Golden Visa in Latvia

Latvia's investment-based residence permit (commonly known as the "Golden Visa") remains one of the most sought-after programmes in the European Union. It allows an investor and their family to obtain a residence permit in an EU and Schengen country, while preserving flexibility for business, children's education, and travel across Europe.

There is important news for those considering this programme: the Latvian legislation governing the investment residence permit is currently under review. The amendments are expected to come into force approximately in September 2026. Until then, applications may still be submitted under the current provisions of the Latvian Immigration Law.

What This Means in Practice

While the current wording of the law remains in force, investors may:
•obtain a residence permit through one of the investment mechanisms established by law (investment in real estate, participation in the capital of a Latvian company, acquisition of government securities, or other options provided for by law);
•benefit from the current requirements regarding the amount and structure of the investment, which may be adjusted once the amendments come into force;
•go through the application submission and review process under more predictable conditions, before the regulatory framework changes.

We do not have the final text of the amendments - the forthcoming changes are still under discussion, and it would be premature to speculate on exactly what will change and in which direction. But the very fact that a reform is being prepared is a signal for those considering Latvia as an option for obtaining a residence permit: the current rules already have an expiration date.

Why Act Now Rather Than Wait

1.While the current provisions remain in force, you know exactly what the requirements, timelines, and investment amounts are. Once the new rules take effect, the conditions may become different - more complex, more costly, or involving additional obligations.
2.An investment transaction, the document package, legalisation, and submission - none of this happens overnight. Starting the process now means applying precisely under the rules that are in force today.
3.Latvia remains an attractive jurisdiction in its own right - regardless of the upcoming changes to the investment programme. It is an EU and Schengen country, with a clear legal system, a business- and family-friendly environment, and the prospect of eventually applying for permanent residence and citizenship.
In other words: the changes to the law are not a reason to abandon the idea of immigrating to Latvia - quite the opposite, they are a reason not to delay it.

What We Offer

If you or your clients are ready to invest and obtain a residence permit in Latvia, our team can promptly take on:
•an analysis of the investment mechanism best suited to the client's specific situation;
•support throughout the investment transaction itself;
•preparation and submission of the residence permit application in accordance with the currently applicable version of the Immigration Law, provided all statutory requirements are fulfilled.

We handle the full scope of immigration matters - from choosing the appropriate legal basis for relocation to support at every stage of obtaining status. More about our immigration services can be found here: sviridenko.law/immigration_eng

The Latvia Golden Visa is a proven and effective tool for obtaining EU residence. The upcoming amendments, expected around September 2026, are a strong argument for not delaying your application - not a reason to doubt the idea itself. If you are considering this path, for yourself or for a client, it makes sense to discuss the details now, while the current conditions still apply.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The terms of the programme may change, and the exact requirements should be confirmed individually at the time of application.