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Reading time: 3 min Latvia adopts new immigration law: what changes for investors
From September 15, 2026, the rules for obtaining a residence permit by investment will change: new applicants will no longer be able to qualify through real estate purchases or bank deposits, while a new investment route will become available.
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Key provisions of Latvia’s new immigration law
Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, adopted the new Immigration Law on August 20, 2026. The law was published on September 1, and its main provisions will take effect on September 15 [1] Source: Latvia’s Immigration Law sets out the grounds and requirements for foreign nationals to obtain residence permits . Until then, investors can still apply for a Latvia residence permit by investment under the existing rules.
Two investment options will no longer be available to new applicants. Under the current rules, investors can qualify for a residence permit by:
- purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000 and paying an additional fee equal to 5% of the property value;
- placing at least €280,000 in a Latvian bank deposit and paying €25,000 to the state budget.
From September 15, neither option will be available to new applicants. Residence permits issued under the previous rules will remain valid.
If an investor has already obtained a residence permit through a real estate purchase or bank deposit, they will still be able to renew it after September 15. To do so, they must apply before their current permit expires and keep the original investment in place under the existing terms.
Anton Molchanov
Deputy Head of the Legal Department
Investment in the share capital of a Latvian company will remain available. The minimum investment is €50,000 for companies with up to 50 employees and annual turnover or a
The maximum residence permit term under this option will change. Previously, investors could obtain a residence permit for up to 5 years by investing in a Latvian company. From September 15, permits will be issued for up to 2 years.
The company’s annual tax requirements will remain unchanged: at least €40,000 or €100,000, depending on the size of the business.
A new option will become available: an investment of at least €150,000 through an alternative investment fund. The money must remain invested for at least 5 years, and the investor must also pay €10,000 to the state budget.
The residence permit will be valid for 5 years. To keep it, the investor must maintain an investment balance of at least €150,000 for the entire term of the investment agreement. The permit can then be renewed.
How Latvia’s residence-by-investment rules will change
| Investment option | Until September 15, 2026 | From September 15, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate purchase | From €250,000 + 5% of the property value paid to the state budget Residence permit valid for up to 5 years | No longer available to new applicants |
| Opening a deposit in a Latvian bank | From €280,000 + €25,000 paid to the state budget Residence permit valid for up to 5 years | No longer available to new applicants |
| Purchase of shares in a Latvian company | From €50,000 or €100,000 + €10,000 paid to the state budget Residence permit valid for up to 5 years | From €50,000 or €100,000 + €10,000 paid to the state budget Residence permit valid for up to 2 years |
| Investment via a | — | From €150,000 for at least 5 years + €10,000 paid to the state budget Residence permit valid for up to 5 years |
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