Latvia Citizenship by Special Contribution (2025)

What is Latvia’s Citizenship by Special Contribution?

Latvia does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program as of March 7, 2025. However, its Residency by Investment Program (Latvia Golden Visa), launched in 2010, provides a pathway to citizenship through significant economic contributions. This program grants non-EU nationals a temporary residence permit via investments in real estate, businesses, or bonds, with citizenship possible after 10 years of legal residency (5 years temporary, 5 years permanent). Benefits include Schengen Area visa-free travel (~26 countries) and eventual access to an EU passport with visa-free entry to ~172 countries.

This guide details the 2025 requirements, investment options, costs, and steps to citizenship via special contribution. Ready to explore Latvia’s EU pathway? Let’s dive in!

Who Qualifies for Latvia’s Golden Visa and Citizenship?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with sufficient funds can apply for residency, paving the way to citizenship. Key requirements for 2025:

Core Requirements

• Minimum investment of €50,000-€280,000 (depending on option).
• Clean criminal record (home country and Latvia).
• Funds legally sourced from outside Latvia.
• For citizenship: 10 years residency (4/5 years for permanent residency), A2 Latvian language proficiency, knowledge of history/anthem.
• No minimum stay for initial residency; 183+ days/year for permanent residency.

Eligible Dependents

• Spouse and children under 18 (or dependent students over 18).
• Additional fees apply per dependent.

Investment Options in 2025

Latvia offers several investment routes for residency, maintained for at least 5 years:

• Real Estate: €250,000+ in property + 5% state fee (€12,500).
• Business Investment: €50,000 in a Latvian company (paying €40,000+/year in taxes) + €10,000 state fee.
• Bank Deposit: €280,000 in a Latvian bank (5-year term) + €25,000 state fee.
• Government Bonds: €250,000 in interest-free bonds + €38,000 state fee.

Note: Investments must be made before applying. Real estate remains the most popular option.

Step-by-Step Process to Citizenship

The residency process takes 1-3 months; citizenship requires 10 years total. Steps for 2025:

1. Choose Investment: Select and complete an investment (e.g., buy property).
2. Submit Application: File with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) via a D-Visa, including passport, criminal record, and investment proof.
3. Collect Permit: Visit Latvia within 3 months for biometrics and receive a 5-year temporary residence permit.
4. Renew Annually: Re-register yearly (no minimum stay required).
5. Permanent Residency: After 5 years, apply if resident 4/5 years (183+ days/year) with A2 Latvian.
6. Citizenship: After 5 more years (10 total), apply with language/history tests and loyalty oath.

Pro Tip: Engage a consultant (€2,000-€5,000) to streamline applications and ensure compliance.

Costs of Latvia’s Residency to Citizenship

Costs vary by investment and family size (2025 estimates):

• Investment: €50,000-€280,000 + state fees (€10,000-€38,000).
• Application Fees: €100-€400 (main applicant), €40/dependent.
• Renewal Fees: €80-€100/year for 5 years.
• Consulting Fees: €2,000-€5,000.
• Total (Solo, Real Estate): ~€267,500+ (initial), ~€275,000+ (to citizenship).

Expert Tips for Success

• Opt for Real Estate: Most straightforward and popular (€250,000).
• Hire Experts: Consultants reduce delays (€2,000-€5,000).
• Plan Residency: Spend 183+ days/year after year 5 for permanent residency.
• Learn Latvian: Start A2 prep early for citizenship (test required).
• Dual Citizenship: Allowed with EU/NATO/Australia/Brazil/New Zealand—check your country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References & Resources

• OCMA Latvia - Official residency/citizenship info.
• Henley & Partners - Investment insights.
• Global Citizen Solutions - 2025 updates.