Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
In this article
Latvia recently joined the list of
European countries offering a special visa route for remote
workers. Tucked between Estonia and Lithuania in the Baltic region, this beautiful Eastern European
country is the latest addition to digital nomad travel destinations in Europe.
Although a small country, Latvia has so much to offer digital nomads. It has one of the fastest
internet broadband coverage in Europe as well as abundant coworking spaces. Plus, a stunning Baltic
natural environment, Baroque architecture, and rich culture and history. In this guide, you will
find all the necessary information about the Latvia digital nomad visa and its unique appeal.
Digital Nomad Visa Overview
The Latvian government introduced the digital nomad visas in early 2022. This new visa allows
remote workers and freelancers to live in Latvia for up to two years while working for companies
abroad. You must meet the following requirements:
- You must work remotely for a company in an OECD country, or
- You must have your business registered in an OECD country if you're a freelancer or self-employed.
Who Can Apply? Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements Explained
The new digital nomad visa is only available to foreign nationals employed by companies
registered in Organization for Economic and Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.
Freelancers whose businesses are registered in OECD countries can apply.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Latvia.
Eligible Countries
37 European Union and non-EU countries make up the OECD. The EU countries are: Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
and Switzerland.
The non-EU OECD countries are: Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Israel, Japan,
Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Latvia
Since applications for the Latvian digital nomad visa are not yet open, there is no information
available regarding the application process. It will either be online via the Latvian immigration
application portal or in person at a Latvian embassy or consulate.
The Required Documents
Eligible foreign nationals must provide the following documents when applying for a Latvian
remote worker visa:
- A valid passport.
- An employment contract (at least 6 months old) showing that you’re employed by a company in an OECD country.
- Proof of business registration in an OECD country (for self-employed persons and freelancers).
- Proof that your work is fully remote. It should be stated in your employment contract or business profile.
- Proof of sufficient income: You must provide bank statements and payslips showing that you earn at least 2.5 times the Latvian minimum wage or €2,875 ($3,080) monthly.
- Valid international health insurance.
How Much Does It Cost to Get This New Remote Worker's Visa?
The Latvian DNV costs $65. However, an expedited review of an application submitted three days before
the end of a legal stay in the country costs $129.
How Long Is This Visa Valid for and Can It Be Extended?
Latvia digital nomad visa is valid for one year and can be another year upon expiration. Two years
of legal residence in Latvia with a DNV qualify you for permanent residency. You are eligible for
Latvian citizenship after five years of living in the country.
Tax Obligations for Digital Nomads
Latvia operates a progressive income tax system starting at 20%. However, current legislative
proposals are soliciting a 15% fixed income tax rate for digital nomad visa holders.
Living in Latvia as a Digital Nomad: Essential Information
Latvia is a rising digital nomad destination for those seeking a more natural and quieter
environment. It is made up of nearly 50% forests, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns with
cobblestone streets, and is one of the greenest countries in Europe. The country has a
high-speed broadband network with 99.9% 4G coverage and numerous cafes and coworking spaces
that are idle for remote workers.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Latvia is very affordable. It's still an upcoming destination, so prices
of goods and services here are lower than in western European countries. You can get a
one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $395/month.
Food and groceries are also inexpensive. A basic lunch in a restaurant or cafe costs, on average,
$8.56. You can shop for groceries at the local markets. You’ll get a liter of milk for $1.23, a
bottle of water for $0.75, and a loaf of white bread for $1.14.
Latvia has excellent public transportation that makes getting around easy. There are trams, buses,
minibuses, and trolleybuses. A one-way ticket costs $1.23, while a ten-trip ticket costs $11.66.
If you need to use a taxi, you get a ride for $0.75 per kilometer.
How Safe Is Latvia?
Latvia is a safe country. There are no particular travel risks, and its crime rate is low. However,
you should be mindful of pickpockets and petty thieves when in crowded spaces.
Top Destinations
Latvia is made up of moderately populated cities and picturesque small towns. The top destinations
for digital nomads are:
Riga
Riga is Latvia's capital city and the most populous city in the country, with a population of over
six hundred thousand. Riga is every digital nomad’s dream. It has everything that makes remote work
easy: fast internet, coworking spaces, cafes, and a growing digital nomad community. Its beautiful
beaches, stunning architecture, and museums will keep you entertained when you’re not working. It
is also home to Europe’s largest market.
Liepaja
Located on the Baltic coast, this city is ideal for those who enjoy living on the water. In addition
to its famous restaurants, cafes, and Latvian cuisine, the city offers plenty of amazing cultural
entertainment.
Sabile
Situated in the Kuzurme region, Sabile is Latvia’s wine capital. Like most Latvian cities, it is cozy
and has beautiful scenery.
Talsi
Talsi is a charming city with lots of exciting activities for visitors. Its famous museum (built in
the 19th century) takes you through the city’s rich history and culture.
Popular Co-Working Spaces
Here are some of the most popular coworking spaces in Latvia.
- Coworking Riga - $748 per month.
- Double9 Underground -$425.
- Teikums - $213.
- Coworking Liepaja.
- Magnets Coworking - $140.
- Workland Telegraph.
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa for Latvia
Latvia digital nomad visa has several benefits for remote workers, they include:
- Fast internet: Latvia has one of the fastest internet connections in Europe and the world. The average fixed internet download speed in Riga is 120.4Mp/s.
- Safety: The crime rate in Latvia is very low, making it one of the safest countries in the world.
- Tourist destinations: Though a small country, Latvia has many beautiful tourist sites such as the Rundale Palace, Turaida Castle, Venda Waterfalls, and the Riga Botanical Garden. There are also four national parks in Latvia - Gauja, Kemeri, Razna, and Slitere national parks. The parks protect areas of special national value.
- Weather: If you like cold and hazy weather, then Latvia is perfect for you. However, places like Liepaja are very warm in summer.
- Latvian food: Working from Latvia allows you to enjoy traditional Latvian cuisines such as aukusta, rasols, and zupa.
- European citizenship: Latvia DNV is a route to permanent residency and ultimately citizenship/ You can apply for permanent residence after holding your remote worker visa for two years. And you can apply to become a Latvian citizen after residing in the country for five years.
Alternative Visa Options for Remote Workers in Latvia
There are other visa options you can take if you do not qualify for a Latvian digital nomad visa.
If you’re a citizen of a country under Latvia’s visa exemption scheme, you can visit Latvia for
three months at a time without a visa. This visa-free entry is strictly for tourism or business
purposes, but you are free to work remotely while visiting.
However, nationals of visa-exempt countries will need an
ETIAS authorization to visit Latvia starting in 2024. The
ETIAS or the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System is a type of travel permit
for countries in the Schengen visa waiver program. It grants you entry into Latvia and other EU
countries for three months per visit.
You are free to work remotely during your stay, provided that you don’t take up local employment.
You’ll need a visa if you want to remain in Latvia and work for more than three months. Foreign
nationals from countries not part of the visa exemption scheme need a Schengen visa to visit Latvia.
FAQs
Does Latvia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Latvia recently introduced its digital nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers to live in Latvia for up to two years while working for companies abroad.How long can you stay in Latvia with a digital nomad visa?
You can stay in Latvia for up to two years with a digital nomad visa. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for another year.Is Latvia a good country for digital nomads?
Latvia is a great country for digital nomads. It is safe, beautiful, has a fast internet connection, and good coworking spacesCan I bring my family members on a Latvian digital nomad visa?
No, you can’t bring family members on a Latvian digital nomad visa.
Related Articles
ETIAS.org is a privately owned website and it’s not operated by the government.
ETIAS.com is an informational site for ETIAS. The site contains paid links from our partners.
