Latvia offers a comparatively low-entry route to European residence through a qualifying equity investment starting at €50,000. The first temporary residence permit can be issued for up to two years and can be renewed if the qualifying conditions continue to be met.
Prism helps international investors and families assess whether Latvian residence fits their wider plans and coordinates the process with our Latvian investment and legal partners.
A lower-entry route to European residence
Residence by investment in Europe is often associated with property purchases or investment requirements running into several hundred thousand euros.
Latvia offers a different route. Eligible non-EU nationals can qualify through an investment of at least €50,000 in a qualifying Latvian company, together with the required government contribution and professional fees.
The residence permit also provides short-stay travel rights within the Schengen Area, making the programme particularly relevant for internationally mobile investors and families.
How does Latvia residence by investment work?
Under the €50,000 company-investment route, the applicant makes a qualifying equity investment in a Latvian company.
Through the current structure available via Prism’s Latvian partner, several investors can participate in qualifying Latvian projects rather than each applicant having to fund a large project independently.
The route applies to qualifying companies with no more than 50 employees and annual turnover or a balance sheet total of no more than €10 million. A maximum of 10 foreign investors can qualify through the same company.
The company must also continue meeting the applicable requirements, including paying at least €40,000 per year in Latvian state and municipal taxes while the residence permits remain valid.
What does Latvia residence by investment cost?
For the current investment structure available through Prism’s Latvian partner, the overall cost is approximately €80,000.
This consists of:
- €50,000 qualifying investment
- €10,000 government contribution
- €10,000 investment management fee
- approximately €10,000 legal fee
The €50,000 investment is therefore only one part of the total amount an applicant needs to budget for. Additional costs may apply when the residence permit is renewed.
Prism will provide a clear overview of the applicable costs before you proceed.
What does the residence permit offer?
The first temporary residence permit can be issued for up to two years.
If the investment and other qualifying conditions continue to be met, another temporary residence permit can be requested. This means the two-year validity period does not necessarily limit the residence route to two years.
A Latvian residence permit also allows the holder to travel in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the applicable conditions.
It does not give the holder the automatic right to live or work in other Schengen countries.
For clients who regularly travel to Europe for business, family or personal reasons, this mobility can be an important part of the programme.
Can your family apply with you?
Yes. Eligible family members can apply alongside the principal investor.
This can include:
- your spouse
- children under 18
Family members can generally receive residence for the same period as the main applicant.
Can Latvia residence lead to permanent residence?
Potentially, but simply holding and renewing an investment-based residence permit while living elsewhere is not enough.
If your long-term objective is permanent residence, you will generally need to actually reside in Latvia continuously for five years and meet additional requirements relating to factors such as permitted absences, financial means and Latvian language ability.
Some of our clients primarily want a renewable residence permit and Schengen mobility. Others are planning an actual relocation and want to work towards permanent residence.
Prism can help you assess the route based on what you ultimately want to achieve.
What happens to the €50,000 investment?
The €50,000 is invested rather than paid as a government fee.
The current investment opportunity available through Prism’s Latvian partner is connected to projects in Latvia’s energy sector and targets an investor return.
Any return depends on the performance of the underlying investment and is not guaranteed.
Investors should also not assume that the €50,000 can be withdrawn whenever they choose. Under the current structure, exiting the investment may depend on another investor taking their place.
We therefore recommend assessing the immigration benefits and the underlying investment separately before making a decision.
Who could Latvia residence by investment suit?
The Latvian route may be worth considering if you:
- want residence in an EU member state
- value easier travel within the Schengen Area
- want to include your spouse and minor children
- prefer a lower qualifying investment than many better-known European programmes
- do not want to make a substantial property purchase
- are comfortable evaluating an investment alongside the immigration benefits
- want a renewable residence route rather than a short-term visa
How we support you
Choosing a residence-by-investment programme involves more than comparing minimum investment amounts.
Your nationality, family situation, intended travel, tax position, investment preferences and long-term residence plans can all affect which route makes sense.
Prism helps you assess the wider picture before you commit.
Our support can include:
- initial eligibility assessment
- comparison with other residence options
- guidance on costs and requirements
- coordination with the Latvian investment provider
- coordination with Latvian legal specialists
- preparation and review of residence documentation
- support throughout the application process
- guidance on renewals and longer-term residence planning
Is Latvia residence by investment right for you?
Latvia’s €50,000 company-investment route offers a comparatively accessible way to establish residence in an EU and Schengen country, but the investment threshold should not be considered in isolation.
Before proceeding, it is important to understand the full cost, the qualifying company, the investment risk, the exit conditions and what the residence permit will allow you to do.
Contact us to discuss your situation and find out whether Latvia residence by investment fits your plans.
