Residence by investment in LatviaOverview
For more than a decade Latvia offered five-year temporary residence permits to investors who bought real estate of at least €250,000, placed €280,000 in subordinated bank liabilities, bought interest-free state bonds or invested in company capital. The Saeima adopted a new Immigration Law on 11 June 2026; after the President returned it for reconsideration, Parliament re-adopted it on 20 August 2026, and it entered into force on 15 September 2026. The law removes the real estate, deposit and bond routes for new applicants. Applications filed with PMLP up to 14 September 2026 are assessed under the previous rules, and permits already issued remain valid for their stated term.
The company capital route remains. An investor may contribute at least €50,000 to the equity of a Latvian company with no more than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding €10 million, or €100,000 for larger companies, and must pay €10,000 into the state budget with the first application. The company must meet annual tax-payment thresholds to keep the permit valid: €40,000 a year in the smaller-company tier and €100,000 in the larger tier. Under the new law this permit is issued for up to two years rather than five, so the route is suited to investors with a genuine operating business in Latvia.
The law also creates a new option: an investment of at least €150,000, held for at least five years through a manager of a state-established alternative investment fund, together with a €10,000 state payment, for a permit of up to five years. That fund has not yet been created, so the route cannot currently be used, and a bill submitted in September 2026 proposes to remove it altogether. The Cabinet may also suspend investor permits for up to five years on security or economic grounds, and citizens of Russia and Belarus are excluded from the investment routes.
Temporary residence permits count towards permanent residence. After five years of continuous residence, with limited absences, applicants may apply for permanent residence if they have sufficient means, A2-level Latvian and have completed the required course on Latvian culture and history. Naturalisation is possible later but requires further residence, language and civic examinations, and dual citizenship is only allowed with certain countries.
Key benefits
- Residence in an EU, euro-area and Schengen state through an operating business investment
- Comparatively modest capital requirement of €50,000 for smaller companies
- Spouse and minor children can obtain residence permits
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180
- Permits already issued under the former real estate, deposit and bond routes remain valid until expiry
- A recognised pathway to permanent residence after five years of continuous residence
Requirements
- Third-country national, excluding citizens of Russia and Belarus for investment routes
- Equity investment of €50,000 in a qualifying smaller company, or €100,000 in a larger company
- One-off payment of €10,000 to the state budget with the first application
- Company tax contributions of at least €40,000 a year (smaller tier) or €100,000 a year (larger tier)
- Documented lawful origin of the invested funds and enhanced security vetting
- Clean criminal record and no entry restrictions in Latvia or the Schengen Area
- Health insurance and a registered place of residence in Latvia
- Periodic registration of the permit with PMLP, as required by law
Investment options
Company capital – smaller company
€50,000 + €10,000 state fee
Equity in a Latvian company with no more than 50 employees and turnover or balance sheet total up to €10 million, with at least €40,000 of annual tax payments. Permit for up to two years.
Company capital – larger company
€100,000 + €10,000 state fee
Equity in a company exceeding either size threshold, with at least €100,000 of annual tax payments, which may include qualifying payments by Latvian subsidiaries.
State-established investment fund (not yet operational)
€150,000 + €10,000 state fee
Investment held for at least five years through a state-created alternative investment fund manager, for a permit of up to five years. The fund has not been set up and a bill proposes to remove this route.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Eligibility and business review
We assess nationality restrictions, the business plan and whether the company can realistically meet the annual tax thresholds.
- 2
Company set-up or acquisition
A Latvian company is incorporated or an existing company's capital is increased, and the investment is registered in the Register of Enterprises.
- 3
State payment
The €10,000 state budget payment is made and evidenced.
- 4
Application to PMLP
The residence permit application is filed in Latvia or at a Latvian consulate, followed by security vetting.
- 5
Permit issue
The temporary residence permit is issued for up to two years, with permits for the spouse and minor children.
- 6
Maintain and renew
The investment and tax contributions are maintained and the permit is renewed or registered as required.
Typical documents
- Valid passports and photographs
- Company registration documents and evidence of the capital contribution
- Proof of the €10,000 state budget payment
- Bank statements and source of funds documentation
- Criminal record certificates, legalised or apostilled and translated
- Health insurance valid in Latvia
- Evidence of a registered address in Latvia
- Marriage and birth certificates for family members
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps clients understand what the 2026 reforms mean for them, whether they hold an existing Latvian permit or are considering the remaining company route. We work with independent Latvian counsel to assess the commercial viability of the business and its tax thresholds, prepare a clear source-of-wealth file for enhanced vetting, and, where Latvia no longer fits, compare alternative European options. Each engagement is discreet and grounded in compliance, with residence decisions placed within the family's wider wealth and succession plans.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Can I still get Latvian residence by buying property?
No. The real estate route closed to new applications when the new Immigration Law entered into force on 15 September 2026. Applications filed by 14 September 2026 are assessed under the old rules.
What happens to my existing real estate permit?
Permits issued before the new law took effect remain valid for their registration or validity period. Advice is needed on what options exist at the end of that term.
Is the €150,000 fund route available?
Not at present. The state-established fund has not been created, and a bill submitted in September 2026 proposes to remove the route.
How long is the company route permit valid?
Up to two years under the new law, compared with five years previously, and it depends on the company meeting its annual tax-payment threshold.
Can it lead to permanent residence?
Yes. After five years of continuous residence, applicants with sufficient means, A2 Latvian and the required culture and history course can apply for permanent residence.
Are any nationalities excluded?
Citizens of Russia and Belarus cannot use the investment routes under the new law.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
