Latvia digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

Latvia's long-stay remote-work visa allows third-country nationals to reside in Latvia for up to one year (renewable once for a second year) while working remotely for an employer or as a self-employed person established in an OECD member country. Holders may not take up local employment in Latvia.

Applicants must demonstrate at least six months of continuous employment with the foreign employer and a monthly income of at least 2.5× the Latvian average gross salary (approximately €3,400–€4,200/month as of 2024–2025), evidenced by payslips, tax-authority certificates, and an employer's letter.

Eligibility is limited to workers employed by or self-employed through entities registered in OECD member states (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Japan, or EU states). Work for or income from Latvian-registered entities does not qualify and requires a separate work permit.

Applicants must hold comprehensive health insurance valid in Latvia and the Schengen Area, with minimum coverage of at least €30,000 (older Cabinet Regulation guidance cited €42,600); this is a mandatory condition for visa issuance.

Non-EU nationals who establish self-employment in Latvia itself (rather than through a foreign OECD entity) may apply for a temporary residence permit as a self-employed person; 2026 Immigration Law amendments raise requirements to include a Latvian-language business plan, 24-month financial forecasts, and proof of at least €14,000 startup capital in a Latvian bank account.

Latvia operates a residency-by-investment programme with thresholds from €50,000 (business) to €250,000 (real estate or bonds). As of 2025–2026, the Saeima is actively considering suspending or significantly restricting the programme following a €10M fraud investigation and broader migration policy debates; the outcome remains pending as of May 2026.