Latvia's Golden Visa program has entered a new phase. On September 15, 2026, Latvia introduced a different approach for their investment-based residency program. While the corporate investment route remains available, its residence permit validity has been reduced.
For international investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families considering European residency, understanding these changes is essential before making any investment decisions.
⚠ Disclaimer
Immigration laws and financial requirements change frequently. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Before making any decisions, please consult a qualified professional or reach out to the High Net Worth Immigration team for a free, up-to-date consultation.
Latvia's updated Immigration Law significantly changes how foreign investors can qualify for temporary residence permits.
Under the previous framework, investors could explore real estate purchases and certain bank investment options. These routes are no longer available for new applicants under the revised rules.
The government has retained corporate investment and introduced a new alternative investment fund mechanism.
The main changes include:
- Real estate investment is no longer a qualifying route for new applicants.
- The previous subordinated bank investment route has been removed.
- Corporate share capital investment remains available.
- The validity period for corporate investment residence permits has been reduced from five years to two years.
- A new €150,000 investment fund route has been introduced, but the fund mechanism is not yet operational.
For years, Latvia's residency-by-investment program attracted international investors who wanted to purchase property while gaining access to European residency.
That option has now changed.
Under the new Immigration Law, purchasing qualifying real estate is no longer a basis for obtaining a new temporary residence permit through the investment program.
This means investors who previously considered buying a property in Riga, Jurmala, or other eligible areas must now explore alternative routes.
One of the most notable additions to the 2026 residency framework is an investment option connected to a state-established alternative investment fund manager.
Under the legislation, eligible foreign nationals may qualify for a temporary residence permit of up to five years by meeting the following requirements:
- Minimum investment: €150,000
- Investment period: At least five years
- Additional state payment: €10,000
The investment must be made through the investment fund manager specified by law, and the investment balance must remain at or above the required threshold for the residence permit to remain valid.
Although the legal framework introduces the €150,000 investment option, Latvia's state-established investment fund manager has not yet been established and operational. But it'll be active soon.
Corporate investment pathway continues under Latvia's revised residency rules. This option allows foreign investors to invest directly in the share capital of a Latvian company that meets the applicable legal criteria.
The minimum investment depends on the company's size and financial indicators.
Investment Requirements
| Company category | Minimum investment |
|---|---|
| Smaller company | €50,000 |
| Larger company | €100,000 |
| Additional state payment | €10,000 |
The €10,000 payment to the state budget applies to the initial application.
Smaller Latvian Companies
The €50,000 investment threshold applies to a company that meets the relevant statutory criteria, including:
- Fewer than 50 employees.
- Annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding €10 million.
The investor must satisfy the applicable legal requirements, and investing in a company does not automatically guarantee approval of a residence permit.
Larger Latvian Companies
The €100,000 investment option applies to companies exceeding the relevant employee and financial thresholds.
The law refers to companies with more than 50 employees and annual turnover or balance sheet figures exceeding €10 million.
Applicants should assess the company's eligibility and ongoing compliance requirements before proceeding.
One of the most significant changes concerns the duration of the residence permit.
Previously, corporate investment could support a temporary residence permit for up to five years. Under the revised framework, the permit may be issued for up to two years.
This change affects how investors should plan their residency timeline, renewals, and longer-term immigration objectives.
The investment amount itself has not been increased from the previous €50,000 and €100,000 thresholds.
If Latvia is part of your European residency strategy, the next step should be a review of your objectives, investment preferences, and eligibility.
Rather than selecting an investment route based only on its minimum capital requirement, consider the following:
Review the legal framework: Confirm which pathways are currently available to new applicants.
Evaluate the investment structure: Understand how your capital will be invested, the holding period, and the relevant obligations.
Assess the business route carefully: Corporate investment requires more than simply transferring funds. The company and applicant must satisfy the applicable requirements.
Verify operational readiness: A newly introduced legal pathway may not yet be available for practical applications.
Plan for the long term: Temporary residency, permanent residency, and citizenship involve different requirements and timelines.
Vicky Katsarova is an internationally recognized advisor in residency and citizenship by investment, with more than 15 years of experience helping investors, entrepreneurs, and families secure strategic residency and citizenship solutions.
Since founding High Net Worth Immigration in 2010, she has advised clients across more than 20 jurisdictions, helping them enhance global mobility, protect family wealth, diversify geopolitical risk, and unlock international opportunities through carefully selected investment migration programs.
Having lived in Bulgaria, the UAE, and Canada, Vicky combines professional expertise with personal international experience. Her boutique advisory is built on discretion, integrity, and long-term client relationships, delivering tailored solutions aligned with each client’s unique objectives.
Member of the Uglobal Writers Council | Contributor to UNIQUE Private Jet Magazine | Featured in CIVITAS POST's “Leading Women” & Women's Journal