Latvia, a member of the European Union, offers a renewable residence permit to investors from outside the bloc, including South African citizens. Routes span real estate, company investment and financial options.
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 offers a renewable residence permit to investors from outside the European Union. South African citizens can apply and there is no published rule that excludes them.
Applicants pass background checks and show they can support themselves. A spouse and minor children can be included.
Routes include real estate, a company investment, a subordinated deposit in a Latvian credit institution and government bonds. As of June 2026 the real estate route requires at least 250,000 euros.
The smaller company route requires at least 50,000 euros and the larger company route at least 100,000 euros, with a one time state fee payable on approval. Confirm the current figure and conditions with the official authority.
Latvia is among the quicker European routes, with processing often quoted in a few months. The permit is issued for five years and renewed while the investment is held and conditions are met. Confirm current timelines with the official authority.
Beyond the qualifying investment, applicants meet the state fee, legal costs and proof of funds for living expenses. Treat any number as indicative until the official authority confirms it.
| Route | Indicative minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate | 250,000 euros | Plus a state fee on approval |
| Smaller company | 50,000 euros | Company under 50 staff, turnover under 10 million euros, plus state fee |
| Larger company | 100,000 euros | Company over 50 staff, turnover over 10 million euros, plus state fee |
| State fee | 10,000 euros | One time fee payable after approval |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. The programme is open to investors from outside the European Union and there is no published rule that excludes South African nationals. Confirm with the official authority.
As of June 2026 the smaller company route starts at 50,000 euros, while the real estate route requires at least 250,000 euros. A state fee applies. Confirm the current figure with the official authority.
A Latvian permit allows travel within the Schengen Area under its rules, but living and working elsewhere needs separate permission. Confirm with the official authority.
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.
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