Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs approved changes to the Immigration Law.
The opportunity to obtain a residence permit by investment will remain, but the conditions will change: instead of buying real estate, applicants will be able to invest in a state fund.
Anna Semenyuk, Acting Client Manager Director at Immigrant Invest, explained when the new rules will take effect, what will change for investors, and how to submit documents for a residence permit under the previous conditions.
How much time investors have
The new law will take effect on September 15th, 2026 and has already been published in the official gazette Latvijas Vēstnesis[1]Source: Immigration Law dated August 20th, 2026. The document will replace the previous Immigration Law dated October 31st, 2002.
The transition period is valid up to and including September 14th, 2026. Documents for a residence permit can be submitted under the previous rules.
Holders of valid residence permits will be able to extend it for another 5 years if they submit documents while the previous permit is still valid and keep the investment.
How to obtain a residence permit in Latvia after the changes
The new Immigration Law does not provide for the previous options: buying real estate and making a bank deposit.
Latvia is shifting the focus from passive investments to investments in business, funds, and projects that may support the country’s economic development.
Investment in business
Foreigners will be able to obtain a residence permit in Latvia by investments in local companies:
- €50,000 in a small business with an annual balance sheet of up to €10 million and no more than 50 employees.
- €100,000 in a large business with an annual balance sheet of up to €10 million and more than 50 employees.
The investor will also need to pay €10,000 to the state budget. Companies will be subject to requirements for tax payments depending on annual turnover and the number of employees.
Investment in funds
Applicants will be able to obtain a residence permit in Latvia by investing in a state alternative investment fund. To do this, they will need to invest at least €150,000 for 5 years and additionally pay €10,000 to the state budget.
The residence permit is valid for 5 years. The new option is still being prepared. The fund itself has not yet been created, and the details of the process will be specified later in by-laws.
Until September 14th, 2026, you can choose a suitable option, check compliance with the requirements, and submit documents with our legal support.
