The Latvian “Golden Visa” program remains a viable option for investors seeking residency in the European Union (EU) without requiring excessive capital commitments. Recent application trends show steady demand for this residency by investment (RBI) program. This interest is driven by flexible investment routes, low physical presence requirements, access to the Schengen Area, and a clear pathway to permanent residence. These features make Latvia an attractive choice for global investors in 2026.
At a time when RBI programs across Europe are becoming more restrictive, Latvia continues to maintain a comparatively open and structured approach, offering multiple investment options with entry thresholds starting from € 50,000. For investors seeking stability, enhanced mobility, and long-term planning opportunities, Latvia’s RBI program stands out as a practical and cost-effective choice.
According to official figures, 109 Golden Visas were issued in 2025, with nearly half granted through real estate investments and the remainder divided between business and financial investment routes—demonstrating a diversified investor appetite. As of mid-year, almost 2,800 temporary residence permits issued through Latvia’s RBI framework remained active. The year also saw a notable surge in applications, with approvals rising sharply compared to 2024.
Latvia’s ‘Golden Visa’ Explained
Launched in 2010 as part of Latvia’s broader efforts to attract foreign capital following the global financial crisis, the Latvian RBI program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit in exchange for qualifying investments.
Unlike several other European RBI schemes, Latvia’s Golden Visa is known for its flexibility, including low physical presence requirements, multiple investment pathways, and a clearly defined progression toward permanent residence and eventual citizenship.
Unlike some other European RBI programs, Latvia’s Golden Visa is known for its flexibility, including low physical presence requirements, multiple investment pathways, and a clear progression path toward permanent residence and eventual citizenship.
Key Benefits at a Glance
Regardless of the investment route selected, Latvia‘s Golden Visa offers a range of benefits that appeal to investors interested in cross-border investment and their families:
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area while the permit is valid.
- The right to live, work, and study in Latvia, as well as to conduct business activities
- No strict minimum stay requirement to maintain the residence permit. Only an annual visit to Latvia is necessary.
- Family inclusion, allowing spouses and dependent children under 18 to be included in the application
- A pathway to permanent residence and citizenship: to qualify for permanent residence, applicants must have resided in Latvia for at least four years within a five-year period and successfully passed a basic Latvian language test at A2 level. Following permanent and lawful residence, applicants may become eligible to apply for citizenship
These advantages make Latvia particularly appealing to business owners, internationally mobile families, and investors seeking long-term access to Europe.
Latvia Golden Visa Investment Options
Latvia’s Golden Visa program offers several qualifying investment routes, each leading to a temporary residence permit valid for up to five years. Regardless of the option selected, the investment must be maintained for a minimum period of five years, and applicants must meet all regulatory, compliance, and due-diligence requirements.
Real Estate Investment
Applicants may qualify for Latvia’s Golden Visa through the purchase of immovable property with a minimum value of € 250,000. Agricultural land and forest land do not qualify under this route.
A 5% the property value must be paid to the Latvian State budget, with additional statutory fees starting from € 5,000, subject to variation.
Property acquisition must be completed via non-cash payment methods. The property must be free of any outstanding debts or encumbrances, and investors have to present a valuation opinion issued by a certified immovable property appraiser
This route is particularly attractive to investors seeking asset-backed residency while maintaining flexibility in physical presence requirements.
Investment in Business
Entrepreneurs and active investors may qualify by investing in the equity capital of an eligible Latvian company. Two business investment thresholds apply, depending on the size of the enterprise:
Option 1: Investment of € 50,000 in a company employing fewer than 50 employees with an annual turnover below € 10 million
Option 2: Investment of € 100,000 in a company employing more than 50 employees with an annual turnover exceeding € 10 million
The company must generate and pay at least € 40,000 in taxes annually.
A state fee of € 10,000, payable after approval of the residence permit and statutory fees ranging between € 2,000 and € 4,000, depending on individual circumstances.
This route is best suited to investors seeking operational involvement, EU market access, and long-term commercial establishment in Latvia.
Bank Deposits
Latvia’s Golden Visa applicants may also qualify by placing a minimum deposit of € 280,000 in a Latvian credit institution for a period of at least five years. A state fee of € 25,000, and additional statutory fees starting from € 5,000 are also payable.
This option offers a more passive investment structure and appeals to applicants prioritizing capital preservation over business activity.
Investing in Government Bonds and Securities
Another qualifying route involves the purchase of zero-interest bonds or securities issued by the Latvian government with a minimum nominal value of € 250,000.
Associated costs include a state fee of € 38,000 and additional statutory fees starting from € 5,000.
This pathway provides a low-risk, government-backed investment option, though it requires a higher upfront fee compared to other routes.
The total amount of statutory and administrative fees may vary depending on several factors, including:
- The number of family members included in the application
- Processing priority and government handling fees
- Costs associated with securing a registered residential address in Latvia
Latvia’s distinguishing feature is these multiple options to choose between active and passive investment strategies while retaining access to the same residency rights. Regardless of the chosen route, all applicants must meet compliance standards, including having a clean criminal record, a lawful source of funds, and health insurance coverage.
Professional guidance is strongly recommended to accurately assess total costs and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
Latvia Golden Visa Investment Options: Comparison Table
| Investment Route | Minimum Investment | Key Conditions | State Fee | Statutory Fees* | Investor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Investment | €250,000 | Residential or commercial property only (agricultural land and forests excluded); non-cash purchase; property must be debt-free; certified valuation required; investment maintained for 5 years | 5% of the property value (paid to the State budget) | From €5,000 | Investors seeking asset-backed residency and potential rental income |
| Business Investment – Option 1 | €50,000 | Company with fewer than 50 employees and annual turnover below €10 million; minimum €40,000 in annual tax payments | €10,000 (after permit approval) | €2,000–4,000 | Entrepreneurs and active investors establishing or expanding EU operations |
| Business Investment – Option 2 | €100,000 | Company with more than 50 employees and annual turnover exceeding €10 million; minimum €40,000 in annual tax payments | €10,000 (after permit approval) | €2,000–4,000 | Larger-scale investors targeting established Latvian enterprises |
| Bank Deposit | €280,000 | Deposit maintained for at least 5 years in a Latvian credit institution | €25,000 | From €5,000 | Passive investors prioritizing capital preservation |
| Government Bonds / Securities | €250,000 | Zero-interest bonds or securities issued by the Latvian government, held for at least 5 years | €38,000 | From €5,000 | Risk-averse investors seeking government-backed instruments |
* Statutory fees may vary depending on family size, processing priority, and costs related to securing a registered residential address in Latvia.
Application Process
Obtaining a Latvian Golden Visa involves a structured, multi-step process that combines investment execution, formal application submission, and government review. While precise timings can vary by investment route and applicant profile, most cases follow a broadly consistent sequence.
The first stage is selecting and completing the qualifying investment. Unlike some other European investor programs, Latvia generally requires that the investment be made or demonstrably committed prior to submission of the residence permit application. This means:
- For real estate, the purchase must be formalized and proof of payment arranged.
- For business route applicants, capital contributions must be registered with the company and, where applicable, tax registration obligations initiated.
- For financial instruments (bank deposit or government securities), funds must be placed with an authorized Latvian institution.
Once the investment is executed, applicants must prepare their supporting documentation for submission to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia. Required documents typically include:
- Fully completed residence permit application form
- Valid passport and passport-size photos
- Evidence of the qualifying investment (e.g., property deeds, bank confirmations, company registration extracts)
- Proof of payment of applicable state and statutory fees
- Certificate of no criminal record and proof of lawful source of funds
- Health insurance valid in Latvia covering necessary risk categories
- Proof of financial means to maintain the applicant and any dependents without state support
In many cases, documents must be translated into Latvian (or occasionally English) and legalized or apostilled, depending on the issuing jurisdiction.
The complete application package, along with all supporting evidence, is submitted to OCMA either directly in Latvia or via a Latvian embassy or consulate abroad. The official review typically takes around 30–90 days, though the timeline can be shorter or longer depending on workload and whether expedited processing is requested.
During this period, OCMA conducts due-diligence checks, including verification of the investment, criminal background checks, and compliance with immigration requirements.
Upon approval of the application, OCMA issues a positive decision and the applicant generally receives a temporary D-type visa (if applying from abroad) to travel to Latvia. Within three months of approval, the investor and any included family members are expected to travel to Latvia to:
- Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photos)
- Pay any remaining state fees as stipulated in the decision
- Collect their temporary residence permit card, which is valid for up to five years initially.
The Latvian temporary residence permit must be renewed each year or at specified intervals during the five-year period, provided the underlying investment is maintained. There is no minimum stay requirement to keep the permit, but investors are expected to visit Latvia at least once a year to meet administrative registration and renewal obligations.
Successful renewal depends on demonstrating continued ownership or maintenance of the qualifying investment; valid health insurance, and compliance with Latvian law and immigration regulations.
Key Timelines
| Stage | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Investment Execution | 2–8 weeks (varies by route) |
| Document Preparation | 2–4 weeks |
| OCMA Review & Decision | 30–90 days |
| Biometric Collection & Residence Card Issuance | Within 3 months of approval |
Why Choose Latvia in 2026?
In an increasingly fragmented global mobility landscape, Latvia stands out for its consistency and predictability. While several European RBI programs have been suspended, revised, or subjected to heightened political scrutiny, Latvia’s framework has remained operational, regulated, and transparent. For investors prioritizing legal certainty and continuity, this stability is a decisive factor in long-term planning.
Latvia’s Golden Visa is particularly well-suited to those seeking optional residency rather than forced relocation. The program offers genuine European access without imposing lifestyle constraints, making it an effective solution for internationally mobile investors, entrepreneurs, and families who value flexibility alongside compliance. Combined with moderate investment thresholds and a clearly defined route toward permanent residence, Latvia continues to serve as a practical entry point into the EU.
As global mobility strategies increasingly focus on diversification and resilience, Latvia’s Golden Visa remains a credible and cost-effective option in 2026.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Residency and immigration regulations are subject to change, and individual eligibility may vary based on personal circumstances, nationality, and regulatory requirements. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty is made regarding the completeness or timeliness of the information. Readers are advised to seek independent professional legal counsel before making any investment or residency decisions.