Startup Visa

Latvia's Startup Visa allows non-EU founders to reside in Latvia while establishing and growing an innovative startup company. The program is jointly administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) for residence permit processing and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) through its Magnetic Latvia Startup division for application evaluation. Up to 5 founders per startup may apply. Latvia hosts over 500 startups, with nearly one-quarter founded by foreigners, and offers 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits.

• Non-EU/EEA national
• Innovative, scalable, technology-driven business idea with high added value
• Proof of subsistence: EUR 500/month per adult, EUR 150/month per minor dependant
• Valid health insurance covering Latvia
• No formal educational or professional qualifications required
• Must not be employed by or serve as a board member of any other company
• Within 3 months of receiving the permit, must register as a director in a Latvian company registered in the Commercial Register no more than 1 year prior
• Within 12 months, must either secure venture capital of at least EUR 30,000 (from a qualified VC investor) or EUR 15,000 (from an accelerator or business angel), or submit an activity report demonstrating continued innovative product development
• Up to 5 founders per startup

• Valid passport (copy certified by applicant)
• Completed residence permit application form
• Identification photograph
• Free-form application describing: the innovative product and its technology, business model, market potential analysis, competitor analysis, product R&D plan, 3-year business activity plan, simplified financial forecasts, and team qualifications
• Proof of sufficient subsistence (bank statements showing at least EUR 500/month per adult, EUR 150/month per minor)
• Certificate of no criminal record with apostille (issued no earlier than 6 months prior, for applicants aged 14+)
• Valid health insurance policy for Latvia
• Proof of state fee payment

The permit is issued for up to 3 years. Renewal is possible by submitting a progress report on annual performance demonstrating continued creation or development of innovative products. For renewal, venture capital investment is not required — the activity report is sufficient. Standard renewal documents plus proof of continued startup activity must be submitted to PMLP.

Spouse and minor children may apply for temporary residence permits alongside the main applicant. Each adult family member must demonstrate EUR 500/month in subsistence; each minor requires EUR 150/month. Family members aged 14 and over must provide a criminal record certificate with apostille. Family members receive permits valid for the same period as the main applicant.

Latvia applies 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits, making it particularly attractive for startups that reinvest revenue into growth. Eligible startup employees benefit from 0% individual income tax and a fixed social contribution of EUR 340.90 per month per employee (instead of the standard 34.09% social security rate) under the Startup Activity Support Law. Standard progressive personal income tax rates of 20%, 23%, and 31% apply otherwise. Latvia has an extensive double taxation treaty network.

The application follows a two-stage process. First, submit a free-form application to LIAA ([email protected]) describing the innovative business idea, including a pitch presentation. A pre-submission eligibility check with LIAA is optional but recommended. LIAA evaluates the idea within approximately one month. After a positive evaluation, submit the residence permit application to PMLP at a Latvian embassy or consulate abroad, in person at the Riga PMLP office, or electronically. Processing takes 30 days standard (EUR 160), 10 working days expedited (EUR 280), or 5 working days fast-track (EUR 560).

After 5 continuous years of lawful residence (with at least 4 years of physical presence), holders may apply for permanent residence. This requires Latvian language proficiency at A2 level. Citizenship through naturalization requires an additional 5 years of permanent residence, Latvian language proficiency, and knowledge of the Constitution, national anthem, and basics of Latvian history and culture.