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Latvia Golden Visa Programme

Latvia offers a temporary residence route for qualifying non-EU nationals who make an equity investment in a Latvian company. Under the Immigration Law effective from 15 September 2026, the principal operating investment route starts with a €50,000 company investment plus a €10,000 state payment, subject to strict company-size, tax and compliance conditions.

Programme summary

Main advantages

  • A comparatively accessible capital threshold for a European residence-by-investment route.
  • Qualifying close family members can apply with the main investor.
  • A valid permit supports short-stay travel within the Schengen Area.
  • The new framework permits an initial company-investor residence permit of up to two years and removes the former annual registration step for affected categories.
  • The route can suit applicants who want an active commercial link to Latvia rather than a property-led programme.

Important limitations

  • New applicants can no longer qualify through a Latvian property purchase or an investment in a credit institution’s subordinated liabilities.
  • For the €50,000 route, the company must meet the statutory size limits and pay at least €40,000 in qualifying Latvian taxes in each reporting year. No more than ten foreign investors may qualify through the same company.
  • For the €100,000 larger-company route, the company must meet the relevant size test and generally pay at least €100,000 in qualifying Latvian taxes per reporting year.
  • The new €150,000 state alternative-investment-fund route is not yet operational because the required state-created fund has not been established.
  • Temporary residence does not automatically lead to permanent residence or citizenship. EU long-term resident status requires at least five years of actual qualifying residence and additional conditions.
  • Citizens of Russia and Belarus are expressly excluded from the investment routes. Sanctions screening and enhanced security checks apply to all applicants.

Simple application process

  1. Pre-assessment. Confirm nationality eligibility, family composition, source of funds and whether the proposed Latvian company meets the legal investment and tax tests.
  2. Complete the investment. Invest the required share capital, complete the company filings and pay the €10,000 amount to the state budget.
  3. Prepare the file. Collect passports, police clearances, proof of funds, corporate records, family documents, accommodation and insurance evidence, with legalisation and translation where required.
  4. Submit and complete biometrics. Apply through the competent Latvian authority or mission, respond to any information requests and attend the required in-person card formalities.
  5. Maintain and renew. Keep the investment in place, monitor the company’s annual tax compliance and prepare the renewal file before the permit expires.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Can a new applicant still qualify by buying property in Latvia?

    No. From 15 September 2026, the new Immigration Law no longer provides a residence-permit route for new property buyers. Existing permit holders should obtain advice on their transitional or renewal position.

  2. What is the lowest current company-investment amount?

    The entry route starts at €50,000 in a qualifying smaller company, together with a €10,000 state-budget payment. The company must continue meeting the legal size and annual tax conditions.

  3. Which family members can be included?

    A spouse and minor children (including children under guardianship) may generally apply, as may adults placed under the applicant’s trusteeship. The exact documents and dependency evidence must be confirmed for each family.

  4. Must I live in Latvia full time?

    The investor permit does not state a general minimum number of days for continued validity, but the applicant must complete required in-person procedures. Time spent outside Latvia will not normally count towards long-term residence.

  5. How long does the application take?

    The official maximum decision period is up to four months after submission. Preparation, additional checks and residence-card issuance may extend the overall timeline.