
| Registration Fee | €15 |
| Service Fee (4% of the property sale price) | 4% |
| Notary Fees | €300 |
| Residence Permit Application Fee | €150 |
| Bank Account (changes depending on the bank) | €1,500 |
| Health Insurance | €200 |
| Document Translation | €500 |
2. Business Investment
Business investment is the reason why Latvia Golden Visa is called “affordable second residency option.”
You must make an investment of at least €50,000 into the equity capital of a Latvian company:
- With fewer than 50 employees
- An annual income less than EUR 10 million
- Paying EUR 40,000 in taxes annually.
Note that you must also pay an additional government fee of €10,000, totaling a minimum investment of EUR 60,000. Although this affordable option is attracting many, the companies that fit this regulation are limited and have higher investment risks than other options.
There is also another option under this category. You can make a €100,000 investment in a commercial company or a share of a commercial company that:
- Has more than 50 employees
- Annual turnover more than EUR 10 million
3. Bank Deposit Investment
Under Clause 30, investors are required to deposit €280,000 with a Latvian bank for a fixed term of five years. This deposit must remain untouched throughout the entire period.
In addition to this subordinated bank capital investment, a state fee of €25,000 applies. You can refund this deposit at the end of your residency period; however, subordinated bank capital must remain locked until then.
4. Government Bonds Investment
This route involves purchasing at least €250,000 worth of Latvian government bonds. These bonds are held by the investor, and a state fee of €38,000 is payable as part of the application process.
Latvia Golden Visa Cost
When considering Latvia’s Golden Visa options, it is essential to compare the costs associated with each investment route. Here is the comparison table.
| Investment Option | Minimum Investment | Additional Fees | Total Minimum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investment | €250,000 | 5% of investment (€12,500) | €262,500 |
| Business Investment A | €50,000 | €10,000 government fee | €60,000 |
| Business Investment B | €100,000 | €10,000 government fee | €110,000 |
| Bank Deposit Investment | €280,000 (5-year fixed deposit) | €25,000 state fee | €305,000 |
| Government Bonds Investment | €250,000 | €38,000 state fee | €288,000 |
Latvia Residency by Investment Requirements
The Latvian Investment Visa requires you to meet certain criteria to obtain residency. These are highlighted below.
No Minimum Stay Requirements for Latvia Residence Permit by Investment
In many Golden Visa countries, there is a minimum stay requirement. This means that individuals must enter and remain in the country for a specific period to maintain their residency status.
There is no minimum residency requirement for the Golden Visa in Latvia. However, applicants must visit the country every year to renew their temporary residence permit.
Latvia Golden Visa: Due Diligence Requirement
The Republic of Latvia checks out each applicant’s financial background to make sure their due diligence is done comprehensively. This is to protect the program’s reputation and prevent money laundering.
List of Required Documents for Latvian Investor Visa
Below, you can see the list of required documents for Latvia Investor Visa:
How to Apply for Latvia Golden Visa
Now that we have covered all the necessary information you need to know before making a decision for Latvia Golden Visa, it is time to move on with the application process step by step.
Step 1: Gather necessary documents and make your investment
Before submitting your application, make sure you are eligible with a clean criminal history and make a qualifying investment in one of the options we stated above. At the same time, you must fill out the application forms and gather all the necessary documents in order.
Step 2: Submit your application
After gathering all documents, it is time to hand in your application for Latvia Golden Visa. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will analyze your application and they will issue a temporary D type visa.
With your D Visa, you must visit the country and attend the biometrics appointment. In return, they will issue Latvian residence permit, available for 5 years.
Step 3: Renew your residence permit annually
To keep your Latvia residency status, you do not need to meet the minimum stay requirement. However, you need to visit Latvia each year to reregister with the authorities and prove that you keep your foreign investments.
What Happens After 5 Years of Holding Your Latvian Residency by Investment?
At the end of 5-years, you can renew your Latvia Golden Visa if you wish to keep your investment.
On the other hand, if you have resided in Latvia during your 5-year residency period, you can be eligible for Latvian permanent residence. On the other hand, you can prefer to reside in Latvia for another 5 years under your Golden Visa, then apply for Latvian citizenship by meeting the eligibility criteria.
Latvia Golden Visa Path to Permanent Residency
Under Latvian Nationality Law, you can obtain permanent residency as a Latvian Golden Visa holder on the condition that:
- You must live in Latvia for 4 of the 5 years, and for 183 days each year.
- You must keep your investment for at least 5 years.
- You must pay taxes in Latvia.
Once you get your permanent residence permit, you do not have to keep your investment.
Latvia Citizenship by Investment Requirements
To apply for Latvian citizenship, you must have lived in Latvia for at least 10 years, with at least 183 days in Latvia each year. If you qualify for this residency requirement, you must pass Latvian Language test, proving that you are at least A2 level.
Moreover, you are required to know the state’s history and national anthem.
Once you receive your Latvia citizenship, you are eligible to apply for a passport. The passport fees are:
- For individuals who are between 20 and 62: €34
- For individuals who are between under 20 and over 62: €15
Does Latvia Allow Dual Citizenship?
When you invest in a country to obtain citizenship, you do not wish to lose your main nationality. That’s where dual citizenship comes into play. Also known as dual nationality, it means that a person legally holds two nationalities at the same time.
Considering these, Republic of Latvia also allows dual nationality as of 1 October 2013, when the applicant meets the criteria highlighted below:
- Countries within the EU or EFTA
- NATO allies
- Australia, Brazil, or New Zealand
- Other countries, if approved by the Cabinet, for national interest
- Other countries, if citizenship is gained through marriage or adoption
- Children of Latvian citizenship
Latvian Passport Benefits
The world is evolving into a place where global mobility matters, and people do not want to waste time obtaining a visa for a specific country. Therefore, visa-free travel gains importance. At this point, located in Europe, Latvia stands out as an attractive spot.
Ranked 12th, Latvian passport allows visa-free travel to 116 countries, including the Schengen Zone, the US, and the UK. Besides, it gives a visa-on-arrival to 48 countries. This makes it attractive for international business people, digital nomads, families, and retirees.
With Latvia passport, you can benefit from the European Union citizenship:
What are the tax implications for Golden Visa investors in Latvia?
Latvia Golden Visa investors are only considered tax residents if they spend over 183 days in Latvia. Otherwise, if you are not considered as Latvian tax resident, you are only taxed on your local income (income you earned in Latvia) as stated below:
- Your rental income is subject to income tax at around 25.5%- 33%
- A 25.5% capital gains tax applies if the property is sold within 5 years
Get Golden Visa: How can we help you?
At Get Golden Visa, we have provided investment advisory services for more than 47 nationalities. Our expert team helps investors to obtain dual citizenship or residency through various citizenship by investment programs.
With our assistance and expertise in this sector, you can streamline the process and find answers to your questions.
Reach out to our experienced team to find the best investment opportunities for your needs.
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Alternatives to Latvia’s Golden Visa Program
Golden Visa programs are most often preferred because they grant global mobility in exchange for a qualifying investment. Although Latvia’s Golden Visa is one of the earliest and most economically beneficial residence-by-investment programs in the EU, the final decision depends on the investor’s needs, including family inclusion benefits, investment options, a path to permanent residency, or even citizenship. Therefore, if you are looking for other routes to global mobility, you may also consider other Golden Visa and CBI programs.
In Europe, Portugal, Italy, and Greece Golden Visa programs attract attention with their offerings. Portugal’s Golden Visa program emerges at the forefront with its diverse fund investment options, while Greece Golden Visa highlights itself with its real estate investment opportunities. On the other hand, Italy offers investment through bonds, companies, and start-ups.
In the Caribbean; St Kitts, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda CBI program stands out as a strategic asset with its quick application processes. If you are looking for a real estate investment or a donation option, you can go for St Kitts, Dominica, and Antigua Barbuda. With no residency requirements, dual citizenship opportunities, and tax benefits, you can obtain your citizenship within 6 to 9 months.
Note: We provide advisory services based on the legislation and administrative practice in effect at the time of your consultation. We cannot guarantee that future legal or policy changes will not affect eligibility, timing, or requirements for Latvian residency.
We act as an independent advisory firm, not a government body, and all applications remain subject to Latvian law and the discretion of the relevant authorities.
FAQs on Latvia Residence by Investment
Can I retire in Latvia?
Yes, you can retire in Latvia through residency by investment programs or other residency visa options. With its low cost of living and high quality of life, it offers a stable environment for retirees, whether you are from the US or any other country.
Can I get residency if I purchase real estate in Latvia?
You can obtain residency in Latvia if you buy a property through real estate investment within the concept of Latvia Golden Visa.
Is Latvia a part of the Schengen Zone?
Yes, Latvia is one of the countries located in the Schengen Area, making its residency by investment program an outstanding choice for those looking for global mobility.
Do people speak in English in Latvia?
Although the official language is Latvian, many people in Latvia speak English, especially in tourist places. Thanks to this, expats from the UK, US, and many other countries prefer this country to relocate to.
Can I move to Latvia from the USA?
Yes, you can move to Latvia from the USA; however, you must apply for a residence permit for longer stays than 90 days within a 180-day period.
Are there any restrictions on property types for real estate investment?
No, as of 2026, there is no restriction on property types for Latvia Golden Visa real estate investment.
Can I invest in multiple properties to meet the real estate investment amount?
No, investment must be made in one single property to be eligible for the Latvia Residence by Investment.
How does Latvia tax foreign retirement income for US retirees?
Latvia taxes your foreign retirement income, such as US Social Security or private pensions, if you live there as a resident. The tax is progressive, usually 20% to 31%, and the first €3,600 per year is typically tax-free. However, there is a US-Latvia tax treaty that helps prevent double taxation, but to benefit from it, you need to obtain a residency certificate.
