Living in Latvia: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Foreigners

Situated in Northern Europe, Latvia is a hidden gem, offering a blend of stunning natural beauty and modern city life. Whether you’re looking to study, work, or live in Latvia, the country invites foreign nationals to enjoy the lower cost of living and high quality of life.

Living in Latvia offers a range of pros, with fantastic education systems, healthcare, safety, and business opportunities.

In this guide you will learn about:

• Top facts about life in Latvia
• Living in Latvia as a foreigner
• Living in Latvia pros and cons
• Cost of living in Latvia
• Education in Latvia
• Working in Latvia
• Healthcare in Latvia
• Where to live in Latvia
• Getting around in Latvia

Top Facts About Life in Latvia

Living in Latvia as a Foreigner: What to Expect

Located in Eastern Europe, the Republic of Latvia is a part of emerging Europe, with a world of potential for foreign nationals. Whether you’re looking for investment opportunities, a safe environment to raise children, or a lower cost of living, Latvia offers this and so much more.

Life in Latvia for foreigners can be truly fantastic. From the abundance of natural wonders inviting the young and old to savor during the summer sensations to the history exploration awaiting on every corner, living in Latvia can be a real adventure.

In general, Latvia is a very welcoming country that invites foreign nationals to live, explore, and thrive. While the initial reserved demeanor of Latvians may be different to what you’re used to if you’re coming from countries like the US, this is a cultural trait of the country. Once relationships are formed, Latvians tend to love showing off their country and inviting foreigners to explore all the country has to offer, with a strong sense of pride.

Luckily, the Latvia Golden Visa makes becoming a resident of Latvia simple for foreign nationals. This residency by investment program is available to all non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. The Latvian Golden Visa offers four options, including real estate, business investment, purchasing government bonds, and making a bank deposit.

Living in Latvia Pros and Cons

Pros of living in Latvia

Lower cost of living

The cost of living in Latvia is significantly less compared to the US and other western Europe countries. For example, monthly rent for a one bedroom in the US will set you back about €1,279 while the same costs about €421 in Latvia.

Safety

Latvia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. Like in all countries there may be petty crime in tourist hotspots but the chances of serious and violent crimes in Latvia are very low.

Strategic location

Latvia offers a very strategic location for business and travel. As part of the European Union, Latvia offers easy and affordable travel across the EU and Schengen Area. Residents in Latvia have access to a range of educational opportunities and world class healthcare.

Stunning natural beauty

Nature lovers are in for a treat with Latvia offering a range of stunning natural beauty. Thanks to the country’s compact size, going from the city hustle and bustle to a more tranquil environment with forests, beaches, and gorgeous lakes is convenient and cheap.

Thriving expat community

The expat community in Latvia is thriving with more and more foreign nationals choosing to make this beautiful country their home. This growing community can help you adjust to living in Latvia as a foreigner. You may want to join Facebook groups to expand your community and meet other expats.

Rich culture

Latvia is full to the brim of things to do to explore its fascinating history and culture. The UNESCO-listed Old Town Riga, charming medieval castles, and wooden architecture scattered across the country invites you to explore.

Quality education

Latvia offers a fantastic range of international schools ideal for foreign students. There are also a variety of prestigious universities and colleges in Latvia.

Cons of living in Latvia

While there aren’t many bad things about Latvia, it’s important to understand the pros and cons so you are prepared for living in the country.

Harsh winters

Due to its location, Latvia has very harsh winters which can take some getting use to and requires preparation in advance. January and February are notoriously cold with average minimum temperatures going below freezing daily. However, this does lend itself to winter sports, including ice hockey and skiing.

Language barrier

The primary language in Latvia is Latvian, so it’s best to learn the basics before moving to the country, to ensure you can get around. However, in bigger cities many Latvians speak some English which comes in handy when you first move.

Limited job market

The job market in Latvia is fierce, with less potential for non-EU citizens to get work in the country. If you’re planning to work in Latvia the success rate is significantly higher if you work in a specialized industry.

Cost of Living in Latvia

The cost of living in Latvia is one of the main draws to the country. Here is the cost of living in Latvia vs the US and the UK.

Cost of living in Latvia vs the US

Cost of living in Latvia vs the UK

Education in Latvia

Latvia has a strong education system, here is a breakdown of the education structure in Latvia:

Education options in Latvia

There are a range of schooling options in Latvia, including:

• Public school: Provided by the Latvian government, public school in Latvia is free for those with Latvian citizenship and residency. The curriculum is in Latvian which may pose a language barrier for international students.
• Private school: Latvia has a range of private schools, offering smaller classes and specialized curriculum. Private schools may offer lessons in various languages including Russian, Latvian, or English. Pricing varies from between €4,000- €10,000 per year.
• International schools: Ideal for children who move to Latvia from different countries, the curriculum generally follows British or American systems. There are a range of options with pricing varying between €10,000- €19,000 per year.

Working in Latvia

For those looking to work in Latvia, it’s important to know that the job market is highly competitive. As a smaller country, finding work can be difficult, unless you are in a specialized field and can find work within international companies. However, some industries are seeking skilled individuals to propel the country’s economy, including:

• Transportation and logistics
• IT
• Technology
• Tourism and hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Fintech
• Green technology
• English teaching

Luckily, in Latvia, there is a strong emphasis on work life balance, ensuring that employees are more happy, healthy, and content.

Income tax in Latvia

If you’re planning to live and work in the country, it’s essential to know which taxes in Latvia you are liable for. The most significant will likely be income tax which is based on a progressive scale as follows:

Where to Live in Latvia

Latvia offers fantastic places to live for foreign nationals. Whether you want to soak in the natural splendor or enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, there is something for everyone living in Latvia.

Riga

Riga is Latvia’s vibrant and bustling capital city, offering a perfect mix of historic charm and modern living.

As the country’s cultural and economic hub, Riga is home to world-class restaurants, international schools, and plenty of job opportunities, particularly in IT and finance.

This UNESCO-listed Old Town with its lively nightlife make it an exciting place to live, particularly for expats that want to explore what Latvia has to offer in one place.

Jurmala

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to live, Jurmala is the ideal place. Known for its sandy beaches and pine forests, this coastal town is perfect for families and retirees.

Jurmala offers wellness centers, summer festivals, and is just 25 km from Riga. This town blends relaxation and convenience.

Sigulda

Outdoor enthusiasts are in luck, with Sigulda inviting you to soak in the expansive surrounding natural landscapes. The nearby Gauja National Park is perfect for hiking and skiing.

Family life in Sigulda is tranquil, offering the ideal location for families, including older generations looking to retire. Plus, Riga is just over one hours drive away, providing access to big city living.

Liepaja

Those looking for a slower pace of life with a fantastic art and music scene, Liepaja may just be the perfect fit. Located on the western coast of Latvia, this city offers stunning beaches and is a thriving maritime destination.

Getting Around in Latvia

If you want to explore Latvia beyond Riga, it’s highly advisable to have a car. While there are public transport options like trains and busses, they can be scarce the further outside of the city you travel.

Travelling within Riga is convenient with trams, trolleybuses, and buses available throughout the city. You can also travel by taxi; just ensure you agree on the price beforehand or that the trip is metered.

Cycling through the city is also growing in popularity as Riga is committed to becoming a green country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Latvia

Is Latvia a good place to live?

Yes, Latvia is a great place to live, offering a mix of vibrant cities like Riga, affordable living costs, and stunning natural beauty. It’s a peaceful country with a high safety ranking, excellent healthcare, and a growing expat community.

Can a US citizen live in Latvia?

Yes, US citizens can live in Latvia, but they’ll need a valid visa or Latvian residence permit. Many Americans move to Latvia for work, study, or retirement. Latvia also has a relatively straightforward process for obtaining long-term residence permits.

What is it like for an American living in Latvia?

Americans living in Latvia often enjoy the slower pace of life, lower costs compared to the US, and easy access to Europe. However, adjusting to the language and colder winters can be challenging. Many American expats are based in Riga, where English is widely spoken.

Can I speak English in Latvia?

Yes, English is widely spoken, especially in Riga and among younger generations. However, outside major cities, locals may primarily speak Latvian or Russian, so learning Latvian on a basic level is highly recommended to get around.

Is Latvia a good place for expats to live?

Latvia is an excellent choice for expats due to its affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and growing expat community. Riga, in particular, offers great amenities, job opportunities, and international schools for families.

What is the cost of living for foreigners in Latvia?

The cost of living in Latvia is lower than in many other European countries. Monthly expenses for a single person in Riga, excluding rent, is about €900 per month. Smaller towns and cities are even more affordable.

How is the healthcare system for foreigners in Latvia?

Latvia offers high-quality healthcare services, with public healthcare accessible to residents through the state system. Many foreigners opt for private healthcare, which is affordable and offers shorter wait times.

Can foreigners buy property in Latvia?

Yes, buying property in Latvia as a foreigner is possible, with non-EU citizens actually having the same rights as Latvian citizens when buying property. The only limitation is that they can’t buy agricultural or forest land.

How easy is it for foreigners to get residency in Latvia?

Obtaining residency in Latvia for foreigners is quite straight forward, with options like the Latvia Golden Visa providing a streamlined process for Latvian residency in exchange for investment into the country.

Is Latvia safe for foreigners?

Absolutely! Latvia is a very safe country in Europe. While there is petty theft in the popular tourist areas like in all countries, the chances of a serious or violent crime are extremely low.

Is Latvia an affordable place to live compared to other EU countries?

Yes, in general, Latvia is significantly cheaper than other countries in the EU. For example, living in Germany costs 47% more than in Latvia including rent. While living in France costs on average 30% more than living in Latvia.

Can a foreigner work in Latvia?

Yes, foreigners are welcome to work in Latvia as long as they have the correct visa and permits. Latvia offers a range of work, study, and residency visa options.