Moving to Latvia in 2024

Step by step guide on migrating and relocating to Latvia in 2024?

Use our Guide to find all the moving information you may need if you are thinking of moving or working in Latvia.

People relocate and move to Latvia for a variety of reasons. Some may be in pursuit of better economic opportunities or to pursue higher education. Others might move for work or retirement. Latvias excellent healthcare system and access to cultural activities also attract people from other countries who are looking for a safe, peaceful life. People may also move to Latvia for its stunning scenic beauty and its natural environment, which attract visitors from all over the world. Its location in the Baltics also makes it an attractive choice for a holiday or business trip. Furthermore, Latvia offers a relaxed lifestyle and low cost of living, making it an ideal place to live and work.

Cost of Moving to Latvia

When applying for a Residence Visa in Latvia, applicants must pay a fee for various steps of the process. These fees include: 1) Immigration Service Fee: This is a non-refundable fee of 200 LVL (approximately $250 USD) that covers the processing of the permit application and associated communications. 2) Visa Application Fee: This is a non-refundable fee of 80 LVL (approximately $100 USD) to cover the cost of the visa processing. 3) Residence Document Fee: Once the application is accepted and the visa is issued, an additional fee of approximately 35 LVL (approximately $45 USD) is due for the residence document. 4) Employment Card Fee: Depending upon the purpose of the residence permit, the applicant may need to pay a fee of 100 LVL (approximately $125 USD) to obtain an Employment Card. 5) Health Insurance Fee: A mandatory fee of approximately 60 LVL (approximately $75 USD) must be paid for health insurance. Additionally, applicants must pay for their own travel expenses to Latvia and must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their stay in the country. The exact amount is dependent upon the length of the stay, but must not be lower than the minimum amount from the state social insurance budget (which currently stands at 301 LVL or approximately $375 USD). In conclusion, the total cost associated with a Residence Visa in Latvia will depend upon the type of visa, the length of the stay, and other individual circumstances. If all of the fees and expenses listed above are included, the total cost of the Residence Visa process could range from approximately $700 to $1,000 USD.

Best Jobs in Latvia

The most popular jobs that migrants moving to Latvia apply for are usually in engineering and technology, finance, business services and hospitality, as well as within the healthcare sector. Engineering & Technology: Latvia has a growing engineering and technology industry and is quickly becoming a hotspot for engineers from around the world. Salaries for engineers range from $1,500 - $3,500 monthly, depending on experience and roles. Finance: With the increasing presence of tech companies, banks, and financial services providers in Latvia, financial professionals with cross-industry experience are in high demand. Salaries for finance professionals range from $2,000- $7,000 monthly, depending on experience and roles. Business Services: Latvia has a thriving business services sector, with a focus on multilingual customer service and technical support. Salaries range from $1,300 - $3,000 monthly, depending on experience and roles. Hospitality: Hospitality professionals are in high demand in Latvia, with many hotels, restaurants, and hospitality services opening in the country. Salaries for hospitality professionals range from $900 - $2,000 monthly, depending on experience and roles. Healthcare: As more healthcare facilities and services open in Latvia, healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel are in high demand. Salaries for healthcare professionals range from $2,000 - $6,000 monthly, depending on experience and roles.

Weather in Latvia

The climate of Latvia is humid continental, with cool summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature for the country is about 6.5°C (43°F). The average summer temperature is around 17°C (63°F). The season of summer in Latvia typically begins around late May and lasts until late August. Winters are generally very cold in Latvia and last from mid-November to mid-March. During the winter months temperatures usually range between -6 and -10°C (21 and 14°F). In the spring months of March and April, the weather in Latvia usually starts to warm up. May and June are usually mild and pleasant, with temperatures typically in the low to mid twenties (71-75F). Rainfall is relatively high during this period, but it brings life to the landscape with the emergence of wildflowers and blooming trees. Autumn in Latvia starts in mid-September and temperatures typically remain mild until late October. Its a beautiful time of the year, with colorful leaves and cooler temperatures. The early days of November can be pleasantly mild, but winters are usually cold as well during that time. In Latvia, daytime temperatures can range from high of 10°C (50°F) in winter to high of 25°C (77°F) in summer. The average annual rainfall is 650mm (25in). The driest period is from December through April and the wettest period is from May through September. Snowfall is common in Latvia and usually lasts from mid-November until mid-March. In more mountainous areas, snow cover sometimes lasts until late April. No matter what season, it is highly recommended to bring warm clothing and a good waterproof jacket when visiting Latvia.

Tax & Welfare System in Latvia

Latvia has a progressive tax system that includes income taxes, value-added taxes (VAT), and corporate taxes. The tax rates are applied to both residents and non-residents, although the rates for non-residents are typically higher. Income Tax: Latvia employs a three-bracket system for income taxes, with the top rate of 23 percent applying to any income above €31,000. Value-Added Tax (VAT): Latvia has a single-rate VAT of 21 percent applied to most goods, services, and imports. There are certain exemptions, such as 0 percent VAT on certain food and farm products, cultural items, and books. Corporate Tax: Companies in Latvia that are liable for taxes will pay a flat rate of 15 percent, although certain companies may be eligible for reduced rates. Social Welfare System: The social welfare system in Latvia covers a variety of programs, including unemployment insurance, health care, and other social services. The system is funded by taxes and contributions from employers, employees, and the self-employed. Unemployment benefits are available for those who have lost their jobs, while health care and other social services are provided to those who are eligible based on income. The social welfare system also provides financial support for pensioners, the disabled, and families.

Holidays in Latvia

Lativa celebrates several national holidays throughout the year, which are designated public holidays when banks, other businesses, and government offices are closed. The following are some of the public holidays observed in Latvia: New Year’s Day (January 1st): On New Year’s Day, people gather to celebrate the start of the new year. Midsummer’s Day (June 24th): On Midsummer’s Day, many people take part in traditional festivities and gather around bonfires to celebrate the longest day of the year. Independence Day (November 18th): Independence Day celebrates the end of Latvia’s occupation and restoring of full independence in 1991. Christmas (December 25th–26th): Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Latvia. It is a time for family gatherings and exchanging gifts. New Year’s Day (December 31st): New Year’s Eve is the last evening of the year, when people gather and celebrate the coming year. Mother’s Day (May 8th): Mother’s Day is a day to honour mothers and celebrate the role that mothers have in society. Father’s Day (June 19th): Father’s Day is a day to recognize and honour fathers and their contribution to the family and society. In addition to these national holidays, there are several other holidays in Latvia that are observed on a regional or local level, such as Laima-Diena (a celebration of the goddess of fate) and Kuprava-Diena (a celebration of water in pagan times).

Where to Live in Latvia

The most densely populated areas of Latvia are the two largest cities, Rīga and Daugavpils. Both cities have a population density of 1,107 and 298 people per sq km respectively. In these two bustling cities, there are numerous job opportunities, ranging from government and public sector to agriculture and consumer retail services. Rīga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, as well as being the center of its trade and commerce. This makes the city a hub of growth and opportunity, which is why the job market here is flourishing. It has a wide range of employment and financial opportunities, as well as other services such as education and healthcare. The city is home to a number of state-owned and private companies, and several large employers such as Ernst & Young, Unilever and Latvian Railways. By contrast, Daugavpils is Latvia’s second-largest city and most industrial one. It is mostly renowned for its heavy industry, engineering, and transportation infrastructure. There are a lot of job opportunities in the citys state-owned and private enterprises such as the machine-building and metallurgical industries. Additionally, there are also agricultural opportunities, as the citys population is very dependent on the farming and forestry sector. Overall, Latvia has a highly mechanized economy and job market. Both Rīga and Daugavpils are magnets for employment and business opportunities. The job market here offers both local and foreign businesses the opportunity to grow and sustain themselves over the long term.

Sports & Recreation in Latvia

Popular sports in Latvia are soccer, ice hockey, basketball and tennis. Soccer, or football, is arguably the most popular sport in Latvia, with hundreds of soccer clubs around the country, and the Latvian national team participating regularly in international competitions. Ice hockey is also popular in the colder months, with several professional teams in the country. Basketball is also popular, with the mens national team recently competing in the FIBA EuroBasket in 2017. Tennis has seen a recent surge in popularity, and many youth and amateur tournaments are held in Latvia throughout the year. Latvia also offers plenty of recreational activities for visitors and locals alike. Hiking and camping are popular activities in the summer, particularly in regions like Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale. Latvia is also known for its many rivers and lakes, which allows for opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Sailing and windsurfing are increasingly popular activities on Latvias coasts. Latvia also offers plenty of winter activities like skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. The country is home to multiple ski resorts, while its many rivers and lakes offer plenty of places to practice ice-skating and other winter sports.

Cost of Living & Housing in Latvia

The cost of living in Latvia is generally quite low compared to other countries in the region. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is around €250 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in a suburban area can cost around €400. Groceries are generally quite cheap and can range from €20-€50 per week. Utility bills vary from €20-€60 per month depending on usage, while public transportation costs around €2-4 per ride. Housing in Latvia is generally very affordable for the size and quality offered. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €300 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in a suburban area can cost as little as €500. For those looking to buy a property in Latvia, prices start as low as €1,000 per square meter in rural areas, while in larger cities they can reach as high as €2,000.

Best International Removals Companies to/from Latvia

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Study and Higher Education in Latvia

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