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?
A Latvian SIA pays 20% corporate income tax only when it distributes profit, calculated on the gross amount (20/80 of the net dividend). While the profit stays in the company, that tax is not due. If you are tax resident in Latvia, the dividend then carries no personal income tax, except 3% on the part of your annual income above EUR 200,000. In the UK, the same profit first pays corporation tax (19% up to £50,000, 25% from £250,000, with marginal relief in between), then dividend tax at 10.75%, 35.75% or 39.35% depending on your income band (rates since 6 April 2026). On 100 of distributed profit, that is 20 of tax in Latvia against roughly 28 to 55 in the UK.
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 plenty of coworking spaces and a wide choice of restaurants. Fibre broadband is widespread and public transport works well. On costs, consumer prices in Latvia are about 33% lower than in the UK and 39% lower than in Ireland, according to the 2025 price levels published by Eurostat.
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.
How long do I need to stay in Latvia?
183 days per year minimum for standard Latvian tax residency. An alternative exists: declared address (deklarētā dzīvesvieta) with real economic substance (active SIA, local bank account, regular presence). You can use Riga as your base and travel the rest of the year. Bilateral tax treaty tie-breaker rules settle dual-residency conflicts.
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 1 to 3 business days at the Register. 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, to be paid up in full before the registration application is filed. 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.
Ready to take the next step?
We guide you through every step and answer all your questions.