Residence Permits
Residence Permit in Latvia Based on Investment in Company Share Capital (Golden Visa)
Both founders of a limited liability company (SIA) and joint-stock company (AS) qualify as investors under Latvia’s Immigration Law. That status opens the door to an investment residence permit Latvia — and to residence permit applications for a spouse, minor children from all marriages, and persons under the investor’s care.
Afortis provides legal and administrative assistance: we prepare and file your application. Applications are decided by the Latvian migration authority (OCMA), not by Afortis.
Overview
Who Qualifies as an Investor
All capital contributions must be made by bank transfer. Cash payments are not accepted.
The investor must also maintain a guaranteed subsistence minimum: at least three times Latvia’s gross minimum wage, in effect at the time of application.
The permit is renewable annually.
Investment Amount and Capital Structure
The minimum investment threshold for a Latvia capital investment visa is €50,000 in company share capital. The exact structure depends on the business model, the company’s ownership makeup, and the number of investors participating.
Two points that matter in practice:
- Every contribution must be made by bank transfer, with documented confirmation of the source of funds.
- Investments can go into a newly registered company or into an existing Latvian company.
In practice, migration authorities pay close attention to the economic justification behind the investment structure. “Nominal” setups — where the contribution is made but the company has no real activity — are flagged during the renewal review.
The final structure is agreed individually.
Number of Investors Per Company
Up to 10 investors may participate in a single company under this programme, each entitled to apply for a temporary investor visa Latvia.
Each investor must hold a genuine share in the company’s capital. That share and the contribution amount are recorded in the founding documents and the commercial register. Every investment case is reviewed individually by PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs).
Tax Requirements After the Permit Is Granted
Once investors obtain their temporary residence permits, the company must:
- carry out genuine economic activity with real business operations and turnover;
- file accounting and tax reports on time;
- pay taxes in Latvia totalling at least €40,000 per year.
This is a hard condition for renewal. Falling short of the tax threshold is one of the most common reasons a renewal application is refused.
Principal company taxes:
| Tax | Rate / Trigger |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax (CIT) | 0% on undistributed profits; 20% on dividend distribution |
| Personal income tax + social contributions | Applies where employees are present |
| Value added tax (VAT) | Upon reaching the turnover threshold, or on voluntary registration |
Advantages
What the Investment Residence Permit Latvia Covers
A Latvia golden visa investment permit based on company share capital gives the holder
What Comes Next
Route to Permanent Residency
This permit is a direct basis for permanent residency.
After five years of continuous lawful residence in Latvia — with actual residence, no violations, and met integration requirements — the investor is entitled to apply for a permanent residence permit under the Immigration Law.
Is This the Right Option?
This route works well for entrepreneurs and business partners, groups of up to 10 investors planning a joint venture, and anyone committed to genuine business activity in Latvia over the long term. It is not suited to passive investors: the tax obligation is real, and the authorities verify it.
Speak With a Practitioner
Considering an investment residence permit in Latvia through company share capital? We will review your situation, propose a workable investment structure, and support the process from company registration through to permit renewal.
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