Latvia, the European Union's best-kept secret
The only country with 6/6 international accreditations, 0% CIT on reinvested profits, and a cost of living 45% lower than Paris.
Why entrepreneurs choose Latvia
0% corporate tax on reinvested profits
0% CIT on reinvested profits. 20% only on distributed dividends. As long as you reinvest, you pay zero corporate tax.
6/6 international accreditations
EU, Schengen, Eurozone, OECD, and NATO member. The only country with 6/6 accreditations. Zero tax stigma, unlike Dubai or certain offshore setups.
48h to create your SIA
SIA created in 2 business days via the Latvian registry's automated system (since 2025). Minimum share capital: EUR 2,800.
-45% cost of living vs Paris
Riga is 40-50% cheaper than Paris. Average city-centre rent: EUR 500-700/month. European quality of life, modern infrastructure.
80+ double taxation treaties
Bilateral tax treaties with most EU countries, including France (signed 1997). Clear and stable legal framework for international entrepreneurs.
3 weeks, fully operational
Balt Partners, a French expatriation firm based in Latvia, supports you from A to Z. A single point of contact for all your procedures, in English and French.
France vs Estonia vs Dubai vs Georgia vs Latvia
| Criteria | France | Estonia | Dubai | Georgia | Latvia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIT on reinvested profits | 25% | 0% | 0-9% | 0% | 0% |
| CIT on distributed profits | 25% + 30% flat tax | 28% (2026) | 0% | ~20% combined | 20% |
| VAT | 20% | 24% | 5% | 18% | 21% |
| Stripe / SEPA | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / No | No / No | Yes / Yes |
| EU Member | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Schengen Area | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Eurozone | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| OECD | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Tax treaty with France | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes (2007) | Yes (1997, EU framework) |
| Company incorporation | 4-6 weeks | 3-5 days | 2-3 weeks | 1 day | 2 days |
| Cost of living (vs Paris) | Baseline | -15% | +30% | -55% | -45% |
| Tax stigma | N/A | None | High | Growing | None |
| Dedicated support | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes (Balt Partners) |
Estonia vs Latvia: the real comparison
Estonia
- Distributed CIT rises to 28% in 2026
- E-residency does not equal tax residency
- No dedicated English-speaking support
- Cost of living only 15% lower than Paris
Latvia
- Distributed CIT stable at 20%
- Real tax residence + EU residence permit
- Full support in English and French (Balt Partners)
- Cost of living 45% lower than Paris
Detailed country comparisons
Discover how Latvia compares to the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs.
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