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
Latvia offers a unique combination of EU membership, affordable living costs compared to Western Europe, and a compact capital city that makes daily life surprisingly manageable.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest information for people considering a move to Latvia in 2026.
Whether you are planning to work, retire, or invest in Latvia, this guide covers everything from visa requirements to neighborhood recommendations.
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.
Is Latvia a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Latvia is on an improving trajectory, with inflation pressures from previous years now stabilizing and purchasing power gradually recovering.
The most notable improvement in Latvia over the past two to three years has been the normalization of energy costs and overall price stability, which had been a major source of stress for residents during the 2022 to 2024 period.
However, access to public healthcare services remains a persistent challenge in Latvia, with long waiting times for specialists and a shortage of medical staff pushing many residents toward private clinics for faster care.
Are hospitals good in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Latvia provide competent medical care that meets European standards, particularly in major Riga facilities, though access can be slower than in Western European countries.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Latvia include Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, Riga East University Hospital, and Children's Clinical University Hospital for pediatric care.
A standard private doctor consultation in Latvia typically costs between 40 and 80 euros (approximately 45 to 90 USD), with some premium clinics charging higher fees for specialized care.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Latvia, especially for those not yet covered by the state system, as it provides faster access to specialists and English-speaking medical staff.
Are there any good international schools in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Latvia has a solid selection of around six to eight international schools, primarily concentrated in Riga, offering IB, British, French, and German curricula with generally good academic reputations.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Latvia include International School of Riga, International School of Latvia, and Lycée Français International Jules Verne de Riga.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Latvia typically range from 6,500 to 25,000 euros (approximately 7,000 to 27,000 USD), depending on the grade level, curriculum, and additional fees for activities or materials.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Latvia can be significant for in-demand grades, so applying 6 to 12 months in advance is recommended, while public schools are academically capable but require Latvian language proficiency.
Is Latvia a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Latvia is considered a safe country by European standards, with a Safety Index of around 63 to 80 depending on the source, and violent crime against foreigners is rare.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Latvia are petty crimes like pickpocketing in tourist areas such as Riga Old Town, the Central Train Station, and the Central Market, as well as occasional drink-spiking incidents in nightlife venues.
The safest neighborhoods for expats to live in Latvia include Centrs (the Art Nouveau district), Āgenskalns, Mežaparks, Teika, and Ķīpsala in Riga, all of which have low crime rates and are popular with international residents.
Women can generally live alone safely in Latvia, particularly in the neighborhoods mentioned above, with standard urban precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas late at night and being aware of surroundings in crowded places.
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How much does everyday life cost in Latvia in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs approximately 2,000 to 2,400 euros per month (about 2,200 to 2,600 USD) to live comfortably in Riga, covering a nice apartment, regular dining out, gym membership, and occasional travel.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Latvia, a single person can manage on around 1,400 to 1,700 euros monthly (approximately 1,500 to 1,850 USD), which covers a smaller apartment, home cooking, and basic entertainment.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Latvia, including a spacious apartment in a prime Riga neighborhood, frequent dining out, and weekend trips, requires approximately 2,800 to 3,500 euros per month (around 3,000 to 3,800 USD).
Housing is the largest expense category in Latvia for most expats, particularly in central Riga where rents for a quality one-bedroom apartment typically range from 600 to 1,000 euros monthly, followed by utilities that spike significantly during the winter heating season.
What is the average income tax rate in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Latvia faces an effective tax burden of approximately 27 to 32 percent of gross salary when combining personal income tax and mandatory social contributions.
Latvia uses a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 20 percent on income up to 20,004 euros annually, 23 percent on income between 20,004 and 78,100 euros, and 31 percent on income above 78,100 euros, plus employee social contributions of around 10.5 percent.
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.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Latvia in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Latvia come from other EU and EEA countries, Ukraine (many under temporary protection since 2022), Russia, and a diverse mix of international students primarily from India, Uzbekistan, and other Asian countries.
Foreign residents make up approximately 15 percent of Latvia's population when including non-citizens with permanent residency, though the number of recent arrivals holding temporary residence permits is closer to 90,000 people.
EU citizens are drawn to Latvia primarily for business opportunities, lower operating costs compared to Western Europe, and the ease of EU mobility, while Ukrainians have arrived largely due to the ongoing conflict, and students come for affordable English-taught university programs.
The expat population in Latvia is predominantly a mix of working professionals in IT, finance, and shared services, international students in Riga universities, and a smaller but growing group of remote workers and digital nomads attracted by the relatively low cost of living.
Where do most expats live in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, most expats in Latvia concentrate in Riga neighborhoods including Centrs (especially the Art Nouveau area), Āgenskalns, Skanste, Teika, Mežaparks, and Ķīpsala, with some families also choosing the Riga-Jūrmala coastal corridor.
These Riga neighborhoods attract expats because they combine walkability, access to English-friendly services, proximity to international schools, quality housing stock (from historic wooden architecture to modern new builds), and a manageable commute to business districts.
Skanste is emerging as an up-and-coming area for expats in Latvia, with new office developments, modern apartment buildings, and improved infrastructure making it increasingly popular among professionals working in the growing business services sector.
Are expats moving in or leaving Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Latvia experiences a modest but steady net inflow of expats, driven primarily by EU mobility, the post-2022 Ukrainian influx, and growing international student enrollment, though some longer-term residents do leave for higher salaries elsewhere.
The main factors drawing expats to Latvia right now include the relatively affordable cost of living for an EU capital, strong IT and business services job market in Riga, Schengen access, and an improving quality of life as inflation pressures have eased.
The main factors causing some expats to leave Latvia include the small local job market with salary ceilings below Western European levels, harsh winters with very limited daylight, and the challenge of building a social network in a relatively reserved culture.
Compared to neighboring Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia attracts fewer digital nomads and tech entrepreneurs but remains competitive for professionals in shared services, fintech, and manufacturing, with all three Baltic countries showing similar overall safety and cost-of-living profiles.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Latvia in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa and residence permit routes for expats moving to Latvia are employment-based residence permits (including the EU Blue Card for skilled workers), study-based permits for university enrollment, and investment-based permits through the Golden Visa program.
For the most commonly used employment-based residence permit in Latvia, applicants need a valid job offer from a Latvian-registered employer, proof of salary at least equal to the national average (around 1,750 euros monthly), health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Latvia.
Latvia does offer a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers employed by companies in OECD countries, requiring proof of at least six months of work history and a monthly income of approximately 4,200 euros (2.5 times the national average salary).
Most expat residence permits in Latvia are initially valid for one to five years depending on the category, with annual renewal of the ID card required, and extensions possible as long as the qualifying conditions (employment, investment, or study) continue to be met.
How long does it take to get residency in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a temporary residence permit in Latvia ranges from 8 to 14 weeks once all documents are submitted, though the Golden Visa investment route can sometimes be processed in as little as one to three months.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Latvia include incomplete document legalization or translation, appointment availability at the migration office, employer delays in registering vacancies, and additional scrutiny for applicants from certain countries.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Latvia, an expat must hold a temporary residence permit for five consecutive years, demonstrate basic Latvian language proficiency at A2 level, and pass tests on Latvian history and the national anthem, while citizenship requires ten years of residence.
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.
How hard is it to find a job in Latvia in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries actively hiring in Latvia are information technology and software development, financial services and fintech, and shared services and business process outsourcing, all of which are concentrated in Riga.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Latvia without speaking Latvian in international-facing roles such as IT, customer support for multilingual markets, and positions at multinational companies, though local-facing roles typically require Latvian or Russian proficiency.
The most accessible roles for foreign job seekers in Latvia include software engineering, multilingual customer support, digital marketing for international markets, finance and accounting positions at shared service centers, and teaching English at language schools or international schools.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical gross monthly salaries for expats working in Latvia range from approximately 1,400 to 5,500 euros (around 1,500 to 6,000 USD), with significant variation based on industry, experience level, and company type.
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Latvia typically pay between 1,400 and 3,000 euros gross monthly (approximately 1,500 to 3,250 USD), covering roles like customer support specialists, junior developers, marketing coordinators, and finance analysts.
Senior and specialized expat roles in Latvia command salaries of 4,000 to 7,500 euros gross monthly (approximately 4,350 to 8,150 USD), particularly in software engineering leadership, fintech product management, and executive positions at multinational companies.
Employers in Latvia do sponsor work visas for foreign hires, though it is more common among multinationals, shared service centers, and scale-up companies that regularly recruit internationally, rather than smaller local businesses.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Latvia right now?
What do expats love most about living in Latvia right now?
The top things expats love about living in Latvia include the compact and walkable nature of Riga with its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, the easy access to unspoiled nature like forests and Baltic Sea beaches, and the good value for services compared to Western European capitals.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Latvia is the relaxed pace of daily life combined with genuine European capital amenities, where you can enjoy excellent cafés, cultural events, and a vibrant food scene without the stress of larger cities.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Latvia is that private services like healthcare, gyms, personal care, and dining remain meaningfully more affordable than in cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, or Berlin, stretching international salaries further.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Latvia particularly enjoyable for expats is the strong sense of community that develops within the international circles in Riga, combined with the genuine warmth Latvians show once friendships are established.
What do expats dislike most about life in Latvia right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Latvia include the extremely short daylight hours during winter (as little as six to seven hours in December), the reserved communication style that can feel cold to newcomers, and the smaller social pool compared to major European cities.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Latvia is navigating the winter climate, not just the cold temperatures but the combination of icy sidewalks, heavy heating costs in older buildings, and the psychological impact of prolonged darkness from November to February.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Latvia is the document-heavy residence permit process, including requirements for notarized translations, apostilles, and multiple trips to the migration office, especially challenging for non-EU applicants.
These common frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats in Latvia, as people adapt to the seasons, build social networks over time, and learn to navigate administrative processes with proper preparation.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Latvia right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Latvia include the direct and understated communication style that can seem blunt, the bilingual reality where both Latvian and Russian are commonly heard in daily life, and the less performative approach to customer service.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Latvia is that people tend to be reserved in public and may not engage in small talk with strangers, which can initially feel unwelcoming but reflects a cultural preference for meaningful rather than superficial interactions.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest for expats to adjust to in Latvia is the seasonal rhythm, where summer brings nearly 18 hours of daylight and a vibrant outdoor culture, while winter requires completely restructuring your lifestyle around indoor activities and artificial lighting.
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.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Latvia in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally purchase most types of property in Latvia with minimal restrictions, particularly apartments and houses in urban areas, making it one of the more accessible EU countries for international property buyers.
The main restrictions for foreigners buying property in Latvia apply to agricultural and forest land, which non-EU citizens generally cannot acquire, and some properties in border zones or state-protected areas that have additional approval requirements.
Foreigners in Latvia can freely own apartments, residential houses, and commercial properties, but cannot purchase agricultural land, forest land, or certain rural plots without special permissions, which effectively limits most foreign buyers to urban real estate.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Latvia.
What is the average price per m² in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Riga ranges from approximately 1,800 to 3,200 euros (around 2,000 to 3,500 USD), with prime renovated apartments in central locations reaching 3,500 to 4,500 euros per square meter.
Property prices in Latvia have shown moderate growth over the past two to three years, with Riga apartments appreciating by roughly 3 to 5 percent annually, though the market has stabilized compared to the rapid increases seen in 2021 and 2022.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in Latvia here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Latvia here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Latvia in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages are available to foreigners in Latvia through major banks, though requirements are stricter than for local residents, with larger down payments and more thorough income verification typically expected.
The banks in Latvia most known for offering mortgages to foreigners include Swedbank, SEB Banka, and Citadele Banka, all of which have experience working with international clients and English-speaking staff.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Latvia include a down payment of 15 to 30 percent of the property value, interest rates currently averaging around 5 to 6 percent, and maximum loan terms of 15 to 30 years depending on the borrower's age.
To qualify for a mortgage in Latvia, foreigners typically need proof of stable income (employment contract or business revenue), bank statements showing financial history, a valid residence permit or proof of legal status, and the property valuation from a bank-approved assessor.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Latvia.
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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 Name | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia | Latvia's official statistics agency and primary source for national demographic and economic data. | We used it for population structure, wage statistics, and labor market indicators. We cross-checked figures against Eurostat for consistency. |
| Bank of Latvia | The central bank providing authoritative macro forecasts and inflation analysis. | We used it to frame inflation trends and cost-of-living assumptions for 2026. We triangulated this with Eurostat price-level data. |
| Eurostat | The EU's official statistics office with harmonized cross-country comparison methods. | We used it for price-level comparisons and migration statistics. We used it as a second opinion to validate Latvian national data. |
| OECD Latvia Health Profile | A standardized health-system assessment with transparent methodology. | We used it to assess healthcare quality and access constraints. We cross-referenced it with National Health Service guidance for practical details. |
| Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs | The government office responsible for migration data and residence permit administration. | We used it to explain visa categories and residency requirements. We cross-referenced with Eurostat for migration trend context. |
| National Health Service Latvia | The official body administering Latvia's publicly funded healthcare system. | We used it to explain eligibility rules and state-funded care. We used it to anchor what expats should expect for co-payments. |
| State Revenue Service Latvia | The tax authority and definitive source for tax rates and rules. | We used it to describe Latvia's income tax structure. We then calculated effective rates for typical expat salaries. |
| Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs | The official source for visa and entry requirements. | We used it to frame entry categories and Schengen rules. We triangulated this with migration office procedures. |
| Ober-Haus Baltic Market Report | A leading Baltic real estate brokerage with published market methodology. | We used it to estimate Riga rents and property prices by segment. We cross-checked price directions against official housing indicators. |
| International School of Riga | The school's own published fee schedule for the 2025/26 academic year. | We used it to estimate real annual costs of international education in Riga. We used it to build family budget scenarios. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Latvia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.