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Latvia Golden VISA
Starts at €60,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
latvia | starts at €60,000 | EU Visa Free
Essential Information
Country: Latvia
Capital: Riga
Population: 1.9M
Language: Latvian
Timezone: GMT+2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Program Started: 2010
Latvia’s Residence by Investment Programme, launched in 2010, is one of Europe’s oldest and most affordable pathways to Schengen residency. Strategically located in Northern Europe, Latvia is known for its charming architecture, natural beauty, and digital innovation.
As an EU and Schengen member, Latvia offers foreign investors access to the entire European market with minimal bureaucracy. With a starting investment of just EUR 60,000, the programme is the lowest-cost gateway to European residency. Investors gain access to visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, and their family members can be included in the application.
The application process is streamlined and typically completed within 4–6 months. Whether through business, real estate, or bank deposits, the Latvia programme is ideal for investors looking for flexibility, lifestyle security, and long-term EU access.
From Residency to EU Passport Over Time.
Latvia’s pathway to citizenship follows a standard EU naturalisation route. After 5 years of physical residence, investors can apply for permanent residency. Citizenship becomes available after 10 years of legal residence, subject to passing a Latvian language and culture exam.
Dual citizenship is permitted only with select countries; therefore, most applicants may need to renounce their previous nationality unless exemptions apply.
Importantly, while there are no stay requirements to maintain the Golden Visa, applicants must meet physical presence conditions to qualify for citizenship. Latvia also allows applicants to convert their temporary residence into permanent status after the first five years.
The Most Accessible EU Investment Routes.
Latvia offers three government-approved investment pathways. The most popular is the business investment route, which requires an EUR 50,000 investment in a Latvian company (employing fewer than 50 people and paying EUR 40,000+ in annual taxes), along with a EUR 10,000 government donation.
The second option is real estate, requiring a EUR 250,000 purchase and a 5% state fee. Properties must be free from encumbrance and purchased from a legal entity.
The third option is a bank deposit of EUR 280,000 for five years, combined with a EUR 25,000 government fee. Each investment path includes flexibility for family members and provides a five-year renewable residence permit. Investors must also show sufficient annual income: EUR 15,480 for individuals, and more for families.
Low Commitment, High Access: Who Qualifies and How to Maintain It.
Latvia’s programme has no physical stay requirement to maintain the residency permit. However, to apply for permanent residency or citizenship, investors must have resided in Latvia physically for at least 5 or 10 years, respectively.
Eligibility criteria include being 18+ years, passing due diligence, and holding a clean criminal record. The applicant must also demonstrate proof of income, show health insurance, and complete a medical check. The application can include a spouse, children, and parents.
Residence permits are issued for 5 years, with renewal available. Latvia’s straightforward requirements and flexibility make it an excellent choice for investors looking for minimal disruption to their lifestyle while retaining the option of long-term EU integration.
Keep Your Global Earnings Untaxed in Latvia.
Latvia offers favourable tax conditions, especially for those not physically residing in the country. Individuals are considered tax residents if they spend 183+ days per year in Latvia or declare it as their permanent home.
For non-residents, foreign income is not taxed, and Latvia does not have wealth taxes or inheritance tax on direct heirs. Residents are taxed at progressive personal income tax rates of 20% to 31% depending on income level, with a flat 20% capital gains tax and corporate tax of 20% on distributed profits.
Latvia has signed double taxation treaties with over 60 countries. Investors who wish to remain non-tax resident may simply maintain minimal presence.
At Free From Borders, we provide a fully transparent, itemised quote with no hidden charges. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and how each step of the process works, including in relation to our professional fee.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Latvia Residency by Investment Program?
The Latvia Golden Visa process typically takes 4–6 months. After onboarding, Free From Borders supports you through due diligence, investment execution, and submission to the Latvian authorities. Once approved, you’ll visit for biometrics and medical. The residence permit is valid for 5 years, renewable, and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of physical residence.
Can I retain Latvia residency while keeping my current passport?
Absolutely. Latvia's Golden Visa grants residency only, so you’ll maintain your current citizenship without any impact. Dual citizenship only becomes relevant if you pursue naturalisation, which is optional and long-term.
Legal Basis for Latvia Residency by Investment:
The Latvia Residency by Investment Programme is governed by Immigration Law Sections 23, 24 & 25, outlining conditions for temporary and permanent residence permits based on business investment, real estate, or financial deposits.
Which countries can I travel to in the EU with a Latvia residency permit?
With Latvian residency, you can travel visa-free to:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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