In short
US citizens can stay in Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. To move there, the main routes are the €50,000 share capital investor permit (plus a €10,000 state fee), the one-year digital nomad visa, the pensioner permit for people aged 65+ with a pension of at least €1,231 a month, the startup founder permit and work permits including the EU Blue Card. Since the new Immigration Law of 15 September 2026, the property and bank-deposit investor routes are closed and permits for sole traders were abolished; the legal maximum for a residence permit decision is 4 months.
Moving to Latvia: key facts
Last verified 27 September 2026| Immigration Law | New law in force since 15 Sep 2026# Source: PMLP: New Immigration Law takes effect, key changes |
|---|---|
| Investor routes open | Share capital only (bank deposit and real estate closed 15 Sep 2026; bonds closed 20 May 2026)# Source: PMLP: New Immigration Law takes effect, key changes · Amendments to the Immigration Law (in force 20 May 2026), likumi.lv |
| Share capital investment | €50,000 (company with ≤50 staff and ≤€10m turnover or balance)# Source: PMLP: Share capital investor |
| Digital nomad visa: minimum income | 2.5 × last year's average gross monthly wage# Source: PMLP: Long-stay visa for remote work |
| Pensioner permit: minimum pension | €1,231/month personal, regular pension (from 1 Apr 2026)# Source: PMLP: Necessary means of subsistence (from 1 Apr 2026) |
| EU Blue Card salary | €2,723/month gross (€2,178 in shortage jobs)# Source: PMLP: Necessary means of subsistence (from 1 Apr 2026) |
| Residence permit decision | Up to 4 months (statutory maximum)# Source: PMLP: New Immigration Law takes effect, key changes |
| Permanent residence | After 5 years on a temporary permit, with Latvian at A2 level and a culture and history course# Source: PMLP: New Immigration Law takes effect, key changes · LV portāls: New Immigration Law in force (official publisher) |
| Corporate income tax | 20% on distributed profit (= 25% of the net dividend)# Source: Corporate Income Tax Law, likumi.lv · State Revenue Service: corporate income tax |
| EU / NATO / euro | EU and NATO since 2004 · euro since 2014# Source: European Union: Latvia country profile |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Most of Latvia's residence rules don't depend on nationality, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits follow the same routes as Americans. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Short stays | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen). |
|---|---|
| Remote work visa | Your employer (or own business) must be registered in an OECD country. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK are all OECD members. |
| Retirement permit | Temporary residence permit for pensioners from visa-free countries. |
| Tax treaty with Latvia | In force with the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Israel and Singapore; none with Australia or New Zealand.Source: State Revenue Service: tax treaties in force |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Country Overview
Latvia at a Glance
Key facts Americans need before deciding.
Riga
UNESCO-listed old town, founded in 1201. About 589,000 people.
Euro (€)
Eurozone member since 2014. No FX conversion needed.
One stop
No non-stop flights; connect via Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Helsinki and other hubs. RIX airport is about 10 km from the centre.
Public + private
State-funded care covers people working in Latvia and permanent residents; others need private insurance.
4 Seasons
Warm summers (July highs around 22°C), cold snowy winters.
Fast & cheap
Good broadband and 5G in Riga. About €18 a month.
Very Safe
EU & NATO member since 2004. Low violent crime. Stable democracy.
Pathways to Residency
Which Visa Route is Right for You?
Latvia offers several legal pathways for Americans — from a €50k investment permit to retirement and remote work options. Updated for the new Immigration Law in force since 15 September 2026.
Investor Permit — Share Capital
Latvia's investment-based residence permit is one of the EU's lowest-entry investor routes. Since 15 September 2026 only the share capital route is open; the real estate, bank deposit and bond routes have closed.
- Min. investment
- €50,000 + €10,000 state fee
- Processing
- Up to 4 months (legal maximum)
- Permit validity
- Up to 2 years, renewable
- Larger companies
- €100,000
Startup Visa
For founders of innovative, scalable businesses. The new Immigration Law kept and widened this route — only citizens of high terrorism-risk countries are excluded. Confirm the current funds requirement and permit length with PMLP.
- Who can apply
- Founders of innovative startups
- Processing
- Up to 4 months (legal maximum)
- Endorsement
- Incubator or Startup Latvia recommended
- Status
- Kept by the 2026 law
Company Formation (SIA)
For founders registering a standard Latvian company. Standard SIA has a €2,800 minimum share capital; 20% corporate tax applies only on distributed profit (0% on reinvested profit). A company alone does not give residence.
- Min. capital
- €2,800 (from €1 small-capital SIA)
- Corporate tax
- 20% distributed / 0% retained
- Registration
- 1–3 working days
- Note
- Pair with a residence permit
Pensioner Residence Permit
For citizens of visa-free countries, including the US, who have reached Latvia's pension age (65). You need a personal, regular pension of at least €1,231 a month and private health insurance. No job and no investment needed.
- Min. pension
- €1,231/month
- Processing
- Up to 4 months (legal maximum)
- Quota
- None
- Age requirement
- 65+
EU Blue Card / Work Permit
For Americans with a job offer from a Latvian employer. The EU Blue Card is the main route for highly skilled professionals, with decisions within 10 working days.
- Blue Card salary
- €2,723/month gross
- Decision
- Within 10 working days
- Permit validity
- Up to 2 years
- Employer needed
- Yes — Latvian company
Digital Nomad Visa
Live in Latvia while working for a company registered in an OECD country (the US qualifies). Requires gross monthly income of at least 2.5× Latvia's average wage. A one-year visa, not a residence permit.
- Min. income
- 2.5× average wage (€4,538/month)
- Validity
- 1 year + one more year
- Employer
- OECD-registered company
- Local work
- Not permitted
Student Permit
Study at a Latvian university with a student residence permit. Many programmes in English. Bachelor's students can work up to 20 hours a week in term time.
- Acceptance letter
- Required
- Processing
- Up to 4 months (legal maximum)
- Work rights
- 20 h/week (bachelor's)
- Family
- US students can bring family
Family Reunification
If your spouse or close family member is a Latvian citizen or permanent resident, you may join them through family reunification. Rules depend on the family member's status.
- Anchor required
- Latvian citizen or resident
- Processing
- Up to 4 months (legal maximum)
- Spouse permit
- Up to 2 years
- PR path
- 5 years
Cost of Living
What Does Life in Latvia Actually Cost?
Riga is one of the most affordable capitals in the EU. Typical monthly costs for a single person:
| Item | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, city centre | about €520 (€400–600) |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside centre | about €345 (€280–450) |
| Everyday costs without rent (single person) | about €870 |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | about €15 |
| Cappuccino | about €3.30 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | about €18 |
| Monthly public transport pass (Riga) | €30 |
Estimates from Numbeo (September 2026) and the official Riga transport operator; your costs depend on lifestyle. Source: Numbeo: cost of living in Riga (Sep 2026) · Rīgas satiksme
Why Latvia
What Americans Love About Latvia
Beyond the visa — the real reasons expats choose Latvia over more obvious alternatives.
Schengen Base
Your Latvian permit lets you travel across 29 Schengen countries (up to 90 days in any 180 outside Latvia). Weekend in Tallinn, a week in Prague, a month in Italy — all without visa paperwork.
Low Investment Threshold
At €50,000 plus a €10,000 state fee, Latvia's share capital route is one of the lowest investor residence thresholds in the EU.
Clear Deadlines
Under the new Immigration Law, a residence permit decision takes at most 4 months, and EU Blue Card decisions come within 10 working days.
Stunning Architecture
Riga has one of the finest concentrations of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. The medieval old town is UNESCO listed. Practically every street is photogenic.
Off the Tourist Trail
No overtourism, no inflated rents from Airbnb saturation, no waiting lists at good restaurants. Latvia is genuinely undiscovered by most Western expats.
Pro-American Culture
Latvia was under Soviet occupation until 1991. Americans are warmly welcomed. English is widely understood. You will not feel like an outsider in Riga.
City Guide
Life in Riga
The Baltic's most dynamic capital — medieval, affordable, surprisingly cosmopolitan.
Neighbourhoods for expats
Old Town (Vecrīga) for atmosphere, Āgenskalns for affordability, Quiet Centre for Art Nouveau streets and cafes.
Food & drink scene
Excellent restaurants at European prices. Riga Central Market (one of Europe's largest) for fresh produce. Strong coffee culture.
Tech & startup scene
Growing fintech hub. Startup Latvia programme. Low corporate tax. Several major US and EU companies have regional offices here.
Nature & outdoors
Baltic Sea beaches within easy reach. Gauja National Park for hiking. Jūrmala resort town for summers. Cross-country skiing in winter.
How It Works
From Decision to Residency Card
How a Latvian investor residence permit works, from first call to residence card.
Free Consultation
We assess your situation, confirm the right route, and walk you through the full process and costs. No obligation.
Make the Investment
Invest the share capital in a qualifying Latvian company. We introduce you to vetted partners.
Prepare Documents
We compile your application: passport, investment proof, background check, insurance, accommodation, photos.
Submit Application
Application submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Riga, electronically, or at a Latvian embassy.
Collect Permit
The law allows up to 4 months for a decision. Pay the €10,000 state fee, then collect your residence card in Riga. Welcome to the EU.
Free Tools
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Frequently asked questions
Can Americans get a golden visa in Latvia?
Yes, through the share capital route: €50,000 in a qualifying Latvian company (€100,000 for larger companies) plus a €10,000 state fee, for a residence permit of up to 2 years. Since 15 September 2026 this is the only investor route; the real estate, bank deposit and bond routes are closed.
How much does it cost to live in Latvia as an American?
A single person in Riga typically spends about €870 a month without rent (Numbeo, September 2026). A 1-bedroom apartment costs about €520 in the centre and €345 outside it, so about €1,200–1,400 in total — significantly less than equivalent cities in Western Europe or the US.
Do Americans need a visa to move to Latvia?
US citizens can enter Latvia and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays you need a long-stay visa (such as the digital nomad visa) or a temporary residence permit — investor, startup, work, pensioner or family.
How long does a Latvian residence permit take?
Under the new Immigration Law in force since 15 September 2026, the maximum processing time is 4 months from submission. EU Blue Card decisions come within 10 working days.
Can I retire in Latvia as an American?
Yes. Latvia's pensioner permit is for citizens of visa-free countries, including the US, who have reached Latvia's pension age (65) and receive a personal, regular pension of at least €1,231 a month. You also need private health insurance. There is no minimum investment and no quota.
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