Latvia, a Baltic state in Northern Europe, consists of extensive forests, numerous lakes, and a pristine coastline. The country offers picturesque views alongside beautiful landscapes and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching in areas where there is less human interference. Because of Latvia’s natural beauty, in recent years there has been a surge in both international and domestic tourism in the country. Latvia offers a popular residency by investment program for global investors seeking an affordable second home in a stable country as well as looking for nature, culture, and a less crowded place than other European destinations.
Latvia Residency by Investment: Program Overview
Due to increasing prices of CBI programs and rising political uncertainty, the demand for affordable European residency programs is increasing rapidly. During this demand, the Latvia Golden visa has emerged as the most strategic and cheapest golden visa in Europe for global investors. The Latvia residency program grants a 5-year residency permit to investors that allows them to live and work in Latvia. Moreover, the investors can also get permanent residency and eventually citizenship of Latvia after meeting the eligibility criteria.
Key Benefits of the Latvia Golden Visa for Investors
The Latvia residency program has been attracting many investors since 2021 due to the numerous advantages it offers to its golden visa passport holders.
Visa-Free Access
Latvia golden visa holders can travel to Europe’s Schengen states without any visa requirement as the Latvia residency program grants them visa-free access, hence thereby providing them with global mobility and travel freedom.
Renewable Residency Permit
Latvia offers a renewable residency permit to its investors, which allows them to live in the country for 5 years by meeting the investment criteria.
Possible EU Citizenship
Latvia golden visa holders can possibly get citizenship in Europe if they reside in the country for 10 years and meet the eligibility requirements. This means they can access the high standard of living, best healthcare, and education. Moreover, they can also benefit from the favorable tax policies of the country.
Family Reunification
Some individuals prefer to live with their loved ones. Latvia is beneficial for those investors as it allows family reunification, which means the spouse and children of the main applicant can also be added to the application. Thus, the family members of investors can also benefit from the residency rights in Latvia, including healthcare, education, and visa-free access within the Schengen area.
Business Opportunity
The EU Schengen area visa-free access provides Latvia golden visa holders an advantage of exploring and understanding the European business markets and a chance to expand their businesses there. Moreover, they can also build great partnerships and networks, which help them in their professional career.
Secure Second Home
Increasing political uncertainties have led foreign investors to continuously seek residency options as a perfect Plan B for a safe future for themselves and their families. Latvia provides them with this advantage as it provides a secure environment to investors and their loved ones.
Less Processing Time
The Latvia residency by investment program’s processing time is faster, as it involves 2 to 3 months for visa processing, which is less compared to many golden visa programs, such as Greece and Portugal Golden Visa.
Who can apply for a Latvia Residency by Investment?
The individuals thinking of applying should consider the following Latvia golden visa requirements.
- The main applicant must be an adult aged 18 or above.
- Must have a clean criminal record.
- Must be in excellent health condition
- Meet the investment criteria.
- Do not belong to the banned countries.
Latvia Golden Visa Investment Options
After the economic crisis of 2008, Latvia residency by investment program has been an economic route to European residency since 2010, as it is the most affordable EU residency by investment program that provides a 5-year residency permit to its investors with an initial investment of €50,000. The program provides diverse investment options to global investors, including real estate investment, business investment, government bonds, and bank deposits.
Latvia Business Investment
The most affordable option for getting a Latvia golden visa is investing €50,000 in a Latvian company that pays €40,000 in tax annually, along with €10,000 government fees.
Latvia Real Estate Investment
To qualify for Latvia residency by investment program, investors have to invest €250,000 in Latvia real estate, and the investment must be held for 5 years.
Purchasing Government Bonds
By purchasing non-interest government bonds of €250,000, investors become eligible for the Latvia residency by investment program.
Latvia Residency by Bank Deposit
Investors by placing a bank deposit of €280,000 or more can qualify for the Latvia residency program.
Latvia Residency Program vs Other European Residency Programs
The following table shows a European golden visa comparison in terms of cost and processing time.
Golden Visa Program | Cost | Processing Time |
Latvia | €50,000 (Business)€250,000 (Real Estate) | 2-3 months |
Malta | €375,000 (Property) or €14,000 (Rental + fees) | 6-18 months |
Greece | €400,000 (Most areas) €800,000 (High-demand areas) | 3-4 months |
Portugal | €500,000 (Funds, Non-real estate, Research, Job creation) | 10-12 months |
Conclusion
Latvia golden visa 2025 is the most affordable golden visa program for people seeking the best European residency options, as apart from getting residency in Europe, you can benefit from visa-free access, business expansion, and lifestyle opportunities all by investing in the Latvia residency program.