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
Favourable taxation
0% CIT on reinvested profits. 25% effective on distributed dividends. Effective overall rate: 15-26% vs 45-55% in France.
100% European
EU, Schengen, Eurozone, OECD, and NATO member. Zero tax stigma, unlike Dubai or certain offshore setups.
Ultra-fast incorporation
SIA created in 2 business days via the Latvian registry's automated system (since 2025). Minimum share capital: EUR 2,800.
Low cost of living
Riga is 40-50% cheaper than Paris. Average city-centre rent: EUR 500-700/month. European quality of life, modern infrastructure.
Double taxation treaties
Bilateral tax treaties with most EU countries, including France (signed 1997). Clear and stable legal framework for international entrepreneurs.
Dedicated support
With Balt Partners, you have a single point of contact for all your procedures. Full support in English and French throughout the process.
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 | 25% effective |
| 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 (us) |
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 25% effective
- Real tax residence + EU residence permit
- Full support in English and French (Balt Partners)
- Cost of living 45% lower than Paris
Find out if Latvia is right for you
30-minute call, free, no commitment. We analyse your situation and tell you if it makes sense.