Overview
Latvia’s Residency by Investment program, commonly referred to as the “Golden Visa,” offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment in the country’s economy. This program provides several pathways for investment, making it flexible and appealing to a broad range of investors.
In Latvia, investors can gain residency through real estate investment, business investment, or by purchasing government bonds or depositing funds in credit institutions. Real estate investments must meet a minimum value, while business investments contribute to job creation. These options provide pathways for individuals seeking residency in Latvia.
In exchange for their investment, foreign nationals and their immediate family members can receive temporary residence permits. After meeting certain conditions, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. The Golden Visa program offers investors the flexibility to live, work, and travel within the European Union, providing access to numerous benefits such as a high quality of life, EU-wide travel privileges, and an appealing business environment.
Key Benefits
Latvian residency offers visa-free travel to 29 Schengen countries and includes family benefits, allowing spouses and dependent children to apply. Residents have access to Latvia’s public healthcare and education systems, with the right to live and work in the country indefinitely.
Once you’ve held permanent residency for five years, you can take the next step towards becoming a Latvian citizen, gaining full access to EU rights and privileges.
Latvia offers a favorable tax system, featuring no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and a low income tax rate, making it an appealing destination for investors and entrepreneurs.
Latvia offers a cost-effective residency by investment program with minimal physical presence—just one day per year is required. The country is safe, with high-quality healthcare and education systems, and offers a high standard of living. The application process is fast and straightforward, with no minimum stay required for renewal. Investors can also open a European bank account and reside in any EU country for up to 90 days.
GOLDEN VISA
Latvia’s Residency by Investment Program, commonly referred to as the Latvia Golden Visa, is one of the most accessible and cost-effective residency-by-investment options in the European Union. Introduced in 2010, this program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit in exchange for a qualifying financial investment in Latvia.
The Latvian Golden Visa grants a 5-year renewable temporary residence permit, with the initial residency valid for up to 5 years but subject to annual renewal. It allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and the right to live in Latvia, although it does not automatically lead to permanent residency or citizenship unless the applicant physically resides in the country for a specified period. To qualify for permanent residency, the investor must live in Latvia for at least 5 years, and to apply for citizenship, one must have resided there for 10 years, pass a language test, and demonstrate knowledge of Latvian history and laws.
Latvia’s Golden Visa is particularly attractive for its low investment threshold, fast processing times (typically within 30–90 days), and the ability to include family members. It is ideal for investors seeking a gateway into the EU, access to European markets, and a peaceful lifestyle in a country that blends affordability with a growing economy and strong connections to both Western Europe and the Baltics.
Eligibility Criteria
Latvia’s Golden Visa embraces family unity, enabling investors to bring their loved ones—spouse, children, and dependent parents under a single residency path. It’s a seamless path for families seeking a shared European future. Qualifying dependents include the applicant’s spouse, children under 18, and, in specific cases, disabled parents who require continuous care. This makes the program appealing for families seeking to relocate together while benefiting from the advantages of EU residency.
To qualify, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, meet minimum income requirements, and hold valid health insurance for themselves and all dependents. Introduced in 2010 to encourage foreign investment, the program offers multiple pathways, such as real estate purchases or business investments. The residence permit is valid for five years, but applicants must renew their ID card annually to maintain legal status in Latvia.
Documentation
Valid Passport
A minimum six months beyond your stay.
Passport-size Photo
Recent and clear.
Legal Source of Funds
Tax returns, contracts, or financial trails.
Financial Stability
Bank statements to show you’re self-sufficient.
Investment Docs
Property deed, business papers, or bank slips (depending on route).
Health Insurance
Valid for your stay in Latvia.
TB Clearance
Certificate showing you’re TB-free.
Advantages of the Residency by Investment Programme
FAQ
Schengen Mobility & EU Pathway
Offers visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries and a clear route from temporary residency to Latvian citizenship after 10 years, with permanent residency available after 5.
Family Inclusion
The program allows spouses, minor children, and dependent parents to be included in the same application, ensuring full family support.
Affordable & Flexible
Features low investment thresholds, a streamlined process, and no mandatory stay—only one visit per year is required to maintain residency.
Business-Friendly & High Quality of Life
Latvia provides tax advantages (no wealth tax, tax-free reinvested profits), access to healthcare and education, and a stable, investor-friendly environment in the heart of Europe.
- First, 18 years old or above
- Next, have no criminal record
- Also, be of good character
- Lastly, free of contagious illnesses
- Firstly, a minimum 18 years old
- Additionally, have a clean criminal record
- Then, be of good character
- Finally, free of contagious illnesses
- Of investor or spouse
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