overview
Latvia: "Latvia, a Baltic state in Northern Europe, is known for its picturesque landscapes and historic cities. Its economy has grown steadily, with key industries including forestry, agriculture, and IT. Latvia’s cultural scene is a blend of traditional and modern influences.",
overview
National Anthem
Dievs, svētī Latviju!
Independence Day
November 18, 1918
Haiko
Amber on beaches / Riga's art nouveau beauty / Folk songs echo still
Interesting Tradition
Celebrates Midsummer's Eve (Līgo) with flower crowns bonfires and cheese
Weirdest Local Superstition
Whistling indoors brings bad luck
Strangest Law Still on the Books
Illegal to gamble outside licensed casinos
overview
Come for the heritage, stay for the hustle: Latvia pairs its rich Baltic history with ambitious digital transformation. Medieval spires overlook modern co-working spaces, while weekends drift between art nouveau districts and pristine beaches. The nation's startup visa program and e-residence initiatives have created an attractive ecosystem for entrepreneurs seeking EU market access.
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overview
Step into a place where freedom isn't just a word, but a living legacy. Your future blooms in Baltic innovation.
overview
Known for its beautiful forests and beaches where you can get lost in nature or in a good book
Latvia isn't just a country—it's a Baltic jewel in constant renaissance. Here, time flows like amber washing up on ancient shores, and even a simple forest walk becomes a connection to pagan traditions. This is a land where song and nature create perfect harmony.
From the Art Nouveau splendor of Riga to the pristine beaches of the Baltic coast, Latvia offers discovery for every cultural wanderer. Whether you're drawn to the medieval charm of Cēsis, the untamed beauty of Gauja National Park, or the folk traditions of Latgale, you'll find a country that preserves its soul while embracing the future.
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Statistics
Eat
pelēkie zirņi (grey peas with bacon)
Drink
riga black balsam (herbal liqueur) - kvass (fermented rye bread drink)
overview
Beer
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Wine
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Coffee
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Tea
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
overview
overview
Representative Novel
Forest of the Gods by Balys Sruoga (Memoir of Lithuanian experience in Nazi concentration camps)
National Animal
White wagtail
National Pasttime
Ice hockey
National Souvenir
Amber jewelry
National Dish
Grey peas and bacon
Famous Festival
Jāņi (Midsummer)
Famous Dance
Gatves Deja
Famous Music
Folk
overview
Claims to have invented jeans before Levi Strauss
Celebrates Midsummer's Eve (Līgo) with flower crowns bonfires and cheese
Known for its beautiful forests and beaches where you can get lost in nature or in a good book
overview
April 2014
Foundation of Riga
July 2014
Riga joins Hanseatic League
February 2015
Declaration of Independence
March 2015
Independence from Soviet Union
October 2016
Joining EU
MOBILITY
NO. OF Mobility Assets
MOBILITY
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MOBILITY
Visa Free Countries
154
Performance Class
World-Class Access
Passport Grade
A
Rank
35
Score
174.9
This visa grants access to:
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
Rankings
Latvia demonstrates strong rule of law (#22) and high safety (#30). Our comprehensive analysis reflects its moderate living costs (#39) and standard healthcare access (#59).
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Healthcare
Median Age
43.1
years
Life Expectancy
76.3
years
Obesity Rate
24.10%
Tobacco Use
34.00%
Sources
Health Expenditure
9.04%
of GDP
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Hospital Beds
5.57
per 1000 people
Doctors
3.345
per 1000 people
Out-of-pocket
26.99%
of total expenditure
Sources
Healthcare
Latvia offers a universal healthcare system funded through taxes, providing basic medical services to all citizens and permanent residents.
Private healthcare in Latvia is available for those seeking quicker access to treatments and more personalized care.
Expatriates in Latvia have access to the public healthcare system, though many opt for private insurance to cover additional services.
Pharmaceuticals are widely available in Latvia, with both local and international medications offered at competitive prices.
Latvia places a strong emphasis on preventive care, with regular screenings and vaccinations available to all residents.
Healthcare
Healthcare
cost of living
Cost of Gasoline
$1.89
per liter
Cost of Meal
$11.14
(Inexpensive Restaurant)
Monthly Rent
$496.40
(1 bedroom, City Center)
Monthly Utilities
$313.22
(85m² Apartment)
Domestic Beer
$4.74
(0.5 liter draught)
VAT Rate
21%
cost of living
cost of living
cost of living
Taxation
Understanding Latvia's tax system is essential before moving there.+Latvia taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Latvian-source income. The country employs a progressive income tax system with rates of 20%, 23%, and 31%. Capital gains are generally taxed as regular income. Social security contributions are mandatory for employed individuals. A Personal Identification Number is used for tax purposes.+Latvia has a double taxation treaty with the United States to mitigate potential dual taxation issues.
Tax Residency Requirement
183 days
Worldwide Income Taxation
Yes
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Higher Rates for Foreign Assets
No
US Double Taxation Treaty
Yes
Personal Income
Progressive tax rate based on income levels
Personal Capital Gains
Flat rate on investment gains
Inheritance
Based on inherited amount and relationship
Corporate Income
Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits
Corporate Capital Gains
Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments
Dividends
Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions
Interest
Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens
Royalties
Withholding tax rate for royalty payments
Work Assignment
Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they have their registered (declared) place of residence in Latvia, are present in Latvia for 183 days or more during any 12-month period, or are Latvian citizens employed abroad by an employer registered in Latvia.
Overall Ranking
Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking
Ease of Paying Taxes Score
Overall score based on multiple factors
Total Tax and Cotribution Rate
TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions
Time to Comply
Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations
Number of Payments
Total number of tax payments required annually
Post-filing Index
Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes
taxation
taxation
CLIMATE
Average Temperature
6.87 °C
Humidity
79
%
Average Annual Precipitation
667
mm
Rainless Days per Year
244
Best Time to Travel
June-August
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Latvia
What Mobility Assets are available to me in Latvia?
What language do they speak in Latvia?
Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Latvia with me?
How can GlobalPassport™ help me move to Latvia?
Can I keep my own citizenship?
overview
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