Latvia is in the Baltic Region of Eastern Europe and shares borders with Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Belarus. Latvia is a beautiful country; though relatively small, it has plenty of natural wonders and things to offer anyone who visits it.
Latvia is on its way to becoming a dream destination for digital nomads and expats, especially those looking for a unique type of lifestyle. Over half of the Latvian territory is covered by forest. In fact, it’s known as one of Europe’s greenest countries. Additionally, there are tons of beaches and beautiful, quaint towns.
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Latvia is growing very popular among expats. As an up-and-coming destination, Latvia is extremely affordable, with loads of available options in accommodation and activities.
You can rent a furnished studio apartment for €393/month ($418USD). You can find a bigger furnished apartment for €545/month ($580USD). And a basic lunchtime meal costs around €8 ($8.50USD).
Internet connection and mobile data plans are affordable. You’ll pay around €20/month for fast and unlimited internet, and €10 for mobile data.
The digital nomad visa will allow the holder to remain in the country for one year. It will also be possible to extend for another year.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Latvia
As of right now, the visa is designed for third-country nationals who wish to live in the Baltic State of Latvia. In order to be eligible, you must be working from home for an international-register employer or be a self-employed person.
The Immigration Law clarifies that third-country nationals are considered all persons except those from the European Union or the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Eligible applicants must prove they work with an employer registered abroad for at least six months. They must also make a minimum average salary of €2,857.50 per month. The visa will be granted for a period of one year, with the possibility to renew it for an additional year.
Attractions and best places to visit
There’s something for everyone in Latvia! National parks, gorgeous lakes, Teutonic castles, cliffs, and fascinating historical sites exist.
Jurmala
If you want to explore the coastline, we recommend you head towards Jurmala. It stretches for around 30km along the curved coastline of Riga Gulf. As a seaside city, Jurmala is known for its many natural resources. While visiting, you can enjoy curative mud, mineral waters, and pine forests.
The Countryside
Latvia’s countryside has many beautiful manors houses that you can visit for a day trip. You can learn about the old aristocracy while enjoying the stunning sights. Visit Rundale Palace, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece with a fantastic rose garden.
Natural Parks
If you want to connect with nature, visiting some of Latvia’s natural parks is the way to go. There are four national parks in Latvia, all offering hiking trails and stunning sights. All national parks are meant to protect natural values, such as Gutmanis Cavern, the widest and highest one in the Baltics.
Riga
However, the top destination in Latvia is Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Riga is an urban treasure with cobbled streets, amazing architecture, and the mighty St. Peter’s Church. Riga has many bars, restaurants, and cafés that are worth visiting. It is also famous for its fantastic nightlife.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
Riga is the primary hotspot for digital nomads. As mentioned before, the capital city of Latvia has many beautiful sights to visit. It is a charming city that you do not want to miss
Riga has a variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, and cafés. You can also explore cultural events like going to the Opera, visiting museums, and the church of St. Peters. Riga also has nice parks alongside the river that offers lovely scenery.
If you want to live close to the water, then Liepaja is the perfect place for you. It is by the Baltic coast and is a great place to enjoy warm summer days. The city of Liepaja also has many high-quality cultural entertainments for you to enjoy, like the Concert Hall Great Amber. In addition, Liepaja is also famous for having excellent restaurants and charming cafes where you can enjoy the delicacies of Latvian cuisine.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Latvia
Only countries in the OECD are allowed to apply for the Latvian digital nomad visa.
The visa is open to internationals employed by a company registered in an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country. It is also available to self-employees who have their businesses registered in an OECD country
Processing Time & Requirements
Being a new visa, which has not yet been approved, the requirements, prices and processing time are not yet known, what we can tell you is that it is a visa that will last one year to be in the country and that their costs of living are very low compared to other options.
Stay tuned for the update of this post when the official information comes out, because here you can find all the necessary information to fulfill your dream of being a digital nomad.
So, if you are interested in relocation being a Digital Nomad or Remote Worker , contact us today! Below this article you will find a link to book a consultation with us to discuss your options further.
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