Latvia's New Immigration Law 2026: What Changes for Investors, Employees and Families

A completely new law, in force since 15 September 2026

This is not an amendment. Latvia has adopted a completely new Immigration Law that replaces the law of 2002, in force for more than twenty years. The Saeima first passed it on 11 June 2026; on 19 June the President returned it for reconsideration, and the final version was adopted on 20 August 2026.

The law entered into force on 15 September 2026 — more than three months earlier than the originally planned 1 January 2027. The new rules already apply to every application filed since that date. From 31 December 2027, new integration requirements also start to apply.

The goals of the reform are tighter control of migration flows, stronger security screening and better integration of long-term residents. At the same time, Latvia keeps selected routes for investors, start-ups and skilled workers. The door is not closed — but it is narrower, and the checks are stricter.

Investors: two routes closed, one kept, one new on paper

Closed: from 15 September 2026 no new residence permits are issued for buying real estate. Applications accepted before that date are still reviewed under the old rules. Investment in subordinated liabilities of a Latvian credit institution also no longer gives a residence permit.

Kept: investment in the capital of a Latvian company — EUR 100,000 into a larger company or group, plus a one-time EUR 10,000 payment to the state budget. The permit is now issued for up to two years (previously up to five) and can be renewed.

New on paper: investment of at least EUR 150,000 in a state alternative investment fund for five years. In practice this option is not available — amendments removing it have already been submitted. Today the main working route for investors is the capital of a Latvian company.

Shorter temporary residence permits — and no more annual registration

The good news: the residence permit is now simply the validity of your ID card, and the annual re-registration is abolished. Decisions should also be faster — the migration office (OCMA) can extend the review only once, up to a maximum of four months from filing. Shorter terms mean more renewals, so put the renewal date in your calendar and start preparing documents early.

• Employment: from up to 5 years to up to 1 year
• Capital investment in a company: from up to 5 years to up to 2 years
• Commercial activity (board member or procurator): from up to 5 years to up to 2 years
• Intra-company transferee: from up to 3 years to up to 1 year
• EU Blue Card: unchanged, up to 2 years

Permanent residence: one status, four conditions

The national permanent residence permit and the EU long-term resident status are merged into one single permanent residence status. Nobody can obtain permanent residence on a first application — you always start with a temporary permit.

• Five years of continuous lawful residence in Latvia
• Latvian language at level A2, plus the course on Latvian culture and history (from 2028)
• Proof of sufficient financial means for you and your family
• Limits on time abroad: no more than 6 months in a row and no more than 10 months in total over the five years — otherwise the count usually starts again

Mandatory integration programme from 31 December 2027

Foreigners whose temporary residence permits add up to at least 18 months must complete a course on Latvian culture and history and reach Latvian at least at level A1. The foreigner pays for the programme. Exemptions include intra-company transferees, persons under 18 and persons over 75; details will be set by Cabinet of Ministers regulations.

Practical tip: start Latvian lessons early — A1 for the integration programme, then continue to A2, which you will need for permanent residence anyway.

Employers and inviters: stricter checks

• Invitations are refused if the company is an inactive taxpayer, was founded less than six months ago, or has tax violations in the State Revenue Service rating
• Work permits are issued for up to one year
• Changes, such as the end of employment, must be reported to OCMA within five working days
• All explanations and documents from inviters must be in Latvian

Procedure: watch the language of your documents

Visa applications and first-time temporary residence permit applications can be filed in Latvian or English. Renewals, permanent residence applications and all inviter documents are accepted only in Latvian — plan certified translations. The standard review term is 30 days, extendable to a maximum of four months; EU Blue Card decisions come within ten working days. Permit holders must report a change of the permit ground within five working days.

Other routes

• Self-employed persons and sole traders: this ground is abolished for new applications — existing permits stay valid, but a new structure is needed before they expire
• Start-ups: the route is opened more widely, with limits only for countries under additional checks
• Students: family members can join only if the student is a NATO-country citizen or a doctoral student
• New basis for professional athletes and coaches, with a permit for up to two years

Security: deeper checks for everyone

Citizens of Russia cannot obtain a residence permit through capital investment or the investment fund, and citizens of Belarus can apply only on limited grounds. The Cabinet of Ministers may suspend investment-based permits for up to five years for certain countries or regions. For every applicant, expect closer review of the source of funds, the real business purpose and links to high-risk jurisdictions — a clear, documented story of where your money comes from saves a lot of time.

What to do now: six practical points

• Existing investors: your permits stay valid — apply to continue on the same basis while your ID card is still valid
• Property buyers: the real estate route is closed for new applications — consider the company capital route instead
• Track your days abroad: no more than 6 months in a row and 10 months in total over five years
• Start learning Latvian: A1 for integration from the end of 2027, A2 for permanent residence
• Employers: check your tax rating and report changes within five working days
• Renewals are in Latvian: plan certified translations and file earlier than you used to