Latvia Golden Visa 2026
Programme Overview
Latvia's Residence Permit Programme offers EU residency through real estate or business investment. As an EU member state, Latvia provides access to the Schengen Zone and European opportunities with competitive investment thresholds.
Latvia offers one of Europe's most accessible residency-by-investment programmes, providing a direct pathway to EU residency through real estate or business investment. As a full EU and Schengen member since 2004, Latvia grants residents the right to travel freely throughout 27 EU countries and live anywhere in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The programme requires a minimum €50,000 investment in Latvian real estate (outside Riga) or €250,000 in subordinated capital of a Latvian credit institution. Latvia's flat 20% personal income tax, strategic location between Western Europe and Russia, and high quality of life make it attractive for those seeking European residency without the higher investment thresholds of programmes like Portugal or Greece. After 5 years of continuous residency, permit holders become eligible for permanent EU residency, and after 10 years, Latvian citizenship. For investors seeking straightforward, cost-effective EU access, Latvia delivers exceptional value.
Fund Your Latvia Investment with a Lombard Loan
Instead of liquidating your portfolio to fund the From €250,000 Latvia investment, use your existing assets as collateral and keep your money working for you.
Traditional: Liquidate Assets
- ✗Sell From €250,000 from your portfolio
- ✗Trigger capital gains tax (up to 20%)
- ✗Lose years of compound growth
- ✗After 10 years: €539,731
Lombard Loan: Keep Your Portfolio
- Borrow From €250,000 against €500,000 collateral
- No capital gains event triggered
- Portfolio continues growing at ~8%
- After 10 years: €991,962
10-Year Wealth Projection
Investment Options
Key Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
Application Timeline
Investment & Documentation
1-2 monthsComplete property purchase or investment and gather required documents
Application Submission
1-2 monthsSubmit residence permit application to Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Processing & Approval
2-3 monthsGovernment review, security checks, and permit approval
Permit Issuance
2-4 weeksReceive 5-year residence permit (renewable)
Family Inclusion
- •Spouse
- •Children under 18
- •Dependent children under 24 (if students)
- •Additional investment required for family members
Taxation
Latvia taxes residents on worldwide income at flat rate of 20-23% (depending on income level). Non-residents taxed only on Latvian-sourced income. Various tax treaties available. EU tax directives apply.
Residency Requirements
No minimum annual stay required initially. To qualify for permanent residency after 5 years, must demonstrate integration and pass Latvian language test. For citizenship after 10 years, physical presence and stronger integration required.
Path to Citizenship
Eligible for Latvian citizenship after 10 years of continuous legal residence. Requirements include Latvian language proficiency (B1 level), knowledge of Latvian history and Constitution, renunciation of previous citizenship (with some exceptions), and demonstration of integration.
Costs & Fees
Depending on investment type and location
Non-refundable government processing fee per applicant
Immigration lawyer and document preparation
Stamp duty and notary fees for real estate
Is Latvia Right for You?
Ideal For
- Budget-conscious investors seeking EU residency
- Those wanting straightforward, fast processing
- Business owners targeting Baltic/Nordic markets
- Investors seeking real estate with rental potential
- Families wanting EU education access for children
Consider Alternatives If
- •Those wanting dual citizenship (Latvia restricts this)
- •Investors seeking Mediterranean climate
- •Those needing citizenship in under 10 years
- •High-earners seeking to minimize tax (consider territorial systems)
- •Those wanting to live primarily in Western Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Schedule a consultation with our expert advisors to discuss your Latvia residency application.