One of these routes is open and one is closed. Latvia still grants residence to qualifying investors. Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme to new applicants in 2023.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Latvia residence by investment, administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, grants a renewable residence permit in a European Union and Schengen member state.
The Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applicants in 2023. Comparing the two today means comparing an open Latvian route against an Irish route that no longer accepts new files.
Latvia offers several routes. Common options include 250,000 euro in real estate with a one off state fee, 250,000 euro in interest free government bonds, or a business investment from 50,000 euro into a small or medium Latvian company together with a state fee. Confirm the current figure with the official authority.
Ireland is closed, so there is no current qualifying figure. Older Irish figures, such as enterprise investments or endowments, are historical and should not be relied on.
Latvia commonly processes applications within a few months, with a residence permit that runs for five years and no minimum physical presence to maintain it, subject to the rules in force.
Ireland has no live timeline for new applicants because the programme is closed. Existing approvals continue under their own terms.
A Latvian residence permit is not a passport, but it allows travel within the Schengen area for short stays, generally up to 90 days in any 180 day period. A Latvian passport is only available much later through naturalisation, subject to conditions including language.
Ireland is not in the Schengen area. The Irish investor route is closed, so it is not a current path to Irish residence or to an Irish passport.
Latvia suits someone who wants an open, government run European Union residence with flexible investment options and light stay requirements. Anyone who had hoped to use the Irish investor route will need an alternative, since it is closed. Matched, independent guidance can map what remains open.
| Item | Latvia Residence by Investment | Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Residence permit, renewable | Residence (when it was open) |
| Status | Open | Closed to new applicants since 15 February 2023 |
| Indicative entry | From 50,000 euro business, 250,000 euro real estate, or 250,000 euro government bonds, plus state fees. Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Not available |
| Official authority | Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs | Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Latvia: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Ireland: Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice. publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. It closed to new applicants on 15 February 2023. Existing approvals were not affected, but new files are not accepted.
No. It grants a renewable residence permit. A Latvian passport is a separate, much later step through naturalisation, with its own conditions including language.
Use the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs for Latvia and Immigration Service Delivery for Ireland. Rules change, so verify current figures and seek matched, independent advice.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The rules for this route changed recently. Confirm the current position with current guidance before you act.
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