Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- The €250,000 real-estate route closed to new applicants on 15 September 2026.
- The €280,000 subordinated bank-deposit route closed on the same date.
- Company share capital and a €150,000 state fund route remain open.
- Russian and Belarusian nationals are not accepted under the investment routes.
Routes closed on 15 September 2026
Latvia's new Immigration Law took effect on 15 September 2026 and closed two routes to new applicants:
- the €250,000 real-estate purchase; and
- the €280,000 subordinated bank deposit.
A property purchase, at any price, no longer qualifies a new applicant for a residence permit. Foreigners may still buy property in Latvia, but it does not carry a permit.
Investment routes that remain open
- Company share capital: €50,000 plus a €10,000 state fee for a company employing staff and paying tax, or €100,000 for larger companies.
- State alternative-investment fund: €150,000 held for five years, plus a €10,000 budget payment.
Both lead to a five-year temporary residence permit with Schengen travel of 90 days in 180. There is no stated minimum stay, but the permit is tied to the investment. Russian and Belarusian nationals are not accepted under the investment routes.
Alternatives we now recommend
For most of our clients, the Hungary Guest Investor Programme or the Greece golden visa is now the more suitable option for a passive EU permit with no minimum stay. Hungary requires €250,000 in fund units for a ten-year permit decided in two to four months; our Hungary golden visa page has the detail. Greece accepts property from €250,000 for conversions.
The open routes and their conditions are on our Latvia residence by investment page. To confirm which programme fits your objectives, book a consultation with our team.
People also ask
Can existing Latvia golden visa holders still renew their permits?
Yes. Permits granted under the old rules continue. PMLP renews permits based on the €250,000 property or the €280,000 deposit as long as the qualifying investment is maintained and the holder meets the ordinary conditions. Selling the property or withdrawing the deposit ends the basis for renewal.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship through residence?
Ten years of legal residence, counted from your first residence card, under the Nationality Law in force since 19 May 2026. EU and CPLP nationals qualify after seven years. You also need A2 Portuguese and a clean record. Applications lodged before 19 May 2026 follow the old five-year rule.
Can you still get a Portugal golden visa by buying property?
No. Real estate and real-estate funds were removed from the Portugal golden visa on 7 October 2023. The routes in 2026 are a €500,000 CMVM-registered fund, €500,000 in research, a €250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas) and company or job-creation routes. You may buy a home, but it will not count.
How much does the Greece golden visa cost in 2026?
From €250,000 for an approved commercial-to-residential conversion or listed-building restoration, €400,000 for a standard home in most of Greece, and €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Add about 3.09% transfer tax, 3–4% notary and legal fees, and about €2,000 state fee per adult.
Can you rent out a Greece golden visa property on Airbnb?
No. Long-term lets are allowed, but short-term rental on Airbnb-style platforms is banned for Greece golden visa property. The fine is €50,000 and the residence permit can be revoked. Plan your yield on annual tenancies, not tourist lets, and expect a Greek property tax bill (ENFIA) plus tax on any Greek rental income.