ResidencyLatvia
An EU residence earned through business investment, with permanent status and citizenship within reach over time.
Latvia offers non-European investors a direct route into the European Union by investing in the share capital of a qualifying local company. In return, the investor and close family receive a temporary residence permit that carries the right to live, work and study anywhere in the country, with the full breadth of the single market in view over the longer term.
Because Latvia belongs to both the EU and the Schengen Area, the permit does far more than open a single border. It allows unrestricted travel across Schengen and positions the family to build the continuous residence record that leads, in time, to permanent status and ultimately citizenship.
CBIProgram manages the business investment, the documentation and the in-country biometrics so that the two-year permit is secured efficiently and renewed cleanly. The firm also maps out the five-year horizon toward permanent residence, keeping each renewal aligned with the investor's wider plans.
- Residence requirement: Minimal
Program law
The business investment route is set out in Section 27(1)(10) of Latvia's Immigration Law, with permit renewals governed by Section 29 of the same law.
Key benefits
EU and Schengen Access
Latvia's EU and Schengen membership gives residents the right to settle locally and to travel freely across the Schengen Area.
Right to Work and Study
Unlike many residency routes, the Latvian permit lets holders take up employment, run a business and enrol in education within the country.
Modest Entry Cost
A qualifying stake in a small Latvian company starts at EUR 50,000, among the more accessible business-investment routes into the EU.
Permanent Status Pathway
Five years of continuous residence can lead to permanent residence, after which citizenship becomes attainable through language and history examinations.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Share capital of a small Latvian company — Companies with up to 50 employees and turnover not exceeding EUR 10 million. | EUR 50,000 |
| Share capital of a larger Latvian company — Companies with more than 50 employees and turnover above EUR 10 million. | EUR 100,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-off state budget payment — Due on the first application; the government fee itself is payable only after approval. | EUR 10,000 |
Process & timeline
Sign the retainer, pay the first professional fee, and assemble the supporting documentation.
Complete the company investment, submit proof of funds and means, and travel to Latvia to provide biometric data.
On approval the temporary residence permit is issued as an ID card, and the government fee becomes payable.
Visit Latvia in person to collect the residence card that covers the investor and family.
Eligibility
- Is at least eighteen years of age
- Completes a qualifying investment in the share capital of a Latvian company
- Can show a clean criminal record and clear a background and due diligence review
- Is in good health and can provide a medical certificate
- Can demonstrate the source of funds and ability to invest
- Holds valid health insurance for the stay in Latvia
Required documents
All applicants
- Completed residence permit application form
- Original passport with a photocopy
- Proof of valid health insurance and a tuberculosis clearance certificate
- Evidence of no criminal convictions
- Utility bill no older than three months and proof of residential address
- Receipt of fee payment
Main applicant
- Proof of income sources and the ability to fund the investment
- Documents certifying the business investment in the Latvian company
- Curriculum vitae
Married couples
- Certified marriage certificate
- Certified birth certificates for any dependent children
Frequently asked questions
What can I invest in to qualify?
The current route is a stake in the share capital of a Latvian company, starting at EUR 50,000 for smaller firms and EUR 100,000 for larger ones. Real estate and bank-deposit routes no longer accept new applicants.
May I work in Latvia on this permit?
Yes. The residence permit carries the right to take up employment, operate a business and study in the country, which distinguishes it from more passive residency schemes.
How long is the permit valid?
The temporary permit is granted for up to two years and is renewable subject to the ongoing conditions. Annual re-registration is no longer required.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
Permanent residence may become available after five years of continuous residence in Latvia, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Is citizenship possible?
Citizenship can be applied for five years after obtaining permanent residence, and requires passing language and history examinations. Latvia permits dual citizenship only with certain countries.
Does the permit allow travel across Europe?
Yes. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so the permit allows visa-free travel across Schengen within the standard stay limits.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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