From EUR 50,000 (equity capital in a small company) to EUR 280,000 (subordinated obligations in a credit institution). Four pathways: equity capital (EUR 50,000–100,000), real estate (EUR 250,000), credit institution deposit (EUR 280,000), or government bonds (EUR 250,000).
⏱️ Duration
Issued for up to 5 years with annual card re-registration. Renewable if investment conditions are maintained. Permanent residence possible after 5 years.
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse and minor children may apply together with the main applicant. Family members receive the same permit duration and unrestricted employment rights.
🛂 Citizenship Path
Yes — after 10 years
After 5 years of continuous temporary residence (with at least 4 years of physical presence), holders may apply for EU long-term resident status, which requires Latvian language proficiency at A2 level. Citizenship by naturalisation is possible after 10 years total (5 years temporary plus 5 years permanent residence), subject to language and civics exams.
Latvia's Investor Residence Permit (often called the Latvia Golden Visa) allows third-country nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit by making a qualifying financial investment in the Latvian economy. Administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), it grants the right to live, work, and study in Latvia and to travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area, with no minimum physical presence required to maintain the permit. Citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus are currently excluded from new applications.
Investment Options
Applicants qualify through one of four pathways, each with its own one-time payment into the state budget:
Equity capital: EUR 50,000 in a small Latvian company (up to 50 employees, turnover under EUR 10 million) or EUR 100,000 in a larger company. A maximum of 10 foreigners may obtain permits through a single company at the EUR 50,000 threshold, and the company must pay at least EUR 40,000 annually in taxes. One-time state payment: EUR 10,000.
Real estate: EUR 250,000 minimum purchase value for already-constructed, non-agricultural, non-wooded property in Riga, Jurmala, or specified surrounding municipalities. Cadastral value must be at least EUR 80,000. One-time state payment: 5% of the purchase price.
Credit institution deposit: EUR 280,000 in subordinated obligations toward a Latvian credit institution for a minimum 5-year term. One-time state payment: EUR 25,000.
Government bonds: EUR 250,000 in interest-free government securities, purchased after the permit is approved. One-time state payment: EUR 38,000. This route is slated for removal under amendments supported by the Cabinet of Ministers in December 2025 and pending before the Saeima, but it remains in force as of mid-2026.
Requirements
Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss national (Russian and Belarusian citizens excluded since April 2022)
A qualifying investment through one of the four pathways above
Proof of subsistence: EUR 1,500/month for real estate investors, EUR 500/month for other investment types
Additional EUR 500/month per adult family member and EUR 150/month per minor child
No educational or professional qualifications required; eligibility is based solely on the investment
Required Documents
Completed residence permit application form
Full copy of a valid passport
Photograph (3x4 cm)
Proof of subsistence (bank statements)
State duty payment confirmation
Investment-specific documentation (company registration, property deed, credit institution confirmation, or bond purchase intent)
Criminal record certificate from country of citizenship/residence (for applicants aged 14+)
Duration & Renewal
The permit is issued for up to 5 years. The physical residence permit card must be re-registered annually at a PMLP office, where the holder confirms that investment conditions continue to be met. The investment must be maintained for the full permit duration. After 5 years of continuous temporary residence (with at least 4 years of physical presence), holders may apply for EU long-term resident status, which requires Latvian language proficiency at A2 level.
Family Members
Spouse and minor children may apply at the same time as the main applicant. They need relationship proof (marriage or birth certificate), a valid passport, a photograph, and proof of subsistence (EUR 500/month per adult, EUR 150/month per minor). For children not accompanied by both parents, notarially certified consent from the other parent is required. Family members receive the same permit duration and unrestricted employment rights in Latvia.
Tax Implications
Latvia taxes residents on worldwide income. Tax residency is triggered by presence of 183 or more days in any 12-month period. Progressive personal income tax rates apply: 25.5% on income up to EUR 105,300, 33% above that, and an additional 3% above EUR 200,000. Investors not physically present for 183 days are taxed only on Latvia-source income. Real estate owners must keep the property free of tax debts, and equity capital investors must ensure their company meets minimum annual tax payment thresholds.
Application Process
Applications are submitted in person at PMLP offices in Latvia or at Latvian diplomatic or consular missions abroad. For real estate investment, the purchase must be completed before applying; for equity capital, the investment must be registered in the Commercial Register; government bonds are purchased only after a positive decision. Processing takes 30 days standard, 10 working days expedited, or 5 working days fast-track, with higher state duties for faster service. The standard examination state duty is EUR 100, plus EUR 45 to register the permit card. Under 2026 amendments, applications based on investments exceeding EUR 500,000 are to be decided within 60 working days and are exempt from the expanding A2 language requirement. There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain the permit, making this an attractive option for those seeking Schengen access without mandatory residency.