Latvia offers a Residency by Investment program providing a 5-year temporary residence permit with no physical presence, leading to citizenship after 10 years. It grants EU/Schengen access and is a viable option for those seeking European residency.
Citizenship Pathways
Residency by Investment (Golden Visa)
Cost: €50,000 investment + €10,000 fee
Timeline: 10.0 years
Presence Required: None required
The Latvia Golden Visa offers a 5-year temporary residence permit through an investment, providing EU/Schengen access with no physical presence requirement. It can lead to citizenship after 10 years.
Digital Nomad Visa
Cost: ~$3,080/month income + health insurance
Timeline: 1.0 years
Presence Required: None specified, but generally requires remote work
Latvia's Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to reside in Latvia for up to one year, with the possibility of extension, by demonstrating remote work for a foreign employer or self-employment in an OECD country. It requires a minimum income and health insurance.
Step-by-Step Process
Residency by Investment (Golden Visa)
: Select investment option (e.g., €50,000 deposit) and pay state fee.
— 1-2 weeks — €50,000 investment + €10,000 fee
: Gather and prepare all required documents (apostilled, translated).
— 4-6 weeks — €500-€1,500 (translation/legalization)
: Submit application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia.
— 1-2 days — Varies (travel/courier)
Passport copy — Notarized and apostilled copy of valid passport
Proof of investment — Bank statement or certificate confirming investment funds
Criminal record certificate — From country of origin and any country resided in for >12 months
Health insurance — Valid for at least one year, covering Latvia
Application forms — Completed and signed official residency application forms
Tax System
System: worldwide
New residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income. Latvia has a flat income tax rate of 20% for individuals, with some exceptions for lower incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is physical presence required for the Golden Visa?
No, there is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain the temporary residence permit.
Can family members be included in the application?
Yes, spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children can be included in the application.
What is the main investment option?
The most common option is a non-interest bearing deposit of €50,000 in a credit institution, plus a €10,000 state fee.