The Latvia Golden Visa was one of the best options for Indian investors looking for residency by investment options in Europe. One can buy a property in Riga or Jurmala, get a residency permit, and travel across Schengen Areas.
That changed on 15 September 2026 when Latvia's new Immigration Law came into force. The property route is no longer available to new applicants. If you've been reading older articles or getting investment advice based on the old route then much of it is now out of date.
If you are planning to make an investment in Latvia, then you are at the right place. This page will give you information about where the Latvia Golden Visa 2026 stands in present time, which investment options are still open, what it really costs, how the process works, and whether it still makes sense for Indian families. And also if the Latvia Golden Visa doesn't fit your plans, then there is nothing to worry about. We will also show you the EU alternatives that do.
| Key point | Latvia Golden Visa 2026 |
|---|---|
| New law in force | 15 September 2026 |
| Property route | Closed to new applicants |
| Bank deposit route | Closed to new applicants |
| Main route still open | Investment in a Latvian company |
| New fund route | €150,000 (in the law, but not yet operational) |
| State budget payment | €10,000 |
| Permit length | Up to 2 years for company route and up to 5 years for fund route |
| Decision time | Up to 4 months from the day of submission |
| Path to permanent status | Long-term status of European resident after 5 years of residence |
The Parliament of Latvia changed the old one and adopted a completely new immigration Law in August 2026.
The two most popular investment routes are now gone, i.e. Real estate and Bank deposits. Buying property is no longer grounds for a residence permit and placing money in subordinated liabilities of a Latvian credit institution no longer qualifies either.
Although the applications submitted by 14 September 2026 are still assessed under the old rules. So if you are someone who already holds a permit based on property, it stays valid until it expires. You will need to follow the transitional rules in the time of renewal. The new law also changed how permits work in general. Annual registration has been abolished, and permits now match the validity of your residence card. For investors in companies, that period has dropped from up to five years to up to two years.
A Latvia residence permit by investment is a temporary residence permit you get in exchange for an investment in the Latvian economy. It allows one to live in Latvia and travel within the Schengen Area without a separate visa for short stays.
One can invest in a Latvian Company and avail the visa. This is the main route that still works today.
The main Latvia Golden Visa requirements for the company route are:
The Latvia Golden Visa for Indians was attractive because it was simple and passive. You bought a property, kept it, and renewed your permit. That version no longer exists. The new version of the visa is quite different from the old one. The company route can still work well if you're an entrepreneur who actually wants to do business in the Baltics. But if you want residency for your family's travel, your children's education or a secure backup, without running a business abroad, there are other options in Europe at the present time.
If you'd rather hold units in a regulated fund than run a company, see our Hungary Golden Visa guide.
The Greece Golden Visa is the closest replacement for Latvia's old property route: you buy property and get a renewable five-year permit with no minimum stay. Thresholds start at €250,000 for conversion and restoration projects and are higher in most regions.
The Portugal Golden Visa suits investors who want a hands-off route without running a company, and its stay requirement is light. Most families invest €500,000 in a regulated Portuguese investment fund.
Malta Permanent Residency suits families who want permanent residence from the start rather than a renewable temporary permit. Expect about €99,000 in government fees and contributions, plus a qualifying property rental or purchase.
Residency rules in Europe are changing faster than ever. Latvia closed its property route within a few months of debate, and Portugal and Greece have both revised their programs in recent years. Advice that was correct last year can cost you money today. As one of the best immigration consultants in India, Glocal Opportunities helps Indian families and business owners compare programs side by side, plan their LRS remittances, prepare source-of-funds documents and choose the route that fits their goals. We will tell you everything about a program that is right for you, including the Latvia Golden Visa.
Call: 9958524200
Email: info@glocalopportunities.com
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WhatsApp usYes, but only in a limited form. Since 15 September 2026, you can no longer qualify through property or bank deposits.
No. Applications based on property purchases had to be submitted by 14 September 2026.
Under the new law, OCMA must decide on a residence permit application within four months of submission. Company setup and document preparation take extra time before that.
You can get a permanent residency after five years of residence with a temporary permit.
It depends on your goals. Latvia suits entrepreneurs, Greece suits property buyers, Portugal suits hands-off fund investors, and Malta suits families who want permanent residency from day one.