In short
Since 15 September 2026 Latvia offers only one investor route to new applicants: a €50,000 share capital investment 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. The real estate and bank deposit routes closed on 15 September 2026 and the government bond route on 20 May 2026. A new €150,000 state investment fund route is in the law, but the fund has not been set up yet. After 5 years you can apply for EU permanent resident status (Latvian at A2 level and a culture course required).
Latvia investor residence: key facts
Last verified 27 September 2026| 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 |
| State fee | €10,000, paid after the positive decision# Source: PMLP: Share capital investor |
| Permit validity | Up to 2 years (was up to 5)# Source: LV portāls: New Immigration Law in force (official publisher) |
| New fund route | €150,000 in a state alternative investment fund + €10,000 fee (fund not set up yet)# Source: PMLP: New Immigration Law takes effect, key changes |
| 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) |
| Immigration Law | New law in force since 15 Sep 2026# Source: PMLP: New Immigration Law takes effect, key changes |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Latvia's investor route is open to all non-EU nationals on the same terms, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits qualify exactly as described on this page. A few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Family members | Spouses and minor children can join an investor whatever their nationality. (The new law's NATO-citizen limit on bringing family applies to students, not investors.) |
|---|---|
| Tax at home | The US taxes its citizens wherever they live, so the US reporting notes on this page apply to Americans only. Other countries have their own rules for foreign investments. Check with a tax advisor in your country. |
| 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 |
Why Latvia
Why Investors Still Choose Latvia
Latvia combines EU and Schengen membership with one of the lowest investor residence thresholds in the EU — €50,000 for share capital contributions. The 2026 reform removed the property and banking options, but for investors with business interests, Latvia still offers a pragmatic and accessible route to a Baltic EU foothold.
Share Capital in a Latvian Company.
€50,000 (or €100,000) · €10,000 State Fee · Permit up to 2 Years
Entrepreneurs and investors contribute share capital to a qualifying Latvian company. The company must meet size and tax conditions, and each company can support at most 10 investor permits. Our dedicated guide explains every requirement.
Schengen Access for Your Family.
Latvia · Schengen Area (29 Countries) · Spouse · Minor Children
A Latvian residence permit grants the right to live in Latvia and to travel across the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in any 180 in other member states). Your spouse and minor children can join you. After 5 years on temporary permits, EU permanent resident status becomes available.
Investment Options
Latvia Investor Visa: Every Route and Its Status
Latvia used to offer four investment routes. Here is where each one stands after the 2026 reforms, with a link to our detailed guide.
| Investment Route | Status & Key Notes |
|---|---|
| Share capital contribution €50,000 + €10,000 state fee Full guide → | Open. Share capital in a Latvian company with no more than 50 employees and €10 million turnover or balance (€100,000 for larger companies). The state fee is paid after the positive decision. Permit up to 2 years, renewable. |
| Real estate was €250,000 What changed → | Closed to new applications from 15 September 2026 (new Immigration Law). |
| Bank deposit was €280,000 What changed → | Closed to new applications from 15 September 2026 (new Immigration Law). |
| Government bonds was €250,000 + €38,000 What changed → | Closed from 20 May 2026 (amendment to the Immigration Law). |
| State alternative investment fund €150,000 + €10,000 state fee | In the law, not yet available. A 5-year investment in a fund manager set up by the state, for a permit of up to 5 years. The fund has not been established yet. |
Existing permits are reported to stay valid until they expire, with renewals under the new rules — but PMLP has not yet published detailed transition guidance for real estate, bank deposit and bond investors. Speak to a Latvian immigration specialist or the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) well before your permit expires.
Latvia's investor programme is narrower than it was, but its remaining route is still one of the most affordable in the EU — EU residency and Schengen travel for a €50,000 business investment.
Step by Step
The Latvia Investor Visa Application Process
Company Selection & Pre-Application (Weeks 1–4)
Identify a qualifying Latvian company and confirm it meets the size and tax conditions and still has room for investors (maximum 10 per company). Our specialists guide you through due diligence and make sure your investment structure meets current Latvian requirements before any capital commitment.
Investment Execution & Application Submission
Make your share capital contribution with the support of your Latvian legal team and register it with the Commercial Register. Then submit your residence permit application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), supported by: proof of the investment, clean criminal record (apostilled FBI check), valid passport, health insurance valid in Latvia, proof of accommodation in Latvia, and family member documentation. For a first application, documents in English or Latvian are accepted.
Residence Permit, Renewals & Permanent Residence
The new law allows up to 4 months for a decision. After a positive decision you pay the €10,000 state fee and your permit is issued for up to 2 years. Maintain your investment and meet the conditions to renew. After 5 years on temporary permits you can apply for EU permanent resident status — which needs Latvian at A2 level and a culture and history course, but no continued investment.
Why Partner with Us
Our End-to-End Latvia Investor Visa Service
Dedicated Investment & Immigration Specialists
A team proficient in Latvian regulations and the investor residence programme — including cross-border wealth structuring and US-specific dimensions such as FBAR/FATCA obligations from foreign holdings.
Full-Service Management
From company selection and structuring through document preparation, application submission, state fee payment, biometrics coordination, and permit collection — we manage every stage.
Trusted Local Network
Direct access to vetted Latvian companies, banks, lawyers, and accountants. Check LocalVouch for specialists other American investors have personally recommended.
Clear Process
Transparent steps, fixed fees, and professional oversight from investment to permit collection. You will always know exactly where your application stands and what comes next.
Key Considerations
What to Know Before You Apply
The share capital route has ongoing conditions — read the detailed guide
The company must keep meeting size and tax conditions for as long as you rely on it, and permits now run for up to 2 years, so you renew more often. Read our Share Capital guide before choosing a company.
Property and bank deposits no longer lead to residency
Buying Latvian real estate or placing a bank deposit is still possible, but since 15 September 2026 it no longer qualifies you for an investor residence permit. Don't commit capital to these routes on the basis of older guides.
Watch for the new state fund route
The law provides for a €150,000 investment in a state-established alternative investment fund, with a permit of up to 5 years. The fund has not been set up yet — we will update this page when it opens.
Latvian investments create US financial reporting obligations
Holding Latvian equity or a Latvian bank account creates US reporting obligations for citizens and Green Card holders — FBAR if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any time in the year, FATCA (Form 8938) above higher thresholds, and potential PFIC rules for foreign equity. Consult a cross-border tax advisor before investing.
The Latvia Investor Visa is right for you if
- You want EU residency with Schengen travel at one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe.
- You are comfortable investing in a Latvian company rather than property or a deposit.
- You want to include your spouse and minor children.
- You plan to renew every 2 years and may aim for EU permanent resident status after 5 years.
The Latvia Investor Visa offers a pragmatic and accessible route to EU residency — but success hinges on meticulous preparation and strict compliance with the requirements. We connect you with trusted, on-the-ground Latvian experts to select, structure, and execute your qualifying investment and manage every step of the residency application process.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for the Latvia Golden Visa?
Since 15 September 2026 the only open route is a share capital investment: €50,000 in a Latvian company with no more than 50 employees and €10 million turnover or balance (€100,000 for larger companies), plus a €10,000 state fee. The real estate, bank deposit and bond routes are closed.
Are all four Latvia Golden Visa investment routes still available?
No. The real estate and bank deposit routes closed to new applicants on 15 September 2026 under the new Immigration Law, and the government bond route closed on 20 May 2026. Only the share capital route remains. A new €150,000 state fund route is in the law but not yet available.
How long is a Latvian investor residence permit valid?
Under the new law the share capital permit is issued for up to 2 years (previously up to 5) and can be renewed while you meet the conditions. After 5 years on temporary permits you can apply for EU permanent resident status.
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Ready to Secure Your Residency in the Heart of the Baltics?
We connect you with trusted, on-the-ground Latvian experts — from selecting a qualifying company to navigating every step of the residency application. Let's begin.