Citizenship by Investment in Latvia: Your Options

Foreigners interested in citizenship by investment in Latvia should know that there is no specific option to gain this status. However, there are other options to consider in 2026 when interested in this status. One of our Latvian lawyers can provide legal assistance to citizens interested in this topic.

Quick Facts
Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU)	Both
Business investment option (Yes/No)	Latvia does not have a direct citizenship by investment program, but the investor visa scheme (golden visa). It offers a path to citizenship after living 10 years in Latvia.
Real estate investment option (Yes/No)	No (abolished from 15 September 2026)
Other investment options (if available)	– digital innovations, – manufacturing, – scientific research
Living requirement in Latvia (Yes/No)	Yes, it is 10 years.
Residence or direct citizenship option	Yes
Direct immigration with family members (Yes/No)	Yes
Family members allowed to join the program	Yes
Residence visa/ citizenship processing time (approx.)	4 months
Additional financial requirements for family members (Yes/No)	No
Time frame for obtaining citizenship/ residency by investment	30 – 90 days
Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No)	Yes, with EU, EFTA and NATO countries, Australia, Brazil and New Zealand; for other countries only in specific cases (e.g. exiles and persons of Latvian descent).
Reasons to choose Latvia	– stable economy, – attractive investment incentives, – close proximity with some of the world's largest consumer markets
Personal income tax rate	25.5% up to EUR 105,300/year and 33% above (plus an extra 3% on income over EUR 200,000)
Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries)	184
Age eligibility for Latvian Golden visa	At least 18 years of age to join the residence program available in Latvia
Who accepts citizenship applications in Latvia?	Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
Buying interest-free securities	No longer available: the state-securities route is not included in the new Immigration Law (in force since 15 September 2026).
Investments in Latvian companies	Through the Residence by Investment Program. It is required EUR 50,000 into equity capital of a company in Latvia, if such company pays taxes of at least EUR 40,000/year.
Language requirements	A2 level Latvian language test for getting permanent residency, the path to citizenship
Access to Schengen Zone	Granted by the Latvian residency
Physical residency requirement (YES/NO)	NO
Other visa options for foreigners in Latvia	– retirement visa, – family visa, – student visa. Citizenship application can start after living 10 years in Latvia.
Advantages of Latvian Residence by Investment Program	– fast and simple formalities, – free access to Schengen countries, – no minimum stay required, – possibility to apply for Latvian citizenship after 10 years
Access to social assistance	Restricted for foreigners applying for residency in Latvia
Property ownership available (YES/NO)	YES
Biometric card issued for permanent residence (YES/NO)	YES
Latvia passport ranking	12th on the Guide Passport Index
Countries in which Latvian passport holders require visa on arrival	None of these require a visa: Japan is visa-free, the UK requires only an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), and the UAE grants a free entry stamp on arrival.
Why work with our Latvian law firm?	We can manage the formalities and procedures for obtaining residency and citizenship in Latvia, and we offer complete legal services at affordable costs.

What are the routes to get citizenship in Latvia?

By first obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Latvia through investments.

What is the minimum investment for TRP in Latvia?

EUR 50,000.

Is a minimum age imposed to get a TRP in Latvia?

Yes, 18.

How should I invest the amount to get residency in Latvia in 2026?

in a medium-sized company with no more than 50 employees and an annual turnover of EUR 10 million,
the EUR 250,000 real estate option was abolished on 15 September 2026; a new route requires at least EUR 150,000 invested with a state-established investment fund manager.

OBSERVATION! If you are investing EUR 50,000 in a company, the entity must pay at least EUR 40,000 in taxes each year. EUR 10,000 is a non-refundable fee to the state budget that must be paid at the time of application.

Is physical presence required in Latvia?

No.

Here is an infographic on getting citizenship in Latvia:

What documents are solicited for residency in Latvia, the path to citizenship?

completed application form,
valid ID/passport,
proof of funds, employment contract, or legal income,
health insurance,
proof of paid fees,
documents providing information about the direction of investments,
clear criminal record, etc.

Are there any other paths to residency by investment and then citizenship in Latvia?

Yes, the following:

at least EUR 150,000 invested for 5 years with a state-established alternative investment fund manager, plus a EUR 10,000 state fee (new route; the EUR 250,000 government-bond route is no longer available),
the former route (abolished on 15 September 2026) of EUR 280,000 in the subordinated capital of a Latvian credit institution for 5 years, and a EUR 25,000 state fee.

IMPORTANT NOTE! These investments are made to get residency in Latvia. Once living under this status for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. After another 5 years with PR in Latvia, you can apply for citizenship in Latvia.

Is Latvian language knowledge imposed?

Yes, at the time you apply for permanent residency or for citizenship in Latvia.

Can family members be part of the citizenship application in Latvia?

Yes.

What is the time frame to get residency by investment in Latvia, the path to citizenship?

About 3 months.

When should foreigners apply for Latvian citizenship?

After 10 years of living with a temporary and a permanent residence permit in Latvia.

Is dual citizenship permitted in Latvia?

Yes, but restrictions apply to certain citizens from specific countries, according to the Citizenship Law in Latvia.

Are there any administrative rules imposed for foreigners applying for citizenship in Latvia?

Yes, entering Latvia at least once every 12 months.

What is the Latvia passport ranking in 2026?

4th, according to the Passport Index.

What are the benefits of the Latvian passport?

visa-free or visa-on-arrival in various countries,
unrestricted travel throughout the Schengen Area countries,
can work, live, and study in any EU country,
favorable tax regime,
free movement of funds,
access to public healthcare and education,
political & economic stability,
living in a safe country, etc.

You can contact our lawyers in Latvia for any details related to Latvian citizenship in 2026. We remind you that our law firm in Latvia has experts who can deal with various immigration-related matters.