You can no longer get a Latvian residence permit through a government bond investment. The share capital route (€50,000 + €10,000 state fee) is the only investor route still open.
See the share capital route →In short
Latvia's government bond investor route is closed to new applicants: an amendment to the Immigration Law, adopted on 23 April 2026 and in force since 20 May 2026, deleted the interest-free state bond route. Investors could get a temporary residence permit by buying special interest-free Latvian government bonds with a nominal value of €250,000 and paying €38,000 to the state budget. Today the only open investor route is a €50,000 share capital investment in a Latvian company (€100,000 for larger companies) plus a €10,000 state fee, for a permit of up to 2 years.
Latvia government bond route: key facts
Last verified 27 September 2026| Government bonds route | Closed from 20 May 2026# Source: Amendments to the Immigration Law (in force 20 May 2026), likumi.lv |
|---|---|
| Before closure | €250,000 interest-free state bonds + €38,000 state fee# Source: PMLP: Person investing in bonds |
| 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) |
What Changed
What Happened to the Government Bonds Route
Investors could get a temporary residence permit by buying special interest-free Latvian government bonds with a nominal value of €250,000 and paying €38,000 to the state budget. This page used to explain that route in detail.
That is no longer possible: an amendment to the Immigration Law, adopted on 23 April 2026 and in force since 20 May 2026, deleted the interest-free state bond route. No new bond purchases for residence purposes are accepted.
Already an Investor?
If You Already Hold a Permit Through This Route
Existing residence permits are reported to stay valid until they expire, with renewals following the new rules. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) has not yet published detailed transition guidance, so speak to a Latvian immigration specialist or PMLP well before your permit expires.
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. For many holders this is the most practical next step.
Your Options Now
Routes to Latvian Residence That Are Still Open
Share capital investment
€50,000 in a Latvian company (€100,000 for larger companies) plus a €10,000 state fee. Permit up to 2 years, renewable.
Share capital guide →Digital nomad visa
A one-year long-stay visa for people working remotely for an employer registered in an OECD country, with income of 2.5× Latvia’s average wage.
Digital nomad guide →Pensioner permit
For citizens of visa-free countries who have reached Latvia’s pension age (65) and receive a personal pension of at least €1,231 a month.
Retirement guide →Company formation
Registering a Latvian company does not give residence by itself, but it is the basis of the share capital route.
Company formation guide →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the Latvia government bond golden visa still available?
No. An amendment to the Immigration Law, adopted on 23 April 2026 and in force since 20 May 2026, deleted the interest-free state bond route. The only investor route open to new applicants is the share capital route: €50,000 in a Latvian company plus a €10,000 state fee.
What happens to people who already have a permit through this route?
Existing permits are reported to stay valid until they expire, with renewals under the new rules. PMLP has not yet published detailed transition guidance, so check with a Latvian immigration specialist or PMLP before your permit expires.
What is the cheapest way to get Latvian residence by investment now?
The share capital route: €50,000 in a qualifying Latvian company plus a €10,000 state fee, for a residence permit of up to 2 years. A €150,000 state fund route is in the law but not yet available.
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