Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Latvia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Latvia Property Pack
Running an Airbnb in Latvia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for property owners, especially as tourism continues to grow across Riga, Jurmala, and coastal destinations.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the legality, profitability, and competition for short-term rentals in Latvia as of early 2026.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and earning potential for Airbnb hosts in Latvia.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Latvia.
Insights
- Riga saw a 20% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Q1 2025, making Latvia's capital one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Baltic region for Airbnb hosts.
- The average Airbnb listing in Riga earns around 16,000 euros per year with a 71% occupancy rate, which is significantly higher than the Latvia-wide average of 49%.
- Jurmala commands the highest nightly rates in Latvia at roughly 120 euros per night, but seasonal occupancy drops to around 46% outside of summer months.
- New EU short-term rental regulations will require registration numbers by May 2026, and Latvia is preparing to implement a national STR register that will affect all Airbnb hosts.
- About 77% of guests staying at Riga Airbnbs are international travelers, with Lithuania, Germany, Estonia, and Finland being the top source markets.
- There are approximately 6,100 active Airbnb listings across Latvia, with around 2,500 concentrated in Riga alone.
- The Riga tourism levy requires hosts to collect a municipal fee from guests and maintain proper records, making it a unique compliance requirement compared to other Latvian cities.
- Top-performing Airbnb hosts in Latvia achieve occupancy rates 10 to 20 percentage points higher than average hosts in the same neighborhoods.
- August is the peak month for Latvia's short-term rental market, with Riga hotel occupancy reaching 70% and beach destinations like Jurmala seeing their highest demand.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Latvia in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through platforms like Airbnb is generally allowed in Latvia, and the country does not have a nationwide ban on vacation rentals.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Latvia is the Tourism Law, which defines what counts as "tourist accommodation" and establishes the basic requirements for hosting visitors.
The single most important condition for Airbnb hosts in Latvia is proper tax registration with the State Revenue Service (VID), as rental income must be declared as economic activity.
In Riga specifically, hosts must also comply with the municipal tourism levy, which requires collecting a fee from guests and maintaining detailed guest records for reporting purposes.
Operating without proper registration can result in tax penalties and back payments, though Latvia has not implemented the severe fines seen in cities like Vienna or Berlin.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Latvia.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Latvia.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Latvia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Latvia does not impose a national minimum-stay requirement or a maximum nights-per-year cap on Airbnb rentals like some Western European cities do.
These rules do not currently differ by property type or host residency status in Latvia, meaning you can rent out any residential property type without hitting a specific night limit.
However, hosts should be aware that new EU Regulation 2024/1028 will require registration numbers and data sharing by May 2026, which could introduce more systematic tracking of rental nights in the future.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Latvia right now?
Latvia does not require you to be a resident or to live in the property you rent out on Airbnb, which means secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate as short-term rentals.
Owners of secondary homes can legally operate short-term rentals in Latvia as long as they register the economic activity with the State Revenue Service and comply with local requirements like the Riga tourism levy.
There are no additional permits specifically required for non-primary residence short-term rentals in Latvia, though your condo association or lease agreement may impose private restrictions.
The main practical difference between renting a primary residence versus a secondary home in Latvia is that you may need to inform your condo association or landlord if applicable, as building rules can restrict subletting.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Latvia right now?
Running multiple Airbnb listings under one name or entity is generally allowed in Latvia, and many professional hosts operate portfolios of several properties in Riga and other cities.
There is currently no maximum number of properties that one person or company can list for short-term rental in Latvia, unlike some European capitals that have introduced portfolio caps.
Hosts with multiple listings should ensure proper bookkeeping and tax reporting for all properties, and may find it beneficial to register as a company rather than an individual for administrative simplicity.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Latvia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Latvia does not require a specific "short-term rental license," but hosts earning regular income must register their economic activity with the State Revenue Service (VID).
The registration process is straightforward and can be done online through VID's Electronic Declaration System (EDS), typically taking just a few days to complete with no fee for basic self-employed registration.
You will need to provide identification documents and choose a tax regime, with options including a flat 10% tax on gross income or progressive rates with deductions depending on your situation.
There is no annual renewal fee for basic self-employed registration, though you must file regular tax declarations and, in Riga, comply with the municipal tourism levy reporting requirements.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Latvia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Latvia does not have citywide "red zones" or neighborhood bans that prohibit short-term rentals in specific areas like some major European cities do.
The restrictions you are most likely to encounter in Latvia come from building-level rules, such as condo association bylaws that may limit or ban short-term rentals in certain apartment blocks.
Some Riga neighborhoods like Vecrīga (Old Town) have high concentrations of Airbnb listings, which can lead to neighbor complaints and increased scrutiny, but they are not officially banned zones.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Latvia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Latvia in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price (ADR) for an Airbnb listing in Latvia is approximately 69 USD (around 65 EUR), while Riga specifically averages around 70 to 78 USD (65 to 75 EUR) per night.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Airbnb listings in Latvia falls between 40 EUR and 120 EUR, with budget studios at the lower end and well-located two-bedroom apartments at the higher end.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Latvia is location, with Jurmala's beachfront properties commanding around 120 EUR per night while regional cities like Liepāja average closer to 70 EUR.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Latvia.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Latvia can vary by as much as 60 to 80 EUR between the most expensive areas like Jurmala's Majori district (around 120 EUR) and more affordable options like Riga's outer residential areas (around 45 to 55 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Latvia are Jurmala's Majori and Dzintari (110 to 130 EUR), Riga's Vecrīga or Old Town (85 to 100 EUR), and Riga's Centrs district (75 to 90 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Riga's Teika (45 to 55 EUR), Liepāja (around 70 EUR), and Daugavpils (40 to 50 EUR), though guests still choose these areas for longer stays, local events, or budget-friendly travel.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Latvia is approximately 49% nationwide, while Riga performs significantly better at around 55 to 71% depending on the data source and property quality.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Airbnb listings in Latvia falls between 40% and 65%, with well-optimized properties in central Riga reaching the upper end and seasonal coastal properties at the lower end.
Latvia's occupancy rates are somewhat below Western European capitals but comparable to other Baltic markets, with Riga performing as the clear leader within the country.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Latvia is responsiveness and review scores, as guests booking short city breaks prioritize hosts who communicate quickly and maintain strong ratings.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Latvia is approximately 1,000 EUR (around 1,100 USD), while Riga listings average closer to 1,300 to 1,400 EUR (1,400 to 1,500 USD) per month.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of listings in Latvia falls between 600 EUR and 2,000 EUR, with location, property size, and seasonal timing being the main drivers of variation.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Latvia, particularly well-designed two-bedroom apartments in central Riga, can achieve 2,000 to 2,500 EUR monthly during high season. At an ADR of 80 EUR and 75% occupancy, that works out to roughly 1,800 EUR gross revenue in a strong month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Latvia.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, low-season monthly revenue for a typical Airbnb in Latvia ranges from 600 to 900 EUR (650 to 1,000 USD), while high-season months can bring in 1,500 to 2,200 EUR (1,600 to 2,400 USD) for well-positioned properties in Riga.
Low season in Latvia runs from January through March when tourism is slowest, while high season spans June through August and includes a secondary peak in December due to Christmas markets and winter events like the Staro Rīga light festival in November.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Latvia range from 350 to 750 EUR (380 to 820 USD) for a self-managed one to two-bedroom property, excluding mortgage payments.
The single largest expense category for Airbnb hosts in Latvia is typically cleaning, which runs 25 to 45 EUR per turnover and can total 150 to 400 EUR monthly depending on booking frequency, followed by utilities at 120 to 280 EUR especially during winter.
Hosts in Latvia should expect to spend roughly 35% to 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with self-managed properties at the lower end and those using professional property managers (who charge 15% to 25% of revenue) at the higher end.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Latvia.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a typical self-managed Airbnb in Latvia ranges from 400 to 700 EUR (430 to 760 USD), which translates to roughly 13 to 23 EUR profit per available night before income taxes.
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Airbnb listings in Latvia falls between 300 EUR for budget properties in regional cities and 900 EUR for well-optimized central Riga apartments during strong months.
Airbnb hosts in Latvia typically achieve net profit margins of 40% to 55% after operating expenses, which is competitive with other Baltic markets though lower than some Western European cities with higher ADRs.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Latvia is approximately 25% to 35%, meaning hosts need roughly 8 to 11 booked nights per month to cover their fixed operating costs.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Latvia, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Latvia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Latvia as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Latvia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 6,100 active Airbnb listings across Latvia, with around 2,500 of those concentrated in Riga alone.
The number of active listings in Latvia has grown steadily over the past few years, following the broader European trend of short-term rental expansion, though growth has moderated as the market matures and new regulations approach.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Latvia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Latvia are Riga's Vecrīga (Old Town) and Centrs, along with Jurmala's beach-adjacent zones like Majori, Dzintari, and Bulduri.
These neighborhoods have become saturated because they combine walkability to tourist attractions, historic architecture, and established demand patterns from city-break travelers and summer beach visitors.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities for new hosts include Riga's Āgenskalns (trendy, local vibe), parts of Teika (residential, green), and Sigulda (nature tourism, castles) where competition is lower and differentiation is easier.
What local events spike demand in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Latvia include the Rimi Riga Marathon in May, the Staro Rīga light festival in November, and Positivus Festival in August, along with summer solstice celebrations in late June.
During these peak events, Airbnb bookings in Riga can increase by 30% to 60% and nightly rates can be raised by 20% to 50% above normal levels, especially for properties within walking distance of event venues.
Hosts should adjust pricing and minimum-stay requirements at least two to four weeks before major events, as many guests book early, and consider removing minimum-stay restrictions to capture last-minute event travelers.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Latvia typically achieve occupancy rates of 65% to 80%, which is substantially higher than the market average.
Average hosts in Latvia see occupancy rates around 49% nationwide and 55% to 60% in Riga, meaning top performers outperform by roughly 10 to 20 percentage points in the same locations.
New hosts in Latvia typically need six to twelve months of consistent hosting, responding quickly to inquiries, and accumulating positive reviews before reaching top-performer occupancy levels.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Latvia.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Latvia right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Latvia is 50 to 80 EUR (55 to 87 USD), which represents the budget-to-midrange segment dominated by studios and basic one-bedroom apartments in central Riga.
The most crowded price points in Latvia are around 55 to 70 EUR per night, while "white space" opportunities exist at the 100 to 150 EUR range for design-forward, family-ready two to three-bedroom properties and at the premium 150 EUR plus range for unique stays with features like saunas or exceptional views.
To successfully compete in the underserved premium segment in Latvia, new hosts should focus on excellent interior design, professional photography, amenities like saunas or balconies, and targeting family groups or business travelers who prioritize comfort over budget.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Latvia right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Latvia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and compact two-bedroom apartments get the most bookings in Latvia, as they match the dominant guest profile of couples, small friend groups, and business travelers.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Latvia is roughly: studios (15% of bookings), one-bedroom (40% of bookings), two-bedroom (30% of bookings), and three-bedroom plus (15% of bookings).
One-bedroom apartments perform best in Latvia because Riga's tourism is heavily weighted toward short city breaks of one to three nights, where couples and solo business travelers do not need extra space but value central locations and quality.
What property type performs best in Latvia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, well-located apartments in Riga are the best-performing property type for Airbnb in Latvia, offering the strongest combination of consistent demand, manageable costs, and year-round occupancy.
Occupancy rates across different property types in Latvia vary significantly: central Riga apartments achieve 55% to 71%, Jurmala beach apartments around 46%, houses and cottages in resort areas around 35% to 45% outside peak summer, and regional city apartments around 45%.
Apartments outperform other property types in Latvia because they dominate Riga's housing stock, align with the city-break guest profile that drives most of Latvia's tourism, and have lower operating costs than houses or unique stays.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Latvia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSB) | It's Latvia's official statistics producer, used by government and media for all national data. | We used CSB to anchor real-world tourism demand including arrivals, nights, and seasonality that drives Airbnb bookings. We also used it to sanity-check occupancy expectations against official hotel data. |
| Latvia Tourism Law (Likumi.lv) | It's the consolidated, public-facing official text of Latvian law used for practical legal reference. | We used it to ground the legal framework of short-term accommodation in Latvia and what the law considers tourist accommodation. We used it to avoid relying on hearsay about regulations. |
| Riga City Tourism Levy | It's the official Riga municipal guidance for the tourist fee that applies to accommodation providers. | We used it to quantify a real location-specific cost that many hosts overlook. We also used it to explain operational compliance requirements for guest records and reporting. |
| EU Regulation 2024/1028 (EUR-Lex) | EUR-Lex is the official EU law repository containing binding regulations for all member states. | We used it to explain upcoming registration and data-sharing requirements affecting Latvia by May 2026. We used it to time-box compliance deadlines for hosts. |
| Ministry of Economics (Latvia) | It's the national ministry responsible for economic and tourism policy including STR regulatory proposals. | We used it to explain the direction of travel toward more registration and data sharing. We used it to flag likely compliance steps coming to Latvia. |
| State Revenue Service (VID) | It's the national tax authority that enforces tax compliance for all economic activity in Latvia. | We used it to explain the simplest path for hosts to register properly. We used it to frame taxes and registration as a normal part of hosting in Latvia. |
| PriceLabs Latvia Market Data | PriceLabs is widely used by STR operators globally and publishes market stats with consistent definitions. | We used it to anchor Latvia-wide numbers including total active listings, ADR, and occupancy. We used it as the country-level triangulation point against city-specific data. |
| AirDNA Riga Market Overview | AirDNA is one of the best-known global STR datasets with transparent metric definitions. | We used it to estimate realistic pricing and occupancy for Riga specifically. We used it to reason about seasonality and performance differences by neighborhood. |
| AirDNA Jurmala Market Overview | Same vendor and methods as Riga but focused on Latvia's main beach resort market. | We used it to show how Latvia isn't one market, with Jurmala having higher rates but more seasonality. We used it to tailor advice by location strategy. |
| AirDNA Liepāja Market Overview | Same rationale as above, helping avoid conclusions that only apply to Riga. | We used it to provide a grounded benchmark for pricing and occupancy outside Riga. We used it to highlight which regions are summer-heavy versus year-round. |
| Airbtics Riga Revenue Analysis | Airbtics provides detailed annual revenue and occupancy data specifically for STR investors. | We used it to validate revenue estimates and listing counts for Riga. We used it to cross-check performance metrics against other data vendors. |
| Airbnb Latvia Tax Guide | It's distributed by Airbnb and prepared by a professional third party, not random blog advice. | We used it as a practical checklist of taxes and obligations that commonly apply to hosts. We used it to cross-check that our expense section doesn't miss obvious items. |
| Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Latvia | It's Airbnb's official guidance page specifically for Latvia covering regulations and best practices. | We used it to understand platform-level guidance on compliance. We used it to verify building and lease restriction warnings. |
| Rimi Riga Marathon | Official organizer site is the cleanest confirmation of major event dates and scale. | We used it as a concrete example of a predictable demand spike you can price for. We used it to explain event-driven pricing strategies in Riga. |
| Staro Rīga Light Festival | It's the official source for one of Riga's major annual tourism events. | We used it to show why November can be surprisingly strong in Riga despite being off-season. We used it to explain that Latvia's demand isn't only summer. |
| Positivus Festival | Official organizer site is the strongest source for event dates and location. | We used it to illustrate short, sharp August demand spikes. We used it to highlight the value of flexible minimum stays during events. |
| Global Property Guide Riga Case Study | It provides a real documented investment case with actual purchase prices and yields. | We used it to validate expense ranges and net yield expectations. We used it to ground our profitability estimates in real investor experience. |
| Lex & Finance Latvia Tax Update | It provides current analysis of Latvia's 2026 tax changes from a professional finance source. | We used it to understand new platform reporting requirements affecting Airbnb hosts. We used it to keep tax information current for 2026. |
| Riga City Tourism Statistics | It's official city-level data from the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency. | We used it to validate Riga's strong tourism growth trends. We used it to support demand projections for Riga-based hosts. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Latvia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.