In recent years, as residency programs through investment have tightened, the Latvia Golden Visa continues to stand out in terms of both cost and processing speed. The observed 51% growth in the program in 2025 indicates that interest will continue to increase in 2026. In contrast, application criteria and compliance obligations are becoming increasingly technical.
What is the Latvia Golden Visa? 2026 Perspective
The Latvia Golden Visa is a temporary residency permit program for citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland in exchange for investment. When you make a qualified investment, it grants you and your family an initial temporary residency permit valid for 5 years.
Key features of the program in 2026 include:
- Being one of the most affordable golden visa options in Europe with a minimum investment threshold starting from €50,000
- Issuance of a 5-year valid residence card upon approval
- The ability to reclaim the investment after 5 years as long as it complies with program conditions (especially in company investments and certain financial instruments)
- Freedom of movement within the Schengen area and the right to reside in Latvia
While the program structure is maintained as of 2026, compliance audits, proof of source, and restrictions for citizens of Russia/Belarus have become more pronounced.
Investment Paths: What Options are Available in 2026?
1. Company Investment – Minimum €50,000
The most preferred route for the Latvia Golden Visa is the business investment option, which involves investing capital in a company or establishing a company in Latvia.
Key parameters include:
- Minimum €50,000 capital contribution
- Additionally, a €10,000 non-refundable state donation
- The company must be active and contribute to the Latvian economy (commercial activities, employment, etc.)
The most significant advantage of this route in 2026 is that it has the fastest approval process in practice. According to research data, eligible applications can be processed in about two weeks. Your investment remains as company capital; if the business model is correctly structured, it is possible to aim for both residency rights and commercial profit.
2. Alternative Company Investment – €100,000 Capital
For those planning larger-scale investments, the alternative company investment option is also available in 2026:
- Minimum €100,000 capital contribution
- Again, a €10,000 non-refundable state donation
This model is generally suitable for larger-scale projects, technology, or export-oriented structures. Investors who particularly structure B2B trade, logistics, IT, and SaaS models within the EU through Latvia prefer this option.
3. Real Estate Investment – Minimum €250,000
A classic route under the Latvia Golden Visa is real estate investment. As of 2026:
- A qualified real estate investment of at least €250,000 is required.
- Typically, residential or commercial properties are preferred; however, compliance with the program’s conditions must be clarified before purchase.
Important update: According to the law enacted on June 19, 2025, citizens of Russia and Belarus are prohibited from purchasing real estate in Latvia (except in limited and exceptional cases). This restriction will remain in effect in 2026 and is evaluated within the framework of national security and sanction policies.
4. Other Investment Options: Bank Deposits, Bonds, Hybrid Structures
The program is not limited to company and real estate investments. In 2026:
- Bank deposits
- Government bonds
- Specific combinations of real estate and financial instruments
can also be used to apply for a Golden Visa.
However, financial thresholds, additional costs, and returns vary depending on the structure of banks, bonds, and hybrids. A professional structuring process is required to optimize the investment from both immigration law and tax perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria and Current Restrictions for 2026
Who Can Apply?
The basic conditions for applying for the Latvia Golden Visa as of 2026 are as follows:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must not be a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Must be in good health and able to provide health insurance
A critical point regarding the program: Citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus are not included in the Latvia Golden Visa scope in 2026. Citizens of these countries cannot generally apply for the program.
Additionally, the applicant must provide documents showing that they have no tax debts worldwide. At this point, many investors utilize tax offices in their own countries and current financial records.
Financial Sufficiency Thresholds (Living Condition)
Latvia wants to see that the applicant and their family have sufficient financial resources to support themselves in addition to the investment. Data from 2025 shows the minimum fund requirements referenced for 2026 as follows:
- For the main applicant: annual €26,640
- For the spouse: annual €8,880
- For each dependent child: annual €2,664
These figures aim to prove that the applicant will not be a burden on the public if they settle in Latvia. Bank statements, regular income documents, company profit distributions, or investment income can be used in this regard.
Health Insurance and Other Documents
During the application:
- A comprehensive health insurance policy for at least one year is required for the applicant and dependents.
- Bank documents, sales contracts, dividend records, etc., must be submitted to show that the investment comes from legitimate and traceable sources.
At this point, Latvian authorities strictly apply standards for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism. Applications with unclear sources of funds may face rejection or additional review processes.
Application Process: Step by Step Latvia Golden Visa
Step 1: Eligibility Analysis and Document Preparation
The process begins with selecting the right investment route and creating a strong file. At this stage:
- The applicant’s criminal record, citizenship status, and tax compliance are checked.
- Depending on the chosen investment type, company documents, title deeds, bank confirmations, investment contracts are prepared.
- Passport copies, biometric photos and the application forms requested by Latvian authorities are filled out completely.
- Receipts for the relevant state fees are obtained.
The most common mistakes at this stage include incomplete documentation of the source of funds, not fully translating criminal records from the country, and structuring investment contracts in compliance with immigration legislation.
Step 2: Submission of the Application
Once all documents are prepared, the file is submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
When the application is received:
- The suitability of the investment and the integrity of the documents undergo a preliminary check.
- During this process, a temporary D-type visa is usually issued to facilitate the applicant’s entry into Latvia.
Step 3: Security and Background Investigation
One of the critical stages of the Latvia Golden Visa is the background investigation. This check is conducted by the Latvian Security Police and examines the following elements:
- Criminal record and judicial history
- Financial history and suspicious money movements
- Elements posing risks to security and public order
This stage is where the application is truly filtered. It is especially important for investors with multiple citizenships, partnerships in different countries, and complex fund flows to have their files professionally prepared.
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment and Card Delivery
Once the background check yields positive results, the applicant comes to Latvia to complete biometrics. During this appointment:
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken.
- Identity information and address declaration are re-confirmed.
After the procedures are completed, a temporary residency permit card valid for five years is issued for the applicant and eligible dependents. This card is in ID format indicating official residency status under EU legislation.
Processing Time: From 2 Weeks to 3 Months
In 2026, processing times vary depending on the chosen investment route and the complexity of the file:
- Applications with company investments can generally be processed in about 2 weeks.
- For applications through real estate investment, review times can extend up to 8 weeks due to title and appraisal processes.
- Overall, it is healthy to plan a timeframe of 1 to 3 months from the initial application to receiving the residency card.
Residency Permit, Renewal, and Physical Presence Requirements
5-Year Temporary Residency Permit
The card issued for approved applications is valid for 5 years. During this period, the cardholder:
- Can reside in Latvia, establish a business, or manage a company.
- Benefits from short-term travel freedom within the Schengen area.
Annual Renewal and Mandatory Visits
Although the total duration of the card is 5 years, annual procedural renewals are required to maintain the permit status. In these renewals:
- You must prove that the investment is still compliant with program conditions.
- You must present your current health insurance policies.
- You must pay the relevant administrative fees.
This process typically takes 2 days to complete, and it is expected that you visit Latvia at least once a year. These visits are important for both official procedures and strengthening the residency bond.
Physical Presence and Long-Term Status
Unlike many programs, the Latvia Golden Visa does not impose a strict residency requirement. However:
- Regular annual visits and maintenance of the investment are required to keep the residency permit.
- If long-term permanent residency or citizenship is targeted, the actual residency period in Latvia and other criteria (such as language) will be evaluated separately.
Cost and Tax Dimension: What Should You Prepare for in 2026?
Total Cost Components
The total cost of a Latvia Golden Visa investment is not limited to just the investment amount. Typical items for 2026 include:
- Investment Amount (e.g., €50,000 company capital or €250,000 real estate)
- Non-refundable state donation (€10,000, in company investment options)
- State fees and application charges
- Translation, apostille, notary, and report costs
- Legal and immigration consultancy fees
In real estate, transfer tax, appraisal costs, and annual property tax should also be considered. In company investment, the company’s operational expenses, accounting, and payroll costs are added to the table.
Tax Perspective
Tax liability in Latvia is shaped by your tax residency and income source. Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically mean you are a tax resident of Latvia; however:
- The corporate taxes and withholdings apply to companies you establish or partner with in Latvia.
- A local tax declaration is required for rental, salary, or dividend income originating from Latvia.
The key point here is the double taxation treaties and the investor’s tax legislation in their own country. A poorly structured investment can lead to unnecessary tax burdens or audit risks.
Why is Professional Support Important Amidst So Many Details?
Although the Latvia Golden Visa appears to be a “affordable” and “fast” route on paper, in practice it involves company structuring, tax planning, proof of source of funds, and inclusion of family members among many layered elements.
As Corpenza, we:
- Design company formation, international accounting, and payroll (EOR/payroll) processes end-to-end across Europe, including Latvia.
- Optimize tax and social security while sending your staff to different EU countries with the posted worker model.
- Manage investment selection, company structure, payroll, tax, and compliance in a single framework for residency and citizenship projects through investment.
This way, we help you design the Latvia Golden Visa not just as a residency permit but also as a sustainable business model and mobility strategy within the EU.
Conclusion: Is the Latvia Golden Visa Still a Strategic Opportunity in 2026?
As of 2026, the Latvia Golden Visa:
- Offers an accessible gateway within the EU with investments starting from €50,000.
- Provides a flexible structure where the investment can be reclaimed after five years focused on company and real estate.
- Creates significant advantages in both living and business perspectives with freedom of movement in Schengen, the ability to include family members, and the freedom to establish a business.
In contrast, the restrictions imposed on citizens of Russia and Belarus, increasing compliance audits, proof of source of funds, and annual renewal procedures have made this process no longer just about “filling out forms.” Without proper planning, rejected applications, wasted investments, or unnecessary tax burdens may arise.
If you are planning to obtain residency through investment in Latvia or another European country, seeking support from a team specializing in international mobility and company formation that addresses legal, tax, and business development aspects together significantly reduces risks. Corpenza positions itself as a partner coordinating this very layered structure on your behalf.
Disclaimer and Important Note
This text provides general information about the 2026 Latvia Golden Visa program. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Immigration and investment regulations can be updated frequently; therefore, before making any decisions:
- Always check current official information sources and relevant legislation.
- Obtain individual consultancy from competent professionals in immigration law, tax, and investment.
The information and evaluations here are general in nature and are not designed to apply to every applicant. You should make the final decision regarding your own situation solely in light of current official regulations and professional advice.
