Latvia Residence for Founders and Investors

Start-up temporary residence permit

Once granted, the startup permit runs for a maximum of three years and is kept alive through yearly reporting to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. During the first year the founder either records qualifying investment, more than EUR 30,000 from a venture capital fund or more than EUR 15,000 from an accelerator or business angel, or submits a progress report showing that the innovative product is still being developed. Before the permit is collected, the founder needs an annual health insurance policy, a certificate from a Latvian clinic confirming no active tuberculosis and a rental agreement or owner's consent for a Latvian address.

Maximum term

3 years

Renewal

Yearly, with an investment record or a progress report

Investment target

Over EUR 30,000 from VC, or over EUR 15,000 from angels

Issuance fee

Varies by speed; confirm with OCMA

Work rights

No employment or other board seats in Latvia

Requirements

• Board membership in the newly established startup company.
• Yearly progress reporting to OCMA.
• Health insurance renewed every year.
• A place of residence in Latvia backed by a rental agreement or owner's consent.

How to apply

1. Collect the permit after approval and register as a board member of the new company.
2. Within twelve months, record qualifying investment or prepare a progress report.
3. File renewal documents, which must be in Latvian, before the current term runs out.

Temporary residence permit for investment in company share capital

Status: Permit term cut to up to 2 years from 15 September 2026.

The share capital route survived the 2026 reform with the same investment amounts but a shorter permit term. A foreign investor puts at least EUR 50,000 into a Latvian company that employs no more than 50 people and has annual turnover or a balance sheet total of up to EUR 10 million, or at least EUR 100,000 into a larger company, and pays EUR 10,000 to the state budget with the first application. Under the new law, permits on this ground are issued for up to two years instead of the previous maximum of five, and renewal continues to depend on the company meeting tax-payment criteria.

Minimum investment

EUR 50,000 (smaller company) or EUR 100,000 (larger company)

State payment

EUR 10,000 with the first application

Permit term

Up to 2 years under the 2026 law

Renewal

Depends on the company's tax payments

Leads to

EU long-term resident status after 5 years

Requirements

• At least EUR 50,000 invested in a company with up to 50 employees and up to EUR 10 million turnover or balance sheet total.
• Alternatively, at least EUR 100,000 invested in a larger company.
• A EUR 10,000 payment to the state budget with the first permit application.
• Ongoing tax contributions by the company to support renewal.

How to apply

1. Invest in the company's share capital, either by founding a company or by increasing its capital.
2. Pay the EUR 10,000 contribution to the state budget.
3. Apply to OCMA for a temporary residence permit of up to two years.
4. Before expiry, show that the company meets the tax criteria and apply for renewal in Latvian.

Temporary residence permit for real estate purchase

Status: Closed to new applicants from 15 September 2026.

Until the new Immigration Law took effect on 15 September 2026, foreigners could obtain a temporary residence permit by buying qualifying Latvian real estate, and a parallel route existed for investors in the subordinated liabilities of Latvian credit institutions. The new law no longer provides either ground, and new applications on these bases are not accepted. People who already hold permits on these grounds should confirm with OCMA how they can continue, since transitional provisions govern existing holders rather than the rules for new applicants.

Status

Closed to new applicants from 15 September 2026

Also closed

Subordinated liabilities of Latvian credit institutions

Existing holders

Confirm continuation rules with OCMA

New alternative

EUR 150,000 state fund route, not yet operational