Latvia Startup Visa
Build your innovative company in a low-cost, well-connected Baltic and EU country. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through the LIAA evaluation and the residence permit application, from your first assessment to your residence card.
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For Founders of Innovative, Scalable Startups
Latvia’s startup visa is a temporary residence permit for non-EU founders who want to develop an innovative, scalable product or service in Latvia. It is supported by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, known as LIAA, which assesses your idea.
It is one of the most accessible startup routes in the EU, with no fixed minimum investment, a relatively quick review and the option of applying together with up to four other founders.
Why Launch Your Startup in Latvia?
A lean, fast route into the EU with a supportive start-up ecosystem.
A Fast Review
LIAA’s evaluation and the residence permit steps are relatively quick, and the whole process commonly takes around a month or two once your file is complete.
Team Applications
Up to five founders can obtain residence permits under the same start-up idea, which suits co-founder teams.
No Fixed Minimum Investment
You do not have to meet a capital threshold. You must show that you can support yourself while you build.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can usually apply for residence permits through family reunification.
Low Operating Costs
Costs for offices, staff and everyday living are lower than in many Western European countries.
EU and Schengen Access
Operate from Riga and reach the EU single market, with Schengen travel for short stays.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions for a Latvian start-up founder permit.
An Innovative Idea
An innovative, scalable idea, usually technology-based, with strong potential for high added value.
An Idea Description
A description of your idea prepared in line with LIAA’s requirements, which it assesses before your residence permit application.
A Founder Role
You must be a founder who will develop the start-up in Latvia, as defined in the Immigration Law and the start-up support rules.
Proof of Funds
A bank statement showing available funds, reported at about €6,000 per adult and €1,800 per child, which can change as wages are adjusted.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance for your stay in Latvia.
Clean Record and Passport
A valid passport and a clean criminal record, with documents prepared in the required format.
Duration, Co-Founders and Family
Latvia changed its Immigration Law in 2026, and the start-up route remains part of it.
- A temporary residence permit of up to three years, with the possibility of extension
- Up to five founders of the same start-up can each obtain a permit
- Your spouse and children can apply for residence based on family reunification
- The route remains a dedicated founder route under the new law, but milestones and conditions are set in the law, so we check them for you
- Time on this permit can count toward longer-term residence, subject to the rules in force
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Eligibility Assessment
We check whether your idea fits the start-up criteria and the international growth potential the route looks for.
Start-Up Evaluation
We prepare your idea description and submit it to LIAA, so that it can be assessed before you apply for the permit.
Residence Permit Application
We manage the application with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or a Latvian embassy, with all documents in order.
Company Formation
Once approved, we help you register your Latvian company and complete the mandatory registration steps.
Relocation, Settlement and Accounting
We help you register your address, set up banking and accounting, and settle in with your family.
What We Handle for You
Startup immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your idea before you spend money on fees.
Idea Description Support
Guidance on presenting your idea the way LIAA expects.
Company Formation
Coordination of registration and your first compliance steps.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents for you and your family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with registration, banking and settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Latvia startup visa.
What are the Latvia startup visa requirements?
You need an innovative, scalable start-up idea that passes LIAA’s assessment, a founder role in the company, proof of funds, health insurance and a clean record. Your idea is described in a document prepared to LIAA’s requirements, and the residence permit application follows.
How much does the fast-track evaluation cost?
Government and agency fees change from time to time, so we confirm the current amounts before you start. We give you an itemised estimate that covers the evaluation, the permit and any urgent handling options.
How does corporate income tax work in Latvia for startups?
Latvia taxes corporate profit when it is distributed rather than when it is earned, which can help young companies that reinvest. Rates and special regimes for start-ups are updated regularly, so we recommend speaking with a Latvian tax adviser.
How long does the process take?
The LIAA review and the permit stages are comparatively fast, and the whole process commonly takes around one to two months once your file is complete. We give you a realistic estimate for your case.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Your spouse and children can usually apply for residence permits. We prepare the family file together with your application.
Has the 2026 law changed the startup route?
Latvia’s new Immigration Law in 2026 changed many routes, including several investor routes. A dedicated startup founder route remains, but the details are set in the law, so we confirm the current conditions before you apply.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Latvian authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Latvia changed its rules in 2026, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash.
Ready to Launch Your Startup in Latvia?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know whether you are ready to apply and what your next steps should be.