Latvia
Startup Visa & affordable Baltic base
Latvia offers one of the EU's most affordable Golden Visa programs starting at EUR 50,000 investment, plus a growing startup ecosystem. Riga is an Art Nouveau gem with good English proficiency. EU and Schengen member with reasonable costs and straightforward immigration.
Our framework evaluates Latvia across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
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Immigration Overview
Latvia sits between Estonia and Lithuania, often overlooked but offering genuine value. Riga has stunning architecture, a compact old town, and costs well below Western Europe. The Golden Visa program starts at just EUR 50,000 real estate investment (in designated development areas), making it one of the most accessible in Europe.
The country has a growing fintech sector, good English proficiency, and full EU benefits. Winters are cold, but the Baltic summer is beautiful. Latvia is rebuilding after Soviet-era emigration, creating opportunities for those willing to look beyond the obvious destinations.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Golden Visa (TRP)
Residence through real estate investment
- EUR 50,000 in designated areas
- Or EUR 250,000 in Riga/major cities
- 5-year residence permit
- Family members included
Startup Visa
For founders of innovative businesses
- Innovative, scalable business plan
- Approval from Startup Latvia
- 3-year permit, extendable
- Access to Baltic startup ecosystem
Work Permit
For skilled workers with job offers
- Employer sponsorship required
- EU Blue Card available
- Renewable permits
- Path to permanent residence
Latvian Nationality
After 10 years of residence (5 permanent)
- 5 years permanent residence required
- Latvian language test (B1 level)
- Constitution and anthem test
- Full EU citizenship
Why Latvia?
Affordable Golden Visa
EUR 50,000 entry point is one of Europe's lowest. Real estate investment with residence benefits.
Riga's Architecture
Largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Beautiful old town. UNESCO heritage sites.
Full EU Benefits
EU, Schengen, Euro zone. All benefits of European membership.
Growing Fintech
Emerging fintech hub. Several notable startups. Good tech infrastructure.
English Friendly
Good English proficiency, especially in Riga. Russian also widely spoken.
Baltic Summer
Jurmala beach resort. White nights in summer. Beautiful Baltic coast.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Latvian residence:
- Valid passport
- Investment proof (for Golden Visa)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
- Sufficient financial means
Latvia's immigration system is straightforward by EU standards. The Golden Visa program is well-established and the process is predictable. We help you understand which investment options make sense and guide you through the application.
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