The most affordable gateway to the European Union: Latvia offers EU residency through business investment with the lowest entry threshold in Europe.
The Latvia Residency by Investment Program provides investors and their families with a fast and regulated pathway to European residency. With competitive investment thresholds, business-friendly legislation, and the ability to include dependents, Latvia has become a popular choice for those seeking access to the EU, regional mobility, and long-term stability.
Latvia’s Residency by Investment program, also known as the Latvian Investor Visa, was first introduced in 2010 and remains one of the most affordable and straightforward routes to European residency. By investing in a Latvian business, foreign nationals and their families can secure the right to live, work, and study in an EU and Schengen member state.
Unlike other European programs that demand high capital commitments, Latvia’s route is centered on supporting the local economy through small and medium-sized enterprises. The qualifying investment is €50,000 into a Latvian company, along with a €10,000 state fee, making it the lowest-entry Golden Visa option in the European Union.
Applicants receive a temporary residence permit valid for five years, with straightforward annual renewals. After maintaining residence for five years, investors may apply for permanent residency, and eventually for Latvian citizenship after ten years, subject to language and integration requirements.
With its quick processing times of one to three months, competitive taxation, and full Schengen mobility, Latvia’s Residency by Investment program provides an efficient and reliable pathway for global investors seeking long-term European security and access.
The Latvia Golden Visa is ideal for global investors seeking a secure and cost-effective gateway to Europe. Entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand a business within the EU will find Latvia’s low thresholds and business-friendly tax system especially attractive. Families benefit from the program’s inclusive structure, which allows spouses and dependent children to gain residency and enjoy access to healthcare, education, and visa-free mobility across the Schengen Area.
EU lifestyle seekers are drawn to Latvia’s affordable cost of living, high safety standards, and cultural charm in cities like Riga, Jurmala, and Liepāja. Meanwhile, globally mobile professionals and digital entrepreneurs appreciate the freedom of Schengen travel and the ability to manage international operations while anchored in a European Union member state.
For investors seeking both financial opportunity and a long-term pathway to EU citizenship, Latvia stands out as one of the most accessible and flexible options in Europe.
What it is:
Establish a brand-new company in Latvia with equity capital.
Minimum Investment:
€50,000 in share capital + €10,000 non-refundable government fee.
Requirements:
Why it fits:
Ideal for entrepreneurs relocating or expanding into the EU. Latvia’s competitive tax system and reinvestment incentives make this a strong base for long-term growth.
What it is:
Invest in an already-established Latvian company.
Options:
Why it fits:
Great for investors preferring a hands-off model. You gain residency while the company continues operations, without the need for daily management.
What it is:
Deposit secure funds in Latvian bank account.
Minimum Investment:
€280,000 + €25,000 state donation fee
Why it fits:
Ideal for investors who need a fast plan B. Due diligence can be done online and with depositing money and applying for residency the whole process can fit in approximately 90 days.
What it is:
Obtain residency by purchasing residential or commercial property in Latvia.
Minimum Investment:
€250,000 in qualifying property.
Additional Costs:
5% government fee on the purchase amount.
Why it fits:
Best for lifestyle relocators and families who want to secure EU residency while owning a tangible asset in a stable, growing property market.
Securing residency in Latvia is clear and efficient, but the details matter. Every document must be precise, and every requirement met. That’s where NTL Trust steps in. With our dedicated team guiding you through each stage, the process becomes smooth, approachable, and fully managed from start to finish.
We begin with a one-on-one consultation to understand your goals. Whether you choose the business investment route or real estate, we’ll map out timelines, costs, and requirements so you know exactly what to expect.
You’ll sign a Professional Service Agreement and make the initial downpayment. From this point forward, our team manages the process for you.
Our legal team helps you prepare and translate all required documents, from passports and police clearances to proof of investment. We ensure everything is compliant with Latvian immigration standards before submission.
Your application is submitted through Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). We coordinate all filings, confirm receipt, and manage communication with the authorities on your behalf.
Once approved, you’ll travel to Latvia for biometrics and to finalize your residence permit. Our local partners will be by your side to arrange appointments and provide full logistical support.
Within 1–3 months, you’ll receive your Latvian residence card, valid for five years. This permit grants you and your family the right to live, work, and travel freely across the Schengen Zone.
After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency. After ten years, you may pursue Latvian citizenship, with NTL Trust guiding you through each stage of the journey.
To qualify for Latvia’s Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents for the Latvia Golden Visa program. All documents must be apostilled or legalized, and translated into Latvian where required.
| Feature | Latvia | Greece | Serbia |
| Program Type | Residency by Investment (Golden Visa) | Residency by Investment (Golden Visa) | Residency by Investment (Company/Real Estate) |
| Minimum Investment | €50,000 (business) / €250,000 (real estate) | €250,000 (real estate) | No legal minimum (real estate) / ~€6,000+ (company costs) |
| Processing Time | 1–3 months | 6–12 months | 2–4 months |
| Residency Validity | 5 years (renewable annually) | 5 years (renewable) | Up to 3 years (renewable) |
| Path to Citizenship | 10 years | 10 years | ~6 years (with permanent residency) |
| Presence Requirement | Must visit once per year for renewal | None | No annual stay requirement |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse & dependent children | Spouse, children, parents, dependents | Spouse & children under 18 |
| Taxation | Competitive corporate tax, 20% dividend tax | Global tax residency with benefits for non-doms | Low personal & corporate tax, non-CRS |
Obtaining Latvian citizenship through naturalization is the final step after residency. While the Golden Visa begins with a temporary residence permit, successful applicants may progress to permanent residence and, after sufficient time and integration, apply for full Latvian citizenship.
Key Pathway:
Requirements for Naturalization:
Benefits of Latvian Citizenship:
Latvia offers a balanced European lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe. Riga, the capital, combines medieval architecture with a modern business hub, while smaller cities and coastal towns like Jurmala offer a relaxed pace and natural surroundings.
Latvia is considered safe, family-friendly, and culturally rich, with strong ties to both Western Europe and the Nordics. The country is politically stable, part of the EU and Schengen, and free of major natural disasters, giving residents peace of mind.
Cost of Living: Latvia remains one of the most affordable EU countries. A single person can live comfortably on around €800–1,000 per month, while a family of four spends approximately €2,500–2,800 per month excluding rent. Housing is also accessible, with central Riga one-bedroom apartments averaging €400/month, and outside the city starting around €300/month. Utilities for an average apartment are about €260/month.
Healthcare: Latvia offers a mix of public and private healthcare. Public care is available to residents, while most expats opt for private insurance for faster service and English-speaking doctors. Costs remain affordable compared to Western Europe, and EU-standard facilities are available in Riga and major cities.
Internet & Connectivity: Latvia has some of the fastest internet speeds in the EU, regularly ranking in the global top 20. Fiber-optic connections with speeds of 200–500 Mbps are common in Riga, making Latvia attractive for digital nomads and remote workers.
Education Options: Public schools are free and taught in Latvian, though Russian is still used in some schools. Expats often choose private or international schools in Riga, which offer English, French, or IB (International Baccalaureate) curricula. Annual tuition ranges between €5,000–12,000, depending on the school.
Quality of Life: With four distinct seasons, Latvia offers year-round outdoor activities: summers on the Baltic coast, autumn hikes in the forests, winter skiing, and spring festivals. Culture is woven into daily life, from opera and theater in Riga to traditional midsummer celebrations in the countryside. The combination of affordability, safety, and cultural richness makes Latvia a practical and enjoyable residency destination.
NTL Trust’s licensed advisors and on-the-ground team in Riga make the process simple and stress-free: from investment planning and document preparation to long-term residency and citizenship. With decades of experience in European residency programs, you can trust us to handle every detail while you focus on your future.
Most applications are processed in 1–3 months after submitting all required documents and making the investment.
Currently, the primary route is business investment starting from €50,000 (plus a €10,000 government fee). Real estate and other routes exist but are less common.
Yes. Spouses and dependent children under 18 can be included in the same application.
No. There is no minimum stay requirement, but you must visit Latvia once per year to renew your residence permit.
You can apply after 5 years of continuous temporary residency, provided you meet the physical presence and integration requirements.
After 10 years of residency (with at least 4 of the last 5 years physically spent in Latvia) and passing a Latvian language and civic test, you may apply for citizenship.
Yes, but only with EU, NATO, and select partner countries. Applicants from other nations may need to renounce their original citizenship.
Latvia has one of Europe’s most competitive systems. Corporate income tax is 0% on reinvested profits, and personal income tax ranges 20–31%, depending on income.
Yes. You must maintain valid health insurance covering you and your family for at least one year, meeting Schengen standards.
Yes. Residency permits grant you the right to live, work, and study in Latvia, as well as operate or invest in local businesses.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. While NTL Trust strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, laws and regulations regarding immigration, residency, and taxation are subject to change without notice and may vary by individual circumstances.
NTL Trust is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. All residency and investment services are conducted in compliance with applicable Latvian laws and in coordination with licensed local professionals and government-authorized partners.
Residency approval is at the discretion of the Latvian immigration authorities and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the documents submitted as part of their application.
We recommend that prospective applicants seek independent legal and financial advice tailored to their individual situation before making any decisions regarding immigration, investment, or relocation.
NTL Trust disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.
Start your journey to Latvian residency today. Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within 24 hours.
