Latvia Scraps Property-Based Investor Residency Program
Latvia has ended its property-based golden visa program as part of its new Immigration Law, which took effect on September 28. The law eliminated the option for foreign investors to qualify for residence by buying real estate or making a subordinated bank deposit.
The former routes required either a €250,000 property purchase, plus a 5% government fee, or a €280,000 bank deposit held for five years, plus a €25,000 state fee. However, investment in Latvian company share capital remains available under the new law.
Lawmakers from the Progressives party have already filed a bill to abolish the fund route, which was introduced as an alternative to property-based investments. The proposal would leave only company investment as an option for foreign investors seeking residence permits.