Latvia updated its immigration regulations, stopping two investment residency paths, limiting permits for self-employed non-citizens, and changing temporary and permanent stay requirements, according to immigration law firm Fragomen.

Changes to Temporary Residence Permits

Temporary residence permits now match the validity period of the residence card, unlike previous rules that granted five-year permits regardless of card validity.

Authorities dropped the annual residence card registration requirement, though some foreigners might need to file new applications more often to prolong their stay.

Two Investment-Based Residency Routes Closed

Latvia terminated its bank and real estate investment residency paths. Current permit holders keep their permits until expiration, and they and their relatives can request a five-year extension.

The government launched a fresh Golden Visa pathway. Non-citizens who put at least €150,000 into a state-established investment fund for a minimum of five years can get a five-year temporary residence permit.

The company investment pathway stays open, but permits issued through this program now last for two years instead of five.

Residence Permits for Self-Employed Foreigners Discontinued

Officials ended residence permits for individual merchants and self-employed people.

Holders of current permits in these groups cannot extend them, so impacted individuals must find another path, like the startup founder program, which does not need employer sponsorship.

Permanent Residency Rules Revised

Latvia combined its two permanent residence types into one permit granting EU long-term resident status, offering all new holders increased mobility across the European Union.

Applicants can also demonstrate financial stability using savings instead of the regular income previously mandated under one permanent residence category.

Stricter Employer Checks and Faster Processing

The updates bring tougher checks for employers and staffing agencies sponsoring non-citizens for specific lower-skilled jobs.

Applications face rejection if the hiring company operated for under six months, is an inactive taxpayer, or broke Latvian tax laws.

Maximum government processing time for residence permit applications dropped to four months from when documents arrive, including processing extensions.

Applications that needed extra reviews or security checks previously took up to one year.

New Integration Requirements From 2027

Beginning December 31, 2027, foreigners holding temporary residence permits totaling at least 18 months must satisfy integration criteria.

These criteria cover understanding of Latvian history, culture, and language. These rules currently apply solely to permanent residence permit holders.

Other adjustments cover stricter document language rules, updated notification duties, and procedural changes.

Government Plans Online Application System

Latvian authorities stated the updates were needed because years of immigration law changes made the system overly complex.

The changes also seek to prompt earlier integration of foreign residents, stop misuse of immigration paths for worker supply to other EU nations while bypassing tax and employment rules, and keep employers accountable for sponsored foreign workers.

Latvia is building a single online platform enabling foreigners to send residence permit applications digitally, though no official release date was shared.