Published: 14.09.2026
A new Immigration Law entered into force in Latvia on 15 September 2026, replacing the 2002 law and separate regulation on EU permanent-resident status. Real-estate purchases were removed as a residence-permit basis, while investment through company capital remains available; entry, refusal and revocation rules were tightened.
According to the sources, the new law changes the basic framework for third-country nationals planning to relocate: buying real estate is no longer a residence-permit route, while entry, stated purpose of stay and security checks are subject to stricter rules. An investment route through company capital remains available, but the former real-estate-based model is closed. The law also restricts Russian citizens’ ability to request visas for employment or remote work, subject to statutory exceptions. This is important for investors, workers and long-term residents because the choice of residence basis and supporting documents now has a direct bearing on access to Latvia.