Latvia Digital Nomad Visa - 2025 Update

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 11 December, 2025

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Latvia Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 2.8

Internet Infrastructure 4.0

Country Stability 4.0

Cost of Living 4.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 1.0

Taxes 1.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length 1 year

Possible to extend? Yes, 1 additional year.

Who can apply? Non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals working remotely for a foreign employer or self-employed in an OECD country.

Minimum Income Requirements Approximately €3,400 per month (≈$3,950 USD)

Time for visa applications Around 10–15 days.

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Thinking about taking your remote job to a place with cobblestone streets, vibrant culture, and some of the fastest internet in Europe? Latvia might be exactly what you’re looking for. Over the last few years, this Baltic nation has quietly become one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for digital nomads, and with its dedicated long-stay visa for remote workers, living and working from Latvia has never been more accessible.

Whether you’re drawn to Riga’s creative energy, the peaceful forests along the coast, or simply the convenience of being a short flight away from the rest of the EU, Latvia offers a balance of productivity, affordability, and lifestyle. Many remote professionals love it.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa, from eligibility and documents to the application process and official requirements. Let’s dive in and help you decide if Latvia is your next great remote-work base.

Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Overview

Latvia’s Digital Nomad Visa is a type of long-stay visa (Type D) designed for remote workers who want to live and work while residing in Latvia. Officially introduced through amendments to the Latvian Immigration Law, the visa came into effect on 29 June 2022, making Latvia one of the first EU countries to offer a formal remote work visa tailored for digital nomads and remote professionals.

This visa allows eligible remote workers to legally stay in Latvia for extended periods while performing their work remotely for an employer or business located outside Latvia. This gives professionals flexibility and a chance to enjoy life in the Baltics with a clear legal status.

Who Is It For?

The Latvia Digital Nomad Visa is intended for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who meet specific remote work criteria under Latvian law. Key points include:

Individuals employed by a company registered in an OECD member country (e.g., the US, UK, Canada, Japan) or self-employed with a business registered in an OECD country.
Applicants must have a consistent track record of remote work with their foreign employer or as a self-employed professional.
Typically, applicants must have worked or operated their business for at least six months before applying.

This visa targets remote workers, freelancers, consultants, and digital professionals who want to experience life in Latvia without being tied to a local Latvian employer.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

The Latvia Digital Nomad Visa allows holders to:

Live in Latvia for an initial period of up to one year.
Renew the visa once for an additional year, meaning you can potentially stay up to two years under this visa category.
Carry out remote work for an employer or clients located abroad using telecommunications technology.
Arrange your life in Latvia, including renting accommodation and enjoying local culture and lifestyle, while legally residing in the country.

Important limitations:

You cannot work for a Latvian employer or earn income from Latvian sources without a separate work permit.
The visa does not automatically confer social security benefits in Latvia.

Overall, this visa gives remote professionals the legal basis to live in Latvia while maintaining their ‘work from anywhere’ lifestyle, making it an attractive option for digital nomads looking to explore Northern Europe.

Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa (long-stay Type D visa for remote work), you’ll need to gather a set of basic mandatory documents plus a few special supporting documents that demonstrate your ability to work remotely, support yourself financially, and stay in Latvia legally. The list below is based on official requirements from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP).

These are the core documents you must submit with your visa application:

Valid Passport: A travel document valid for the duration of your intended stay.
Completed & Signed Visa Application Form: Filled out correctly and signed by the applicant.
Passport-Style Photograph: Recent photo (typically not older than 6 months).
Proof of Health Insurance: Copy of a policy valid in Latvia and the Schengen Area with minimum coverage of €42,600 for the entire period of stay.
Proof of Accommodation in Latvia: Documents showing where you’ll live during your stay (e.g., rental agreement, booking confirmation).
Receipt for Payment of State Fee: Confirmation that the visa application fee has been paid.

Proof of Remote Work

To demonstrate that you genuinely qualify as a remote worker, the Latvian authorities require clear evidence of your ability to perform your professional duties from abroad. If you are employed by a company, you must include documentation issued by the tax or social insurance authority of an OECD member country. It must confirm both your current employment status and that you have been employed for at least six months before applying.

Alongside this, your employer must provide a written statement indicating that your role can be carried out remotely while you reside in Latvia. For self-employed applicants, the corresponding proof comes from an OECD tax authority confirming your business activity and income over the past six months. This ensures that the visa is used for genuine remote work and not traditional local employment.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

To qualify for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa, you must demonstrate that you have a stable and sufficient income to support yourself throughout your stay without relying on local employment or public assistance.

Latvian visa rules require applicants to show a monthly income that is at least 2.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Latvia. Based on recent data, this generally equates to at least approximately €3,400 per month, though the exact figure can vary slightly as Latvia’s average wage is updated each year by official statistics.

You’ll need to provide documentation such as bank statements, payslips, tax returns, or other evidence of regular payments covering the past six months to show that your income consistently meets this threshold.

This requirement applies whether you are employed by a foreign company or self-employed with a business registered abroad. It’s designed to ensure that you can comfortably finance your living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other costs, while residing in Latvia.

Private Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all long-stay visa applicants, including digital nomads. Your policy must be valid in Latvia and the Schengen Area for the entire duration of your intended stay and must provide comprehensive medical coverage. Specifically, the insurance must cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum liability limit of €42,600 for the period of the visa. This requirement protects you and the host country by ensuring that you have adequate access to healthcare services without relying on public funds.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans here.

Proof of Accommodation

While not as complex as remote work or financial documentation, applicants must also provide evidence of where they plan to stay in Latvia. This can be a confirmed rental agreement, property reservation, or similar documentation showing your expected accommodation. This requirement helps immigration authorities verify that you have a legitimate place to reside during your long-term stay.

How to Apply for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa — Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa (a long-stay Type D visa for remote work) follows a clear, methodical process. The steps below are based on official guidance from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) and general visa application procedures for long-stay visas.

Step 1 — Prepare All Required Documents

Before you begin the official application, gather all necessary documents in advance. This includes your valid passport, completed visa application form, recent passport-style photo, proof of remote work eligibility (employment or self-employment documentation), evidence of financial self-sufficiency, proof of private health insurance, and confirmation of accommodation in Latvia. Official guidance from PMLP provides the precise list of required documents.

It’s a good idea to have certified translations of any foreign documents into English or Latvian if required by the consulate or embassy handling your application.

Step 2 — Complete the Visa Application Form

Visit the official PMLP portal to fill out the long-stay visa application form. Latvia allows you to fill out and download an electronic version of the form (often referred to as the e-form) that you will need to sign and include with your submission.

Ensure all details are accurate and match your supporting documents, as inconsistencies could delay processing.

Step 3 — Submit Your Application

Once your documents are ready and your visa form is complete, you’ll submit your application through one of the following ways:

At a Latvian Embassy or Consulate abroad: Submit your application and supporting documents in person at the Latvian diplomatic mission in your home country or place of legal residence. Some embassies may require an appointment and may also conduct a short interview.
Directly to PMLP (if allowed): In some cases, you may be able to submit your application directly to the PMLP in Latvia by mail, especially if you have legal status in Latvia (for example, a valid Schengen visa and are already in the country). Check with your consulate or with PMLP first.

Along with your submission, you must pay the state visa fee (typically around €60 for a Type D visa, with higher fees for expedited review in some cases).

Step 4 — Attend Any Required Interview or Biometrics (If Applicable)

Some embassies require applicants to undergo a short interview or provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the time of application. If this is the case, the embassy or consulate will inform you when you schedule or attend your appointment.

Step 5 — Wait for the Decision

After submitting your application, PMLP or the consulate will review your documents and eligibility. Processing times for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa can vary, but generally take a few weeks. It’s important to apply well ahead of your planned travel date to account for potential delays.

You may be contacted during this time to provide additional documentation or clarification, so keep your contact information current with the office where you applied.

Step 6 — Receive Your Visa Sticker and Travel to Latvia

If your application is approved, you will receive your Type D visa sticker in your passport, showing the validity period (typically one year with the option to renew for another year). Once you have your visa, you can travel to Latvia and begin your remote work residency.

Step 7 — Register Locally After Arrival (If Required)

Depending on the length of your stay and specific local requirements, you may need to register your place of residence with Latvian authorities once you arrive. This is common for long-stay visas and ensures you comply with local residency laws.

Stay Requirements for Latvia

Once your Latvia Digital Nomad Visa is approved, you are permitted to legally reside in Latvia for the full validity of the visa. The initial stay is typically granted for one year, with the possibility of extending it for an additional year, allowing a maximum stay of up to two years under this visa category. After completing two years in Latvia on the Digital Nomad Visa, you must remain outside the country for at least six months before you can apply for the same visa again. During your stay, you also have the option to explore other residence permit categories if you meet their eligibility criteria.

While living in Latvia on this visa, you must continuously comply with the rules that apply to digital nomads. This means:

You must keep working remotely for a foreign employer or foreign-registered business.
You must maintain financial self-sufficiency throughout your stay.
You must hold valid health insurance for the full duration of your visa.
You may not work for Latvian employers or earn Latvian-sourced income under this visa type.
You may need to register your address locally depending on your length of stay.

There is no official minimum number of days you must remain inside Latvia; however, spending 183 days or more within a 12-month period typically makes you a tax resident, which may affect how your global income is taxed. Many digital nomads choose to reside in Latvia for most of their visa period to take full advantage of life in the country, but it is important to understand the tax implications of long-term presence.

How Much Does the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

Applying for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa involves a few specific fees that you should budget for, plus some additional costs that can come up during the process. The primary visa fee is set by the Latvian government and is relatively affordable compared with similar long-stay visas in Europe.

Standard Visa Application Fee: The official fee for the long-stay Type D visa (which includes the Digital Nomad Visa) is €60. This is the basic cost you pay when you submit your application.
Expedited Processing Option: If you need your application reviewed more quickly, Latvia offers an urgent processing option for about €120. This higher fee is typically used when timing is tight, or you are submitting close to the expiry of another visa.

In addition to the state visa fees, applicants should also consider other incidental costs that are not part of the official fee but are generally required to complete a successful application:

Health Insurance: You must have valid private health insurance that covers your entire stay in Latvia and the Schengen Area. This can cost roughly €100–€300+ per year, depending on the provider and coverage level.
Document Translation and Legalization: If your supporting documents are not already in Latvian or English, you may need certified translations or notarization, which can add per-page translation fees.
Police / Criminal Record Checks: Some applicants may need to obtain background checks from their home country, which can incur additional costs depending on local procedures.
Travel Costs to Embassy or Consulate: If you need to submit documents or attend an appointment in person, travel costs will vary based on your location.

Generally, the official visa fees remain the only mandatory costs set by the government, but budgeting for these associated expenses helps ensure there are no surprises during your application process.

Taxes for People With a Latvia Digital Nomad Visa

If you hold a Latvia Digital Nomad Visa, it’s important to understand that living in Latvia may have tax implications, even if your income comes from abroad. Here’s what you need to know:

Tax Residency: If you spend 183 days or more in Latvia within 12 months, you are generally considered a tax resident. As a resident, you may be required to pay taxes on your worldwide income, including salaries, freelance work, or business income earned abroad.
Non-Resident Status: If you stay less than 183 days, you are usually treated as a non-resident for tax purposes. Non-residents are generally taxed only on income sourced in Latvia, which means most remote workers earning from outside Latvia may not owe Latvian taxes.
Social Security Contributions: The Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically include Latvian social security benefits. Depending on your home country and any agreements Latvia has with it, you may continue paying social security in your home country while remaining exempt in Latvia.
Record Keeping & Consultation: Keep accurate records of your days in Latvia and consult a qualified tax professional if your situation is complex. Proper planning can help you avoid unexpected liabilities.

By understanding your tax residency status, income source, and social security obligations, you can enjoy your stay in Latvia while staying compliant with local tax regulations.

Living in Latvia with the Digital Nomad Visa

Living in Latvia as a digital nomad offers a unique blend of modern convenience and historic charm. Riga, the capital, is known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and lively coworking spaces, making it easy for remote professionals to stay productive while enjoying the city’s energy. Beyond Riga, Latvia offers peaceful towns, scenic forests, and a picturesque coastline, giving nomads plenty of options for balancing work with relaxation. High-speed internet and a growing community of remote workers make the country increasingly attractive for digital professionals seeking a European base.

Daily life in Latvia on the Digital Nomad Visa is straightforward, as the visa allows you to legally reside and work remotely from anywhere in the country. You can rent apartments or houses, access local amenities, and enjoy cultural experiences such as festivals, markets, and outdoor activities. While the visa does not permit employment with Latvian companies, it provides the freedom to maintain your career abroad while immersing yourself in Latvian life. With a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe and a high quality of life, Latvia can be an ideal destination for remote workers looking for both productivity and adventure.

Best Cities to Live in Latvia

Latvia offers a variety of cities that are appealing to digital nomads, each with its own unique atmosphere, amenities, and lifestyle. Here are three of the best cities to consider when living in Latvia on a Digital Nomad Visa:

Riga

As the capital and largest city, Riga is the hub for culture, business, and innovation in Latvia. It boasts a vibrant arts scene, historic Old Town streets, and numerous coworking spaces for remote workers. Riga combines modern infrastructure with charming architecture, offering a dynamic environment for both work and leisure. Cafés, restaurants, and cultural events make it easy to socialize and network, while the city’s connectivity ensures you stay productive in your remote career.

Jūrmala

Located just 25 kilometers from Riga, Jūrmala is Latvia’s famous coastal city known for its sandy beaches and wellness resorts. It provides a peaceful and scenic environment ideal for remote work, especially for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the capital. High-speed internet and cozy coworking spots make it possible to balance work with relaxation, and the seaside setting offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including cycling, walking, and water sports.

Liepāja

Liepāja, on Latvia’s western coast, offers a mix of historical charm and a growing creative scene. Known for its musical heritage, cultural festivals, and wide beaches, the city attracts digital nomads looking for a more laid-back lifestyle. It has a developing infrastructure for remote work, including coworking spaces and cafés with strong internet connectivity. Liepāja provides a slower pace of life compared to Riga, making it ideal for nomads seeking inspiration, focus, and a close connection to nature.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Latvia is the euro (€). €1 = approximately $1.17 USD based on current exchange rates.

The average net monthly salary in Latvia is around €1,361, which equates to approximately $1,590 USD after converting at the same exchange rate.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Riga

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – Approximately $525 per month.
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – Around $620 per month.
Basic Utilities – Roughly $312 per month.
Wi‑Fi – About $17–$20 per month.
Public Transport (one‑way) – Around $1.50–$1.70 one‑way
Groceries (2 people) – Roughly $300–$500 per month

Jūrmala

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – Around $1,047 per month.
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – Approximately $1,523 per month.
Basic Utilities – Roughly $300 per month.
Wi‑Fi – About $18 per month.
Public Transport (one‑way) – Approximately $0.54 one‑way.
Groceries (2 people) – Roughly $235–$350 per month.

Liepāja

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – Around $277 per month.
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – About $421 per month.
Basic Utilities – Roughly $295 per month.
Wi‑Fi – Around $17–$18 per month.
Public Transport (one‑way) – Around $1.09 one‑way.
Groceries (2 people) – Roughly $250–$400 per month.

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa?

The visa is available to non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or operate a business registered in an OECD country. Applicants must demonstrate at least six months of consistent remote work and meet the minimum income requirement.

How long can I stay in Latvia on this visa?

The initial visa is valid for one year, and it can be extended for an additional year, allowing a maximum stay of two years. After that, you must remain outside Latvia for at least six months before reapplying.

Can I work for a Latvian company while on this visa?

No. The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to work remotely for a foreign employer or clients, but it does not permit employment with Latvian companies or earning income sourced in Latvia.

What is the minimum income required for this visa?

Applicants must show a monthly income of at least €3,400 (approximately $3,950 USD), which is about 2.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Latvia. This ensures financial self-sufficiency during your stay.

Do I need health insurance to apply for this visa?

Yes. You must have private health insurance that is valid in Latvia and across the Schengen Area for the entire duration of your stay, with a minimum coverage of €42,600.

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