Expatriation in Latvia: your guide to a successful move

Thinking of moving to Latvia? It’s not a common choice, far from classic destinations such as Germany or Italy. And yet, the expats who live there know how much this small Baltic state, a true architectural and cultural jewel, offers a unique living environment.

Between the Baltic Sea and its beaches, unspoiled nature, historical heritage, folk traditions, and a growing economy, Latvia is a privileged place to enjoy unique coastal landscapes and new opportunities.

In addition, the cost of living in Latvia remains much lower than in Western Europe, while guaranteeing a good level of comfort and services.

In this guide, discover everything you need to know for a stress-free expatriation.

Key takeaways for living in Latvia

• The population is about 1.9 million inhabitants, with a great demographic diversity (Latvians, Russians, Poles, Belarusians, etc.)
• The official currency of the country is the euro
• The language is Latvian, although Russian is very common
• The main cities are Riga (the capital), Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, and Jūrmala
• Latvia is a small Baltic state that is a member of the European Union (EU), which facilitates the mobility of European citizens and the recognition of diplomas issued in the EU.
• Many industries are growing, including IT, technology and FinTech, as well as logistics and transportation
• The country is flat! Nearly 98% of the territory is less than 200 m above sea level

Why move to Latvia?

Pros

• Exceptional nature, with more than 50% of the territory covered by forests, as well as more than 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes.
• A unique cultural heritage, strongly linked to nature and folk traditions.
• Affordable cost of living, lower than many Western European countries.
• A pleasant living environment with little overcrowding, even in Riga.
• The historic centre of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates with its charm, art nouveau buildings, and lively atmosphere.
• Seaside resorts such as Jūrmala, located on the Baltic Sea, offer a sought-after quality of life, especially in summer with plenty of beaches and outdoor activities.
• A safe and calm country, with a low crime rate.
• You have Wi-Fi anywhere in Riga thanks to a developed network.

Cons

• The language barrier can be a real challenge. Young people often speak English, and in Riga English very common, but as soon as you leave the capital, Latvian becomes almost indispensable.
• We’re not going to lie, the winters are long. The lack of sunlight during this time can influence morale and lifestyle, making the days more challenging, especially if you’re more used to warmer climes.
• The average salary is generally lower than in Western European countries. It is therefore essential to prepare your job search well before expatriating, as employment remains a key factor for integration and financial stability. However, the standard of living in Latvia is much cheaper than in Western Europe, especially for accommodation, food, and internet services, which partly compensates for the lower salaries.

Moving to Latvia: what steps should you take?

1. Obtain a visa or residence permit

For EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals –

You can stay in Latvia for up to three months without a visa, with a valid ID card or passport. Beyond this period, registration with the Office of Citizenship and Migration (OCMA) is mandatory.

This involves filling out an application form for a registration certificate and sending it by post or email to the office of the office in your area. To find it, you can consult the territorial divisions of the OCMA.

Note: Job seekers can stay in Latvia for up to 6 months without registering, and up to 12 months for students.

For third-country nationals –

To enter Latvia, you must obtain a visa. While a Schengen visa allows stays of less than 3 months, for longer stays, several options are available:

• D Visa (the most common): For a stay of more than 90 days, this national visa is recommended. It is valid for up to one year; 
• Golden visa: An investor visa, granted by investing €50,000 in real estate or in a company in Latvia; 
• Digital nomad visa: Intended for remote workers, provided that they receive income equivalent to the national average monthly salary of the previous year, i.e. around €4,200 in 2026. 

The application must be made at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your current country of residence.

2. Request a personal identification number

The Personal Identification Number (TIN) is assigned to expatriates as soon as they obtain their temporary or permanent residence permit.

Don’t hesitate to ask for it if necessary. It is an 11-digit code that allows you to carry out many administrative procedures, such as opening a bank account. This number is also used within the Latvian social security system to access social benefits such as health, pension, or unemployment insurance.

3. Declare your place of residence

Next, you declare your address to the municipality where you live within 90 days of your arrival. 

For simplicity, we advise you to do it online via the e-declaration service set up by the Latvian State. You can find it at the following link: Latvian Declaration of Residence online. 

Where to settle in Latvia, and at what cost?

Riga

Riga is the obvious choice. Cosmopolitan, modern, and rich in historical heritage, it offers a balanced living environment, both for personal and professional life. Culturally, Riga is a true gem of the Baltic region, not least thanks to its UNESCO-listed historic centre, known for its outstanding Art Nouveau architecture and major historical sites. Economically, the city stands out for its dynamism and its many professional opportunities.

Riga is home to almost half of the country’s population, making it the main urban and demographic centre in Latvia. The capital alone generates almost half of the country’s GDP. It has a dynamic economic sector, a major port, and connections to the European transport network, facilitating trade and exports. Public transport in Riga is particularly efficient and plays a central role in the daily lives of the inhabitants, making it easy to get around the city.

Among the most sought-after neighbourhoods –

• Centrs and Vecrīga: In the heart of the city, these districts seduce with their Art Nouveau architecture. More expensive than average, they mainly attract executives and diplomats.
• Skanste: A modern district in full development, with luxury apartments.
• Mežaparks: An excellent residential area, ideal for families, with several parks nearby.
• Pārdaugava: Located on the other side of the river, it offers a quieter atmosphere and easy access to nature.

On average, for a studio in the centre of Riga, expect to pay around €900 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment, the budget is about €1,300.

Jūrmala

For expats looking for a more idyllic living environment, Jūrmala is a Baltic Sea resort known for its charm, upscale vibe, and exceptional quality of life.

This seaside town offers more than 25 km of coastline, and the first time you arrive there, you are really struck by the beauty and tranquility of its golden sandy beaches bordering the Baltic Sea. Plus, Jūrmala is only a 30-minute drive from Riga.

Among the most popular areas is Majori, which is very touristy and should be avoided if you are looking for peace and quiet in summer.

For residential areas, Bulduri and Lielupe offer a pleasant and well-connected living environment, with supermarkets and various shops nearby.

In terms of prices, rents in Jūrmala range from €600 to €1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment depending on the proximity to the beach, while the rent for a studio is around €700 and that for a three-bedroom apartment is €1,000.

Cost of living in Latvia for an expat

A single expat should plan a monthly budget of around €1,200. The average cost of living for a single person in Riga is estimated to be between €1,100 and €1,400 per month, excluding rent. For a family, it costs about €4,000 per month. These averages include the main items of expenditure –

• Housing (rent)
• Groceries
• Health
• Transport
• Monthly charges (electricity, internet, mobile telephony, etc.)
• Activities and leisure

The cost of living in Latvia is about 50-60% cheaper than in London, making it an attractive destination for British expats. Compared to Western Europe, Latvia offers a comfortable standard of living at a much more affordable price, especially for accommodation, food, and internet services. For example, the price of a menu in a cheap restaurant in Riga is around €8 to €12, while a full dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant costs between €40 and €60.

If you are interested in the subject, check out our dedicated article: cost of living in Latvia.

Financial management in Latvia: opening an account, managing money, and transfers

Financial management is one of the first concerns when you decide to live in Latvia. This country, a member of the European Union, the Eurozone and the Schengen Area, offers a modern and secure banking environment, making life easier for expatriates. Whether you come for work, study, or to enjoy Latvia’s quality of life, managing your money well is essential for a successful expatriation.

Working in Latvia: job offers, salary, and taxation

The services, industry, and agri-food sector are the pillars of the Latvian economy. The labour market is particularly dynamic in Riga, where almost half of the population resides, and the unemployment rate reached 7.1% in the first quarter of 2026, down from 7.4% year-on-year, illustrating a growing economy.

These sectors represent real job opportunities for expatriates, as companies are actively looking for qualified profiles. Innovation is central to the Latvian economy, supported by a vibrant technology ecosystem and events that foster the development of new ideas.

Other sectors recruit more flexibly, such as tourism, hotels, or restaurants, which also offer job opportunities for expatriates.

What is the average Latvian salary?

The National Statistical Institute of Latvia reports that the average gross monthly salary of a full-time employee is €1,815. The minimum wage is €740.

There are disparities in terms of income, as salaries in Riga are generally the highest in the country, and expats in managerial or corporate positions often earn more than the national average.

Taxation in Latvia

Income tax in Latvia is levied on a progressive scale, with specific allowances for modest incomes, which makes the tax system both simple and predictable. The rates are as follows:

• 25.5% on annual income up to €105,300
• 33% on annual income exceeding €105,300
• An additional 3% applied to income exceeding €200,000 per year

As regards corporate taxation, Latvia has adopted a system where the 20% corporate tax is due only at the time of the distribution of profits in the form of dividends. This promotes the retention and reinvestment of profits in the company, as the reinvested profits are not taxed as long as they remain in the company. This distribution mechanism is a significant advantage for entrepreneurs wishing to move to Latvia.

The Latvian health system

The Latvian health system is a mixed public/private model, managed by the Ministry of Health and the National Health Service, accessible to expatriates working and living in the country. To obtain a residence permit, it is mandatory to prove that you have health coverage; EU nationals must provide their European Health Insurance Card. The social security number, assigned within the Latvian system, is essential for access to social benefits and health insurance, with social contributions automatically deducted from earnings.

The quality of care in the public health system is often considered inferior to that of other European countries, with long waiting times, a lack of medical staff, and sometimes high out-of-pocket expenses, especially outside the big cities. This is why many expats choose to take out private health insurance in order to access faster and better care, especially in private clinics in Riga.

The security of private health insurance

It’s easy to see the benefits of supplementary private health insurance. It allows you access to faster care, with broader coverage.

Global Health is the specialist in international health insurance for expatriates. Discover our personalised coverage plans and take advantage of formulas designed to make your daily life easier:

Which hospitals can I be treated in?

Some of the country’s leading hospitals include:

• Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital
• Riga East University Hospital
• Health Centre 4

All three facilities regularly welcome expatriates, and the medical staff there frequently speak English.

How to get around Latvia?

The main means of transport in Latvia are bus, trolleybus, tram, train, and car. Public transport is essential in Riga.

Buses and trains connect the citie. We advise you to opt for the bus, which is generally more comfortable than the train.

For travel in Riga, the bus, trolleybus and tram network is reliable, well-developed, and efficiently connects the different districts of the city. The cost of a ride by public transport in Riga is around €1.15, while a monthly pass costs around €30. The flat terrain also makes it easy to walk between stations.

Tip : don’t hesitate to download the Mobilly app to buy your tickets or pay for your parking. 

You can use your European driving licence, but be careful behind the wheel! A few trips are enough to see:

• Very congested roads;
• Secondary roads that are rough and/or unpaved;
• Motorists who do not always respect the highway code.

Living as a family in Latvia

Life in Latvia is very pleasant for families. Before moving to Latvia, it is important to consider integration for your children, and to look for practical advice to facilitate your installation and adaptation. The school system is of high quality, with European standards respected and the presence of many recognized schools.

Among the most famous in the country are:

• Riga State Gymnasium No.1
• Exupery International School
• The Jules Verne French International School (Lycée Française International Jules Verne de Riga)

For families with university-age children, the Erasmus programme offers great opportunities for exchanges and scholarships, facilitating mobility and academic integration. The experience of expatriate families in Latvia is often enriching, especially by actively participating in local life and traditions.

The official language in Latvia is Latvian, but many locals also speak Russian and English, making it easier for expats to integrate. Latvians particularly appreciate the efforts of newcomers to learn a few words of Latvian, so get learning. Participating in national celebrations, such as the Līgo Festival, allows you to experience Latvian culture and to integrate more into society.

The expat community is very active, especially in Riga, where it is possible to join Facebook groups such as “Expats in Latvia”, to participate in events organized by InterNations, or to enjoy the cultural activities offered across the country. Latvians may seem reserved at first, but once trust is established, relations become warm and lasting.

As for activities, sport is everywhere. Children often play hockey or basketball and with all the forests, it is also easy to enjoy parks and nature.

The country’s must-sees

• Go to the Riga Central Market, especially during festive periods such as Christmas, to meet the locals and discover an emblematic place of local life.
• Spend a weekend in the forest, for example at Ogres Zilie Kalni. Ideal for hiking and exploring new natural places.
• Pick mushrooms and berries like the locals. Ask the local authorities about public forests where to do it safely and take the opportunity to talk to the locals.
• Take part in Jāni, the summer solstice festival! A great opportunity to leave the city to see the big bonfires in the countryside and meet the locals in a traditional place.
• Take advantage of Riga’s rooftops in summer to admire the city and interact with the locals.
• Attend an ice hockey match at the Arena Riga, especially to cheer on Dinamo Riga in the KHL. It’s a must-see sporting experience and a great way to share the enthusiasm of the locals.
• Take a trip to the Baltic Sea coast to discover its beaches, dunes and seascapes. A perfect place to relax and meet the locals during seaside activities.
• Bobsleigh in winter, with family or friends. Sigulda track is one of only 18 of its kind in the world and over 1200m long.