Your questions, on video
Our team answers your most frequently asked questions about expatriation to Latvia
Is it really legal to expatriate to Latvia?
Yes, 100%. Latvia has been a member of the European Union since 2004. As an EU citizen, you have the right to settle there, start a business and reside freely. This is the very principle of free movement within the EU.
How much tax will I pay exactly?
With the Latvian micro-enterprise regime, you pay 25% on the first EUR 25,000 of revenue and 40% above that. For a freelancer with EUR 100K in revenue, that amounts to approximately EUR 36,250, compared to over EUR 50,000 in France. The savings are significant from the very first euro invoiced.
Do I need to speak Latvian?
No, not at all. In Riga, English is widely spoken, especially in professional settings, shops and restaurants. All administrative procedures are handled by our local team. You can live comfortably in English.
What is daily life like in Riga?
Riga is a modern European capital with an excellent coworking network, a thriving food scene, and a cost of living 30 to 40% lower than Paris. Fibre broadband is everywhere, public transport works well, and the expat community is growing every year.
Can I keep my existing clients?
Absolutely. Your Latvian SIA can invoice any client in the EU and beyond. With an intra-community VAT number, your B2B invoices are VAT-exempt. Your clients see no difference, except that your invoice comes from Riga.
What happens if I don't like it?
You remain free. There is no commitment period. If you wish to return home or move elsewhere, we support you with the clean closure of your Latvian structure. Our goal is your satisfaction, not to lock you into a system.
More questions?
Find here the answers to the most common questions we receive.
The entire process takes approximately 3 weeks. Creating the SIA (equivalent of a limited liability company) takes 3 to 5 business days. Obtaining the VAT number and opening the bank account follow within 2 weeks. We handle all the paperwork for you.
The minimum share capital for a SIA is EUR 2,800, of which only 50% must be paid up at incorporation (i.e. EUR 1,400). This is much more accessible than in many European countries. The capital remains in the company account and can be used for business expenses.
As a Latvian resident contributing to the social system, you have access to the public healthcare system. Most of our clients opt for supplementary private health insurance (around EUR 100 to 200/month) which provides access to the best clinics in Riga with very short appointment wait times.
Not necessarily. Latvia recognises two paths to tax residency: registering a declared address (deklarētā dzīvesvieta) in Latvia, or spending 183+ days in any 12-month period. Most of our clients register a declared address in Riga and maintain real economic substance (active SIA, Latvian bank account, regular presence), without needing to stay six months on site. You can use Riga as your base and travel freely the rest of the time. If another country also claims your tax residency, the tie-breaker rules of the applicable tax treaty apply. We help you find accommodation and build a solid file.
All digital and service-based professions are perfectly suited: developers, designers, consultants, e-commerce entrepreneurs, trainers, coaches, marketing agencies, SaaS... In short, any activity that can be carried out remotely and whose clients are not exclusively local.
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