Latvia Residence Permit 2026: What Has Changed and How to Get for Russians

On September 15, 2026, Latvia’s new Immigration Law came into force, completely replacing the previous legal framework. These changes affect the procedures for obtaining and extending a residence permit (RP) for foreign citizens, including Russians. The amendments aim to strengthen migration control, enhance transparency and security, and revise approaches to investment migration. In this overview, we will examine the key innovations and their consequences for those planning to obtain a Latvia residence permit for Russians.

Major Changes in Latvia’s 2026 Legislation

Latvia’s new Immigration Law, effective September 15, 2026, introduces several fundamental changes to the RP application process:

• Complete replacement of the previous law: This is not just an amendment but a new legal framework that changes the rules for investors, their families, and other foreign nationals.
• Strengthened migration control: The law aims to enhance the security and transparency of migration processes.
• Altered conditions for obtaining a Latvia residence permit: Many previous grounds for obtaining an RP have been abolished, and the remaining ones have been significantly modified.
• RP validity period: Residence permits issued on the basis of investment are now granted for up to two years, not up to five as before.
• Unified permanent residency status: Instead of national and European permanent resident statuses, there is now only one status – European Union permanent resident.
• Language requirements: Documents for the initial Latvia residence permit or visa can be submitted in Latvian or English. For RP extension or permanent residency, only in Latvian.

Abolition of Popular Investment Programs for Latvia Residence Permit

One of the most significant changes has been the abolition of several popular investment routes that previously allowed obtaining a Latvia residence permit through investment. As of September 15, 2026, new applications are no longer accepted on the following grounds:

• Real estate purchase: Previously, this was one of the most sought-after ways to get Latvia residency.
• Investments in subordinated liabilities of credit institutions (bank deposits).
• Acquisition of Latvian government bonds.
• Self-employed status.
• Individual merchant (IM).

However, it should be noted that holders of previously issued RPs on these grounds may apply for a renewed temporary permit for up to five years, subject to transitional conditions. Already issued permits are not annulled.

Remaining Investment Routes and New Opportunities to Get Latvia Residence Permit

Latvia Residence Permit for Investment in the Share Capital of a Latvian Company

This route remains in force, but with some changes. The investment amount requirements have not changed:

• 50,000 euros in a company with no more than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet of no more than 10 million euros.
• 100,000 euros in a larger company with more than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet exceeding 10 million euros.

In both cases, the investor must also make a one-time payment of 10,000 euros to the state budget upon the first application. The main change is the validity period of the permit: it is now issued for up to two years, not up to five, as it was under the old law.

For companies with smaller capital (50,000 euros), there are additional conditions: the company must pay at least 40,000 euros in taxes annually, and no more than 10 foreign investors can obtain permits through the same company.

New Route: Investment Through a State Fund

The law provides for a new route to obtain a Latvia residence permit for up to five years for foreigners who invest at least 150,000 euros for a minimum of five years through an alternative investment fund manager established by the state. An additional payment of 10,000 euros to the state budget is required. The RP will only be valid if the investment agreement is not terminated and the investment amount has not decreased below the required level.

However, as of September 15, 2026, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) confirmed that such a fund has not yet been established, and therefore, this route is currently unavailable. Moreover, its future is uncertain: on September 10, 2026, the Saeima (Latvian Parliament) referred a draft amendment to the Defense, Internal Affairs, and Corruption Prevention Committee, which proposes to exclude this route from the law. The argumentation cites risks to national security, money laundering, and evasion of sanctions.

Restrictions for Citizens of Russia and Belarus: How to Get Latvia Residence Permit?

Latvia’s new Immigration Law imposes strict restrictions on citizens of Russia and Belarus, making it significantly more difficult to obtain a Latvia residence permit for Russians.

• Prohibition on investment routes: Citizens of Russia and Belarus cannot obtain an RP through investment routes, including investments in the share capital of a company and through a state fund. This decision was made considering the current political situation and security risks.
• Restrictions on other grounds: Russian citizens also cannot obtain an RP on grounds such as employment as athletes or coaches, representation of foreign airlines, and some others.
• More options for Belarusians: Citizens of Belarus retain more opportunities, including family reunification, studies, employment, company management with annual tax payments of at least 25,000 euros, and innovative startup activities.
• Employment: Citizens of both countries can apply for a one-year Latvia residence permit for employment if they have legally worked in Latvia for the previous three months and paid taxes during that period.

These restrictions significantly narrow the options for those seeking business immigration or relocation abroad to Latvia from Russia.

Procedural Changes and Other Important Aspects of Obtaining an RP

• Processing times: The standard processing time for an RP application is 30 days. If necessary, it can be extended up to four months, but no more.
• ID card: The validity period of the ID card now matches the permit’s validity, and annual RP registration has been abolished.
• Notification of changes: The permit holder or the inviting party is obliged to notify the PMLP within five working days if the circumstances on which the permit was based have changed.
• Employment RP: Issued for up to one year, except when the employer pays micro-enterprise tax. The EU Blue Card is still issued for up to two years.
• Language requirements for permanent residency: To obtain EU permanent resident status, knowledge of the Latvian language at level A2 is required, unless the applicant is exempt from this requirement by law.

Latvia Residence Permit by Ancestry, for Ukrainians and Israelis

While the main changes concern investment programs and citizens of Russia/Belarus, it is important to note that for other categories of citizens, such as those seeking a residence permit by ancestry, or citizens of Ukraine and Israel, the conditions for obtaining a Latvia residence permit may differ. For Ukrainian citizens, for example, Latvia continues to provide temporary protection and simplified procedures due to the armed conflict. Israeli citizens, as third-country nationals, will fall under the general rules, with the exception of specific restrictions imposed on citizens of Russia and Belarus. Obtaining a Latvia residence permit for Ukrainians and Israelis is generally easier than for Russians.

Conclusion

Latvia’s new Immigration Law of 2026 has significantly tightened the conditions for obtaining a Latvia residence permit, especially for Russian citizens. The abolition of several investment programs and direct prohibitions on Russian participation in the remaining investment routes make obtaining a Latvia residence permit for Russians almost impossible on investment grounds. Those considering Latvia for relocation need to carefully explore other available options, such as employment, family reunification, or studies, if they fit their situation. In the context of constantly changing migration legislation, especially for affluent audiences, it is crucial to always obtain up-to-date information and consider all risks when planning actions to successfully get Latvia residency.

FAQ: How to Get Latvia Residence Permit

What are the main changes in Latvia’s Immigration Law in 2026?

As of September 15, 2026, a new Immigration Law came into force, completely replacing the previous one. Key changes include the abolition of several investment programs (real estate purchase, bonds, deposits), stricter conditions for remaining routes, changes in RP validity periods, and the introduction of severe restrictions for citizens of Russia and Belarus. These changes affect how to get Latvia residence permit for various categories of citizens.

Can Russian citizens still get a Latvia residence permit through investment?

No, citizens of Russia and Belarus can no longer obtain a Latvia residence permit through investment routes. The new law explicitly prohibits them from participating in programs involving investments in company share capital and through the state investment fund. This makes obtaining a Latvia golden visa or any investment-based Latvia residency for Russians practically impossible.

Which investment routes remain for obtaining a Latvia residence permit?

The route for investment in the share capital of a Latvian company remains (from 50,000 to 100,000 euros plus 10,000 euros to the state budget). The law also provides for a new route through a state investment fund (150,000 euros plus 10,000 euros to the state budget), but this fund has not yet been established, and its future is uncertain. These options are unavailable to Russian citizens.

What is the new validity period for Latvia residence permits under investment programs?

A Latvia residence permit issued via the investment route in company share capital is now valid for up to two years, whereas previously it could be up to five years.

Which documents for Latvia residence permit are accepted in English?

Documents for the initial application for a temporary Latvia residence permit or visa can be submitted in Latvian or English. However, for the extension of a temporary residence permit or obtaining a permanent residence permit, documents must be in Latvian only.

How to get Latvia residence permit by ancestry?

Obtaining a Latvia residence permit by ancestry is generally possible for individuals with Latvian heritage. The conditions and requirements for this route have not been significantly altered in 2026, unlike investment programs. Proof of kinship and compliance with other immigration requirements must be provided.

Is it possible to get a Latvia residence permit for Belarusians and Ukrainians?

Different conditions apply to citizens of Belarus and Ukraine. Citizens of Belarus retain more opportunities to obtain a Latvia residence permit than Russians (e.g., family reunification, studies, employment, company management with high tax payments). For Ukrainian citizens, Latvia continues to provide temporary protection and simplified procedures due to the armed conflict, which facilitates obtaining a Latvia residence permit for Ukrainians.

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