Latvia opens a new investment route

Latvia's new Immigration Law provides for the possibility of applying for a residence permit through an investment of at least €150,000. This gives investors a separate option to consider in light of their financial plans.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• The minimum investment is €150,000 for at least five years.
• An additional €10,000 payment to the state budget is required.
• A temporary residence permit may be requested for up to five years.
• The basis is an investment through the fund manager specified by law.

These conditions are set out in Latvia's new Immigration Law. A review of official publications on 26 September 2026 found no confirmation that applications had opened; according to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), in its statement of 15 September 2026, at the time of that statement, the required fund had not yet been established and the provision was not yet applicable.

Detailed conditions, amounts and the current status of the procedure are covered in our guide to investment-based residence permits in Latvia. Here, we explain what makes the new investment option interesting and who may find it suitable.

What makes the €150,000 investment option different

€150,000 is not the lowest amount available among Latvia's investment-based residence options. For example, an investment in a company's share capital starts at €50,000 under certain conditions. However, these options have different requirements: investing in share capital involves a particular Latvian company, its compliance with the relevant criteria and maintaining the investment basis for residence.

The new mechanism offers a different approach: a financial investment through the fund manager specified by law. For an investor, this is another way to allocate capital without taking part in running their own company.

It is therefore worth comparing more than the investment amount. The structure of the investment, how long funds must remain invested and the obligations involved also matter.

Investment as a separate basis for residence

Under Latvia's new Immigration Law, the right to apply for a residence permit is linked to an investment agreement and compliance with the relevant conditions.

This residence option does not require applicants to open their own company or enter into an employment contract. The basis is an investment through the fund manager specified by law.

General requirements for applicants still apply. Applicants will need to document the source of their funds and prepare the necessary documents. Eligibility must be assessed in light of each applicant's citizenship and individual circumstances.

What has changed for property investments

The new law no longer provides for a new residence permit through the purchase of property. Buying a property and choosing an investment basis for residence should therefore now be considered separately.

This makes the new option interesting for those considering financial investments without linking them to a property purchase.

What a Latvian residence permit offers in the EU and Schengen area

A Latvian residence permit allows its holder to live legally in Latvia for the duration of the permit and to make short visits to other Schengen countries.

Subject to the applicable conditions, such visits are generally permitted for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

However, a Latvian residence permit does not automatically grant the right to live permanently or work in any other EU country. A separate legal basis under that country's rules is required.

Who may find the new option particularly suitable

• Investors considering allocating capital without taking part in running their own company.
• People who prefer an investment-based residence option.
• Investors whose investment plans do not involve buying property.
• Applicants prepared to commit investment capital for at least five years.
• People who value the option of living in Latvia and the convenience of short trips within the Schengen area.

Who should consider the option more carefully

• Those who may need access to their invested capital before five years have passed.
• Those who view a Latvian residence permit as an automatic right to live permanently and work in any EU country.
• Applicants who may find it difficult to document the source of their funds.
• Those who expect permanent residence or citizenship automatically after five years, without meeting separate requirements.

How to start preparing

Start by assessing your situation and investment plans. This will help you understand whether the new option suits you and which questions need to be clarified in advance.

Before an initial consultation, it is useful to:

1. Consider whether you plan to apply for residence just for yourself or together with your family. This will help clarify which documents will be needed.
2. Assess the investment period. Committing capital for at least five years should fit your financial plans.
3. Gather information on the source of your funds. This may include business income, asset sales, dividends, savings, inheritance and other lawful sources.
4. Discuss how you plan to use your residence permit. For example, whether you are considering living in Latvia or visiting regularly. These plans affect other considerations, including tax matters.
5. Check the current procedural requirements. Document preparation and further steps should follow the official rules for the mechanism's practical launch.

Why prepare with NBC.LV

Investment-based immigration involves more than the amount invested. It is important to identify a suitable residence basis, check restrictions and prepare evidence of the source of funds in advance.

NBC.LV assists with residence permit applications in Latvia and can carry out a preliminary assessment of an investor's situation.

If you are considering this option, a consultation can help you discuss your investment plans, your eligibility to apply for residence and preparation for the next steps.