Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Settling in Latvia is increasingly attracting remote workers, skilled employees, and European students seeking a quieter life, nature, and controlled costs while staying within the European Union. But behind the image of Riga and its Art Nouveau facades, moving to this Baltic country remains a double-edged gamble, with real advantages but also very concrete constraints that are best known before packing your bags.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and challenges of settling in Latvia, examining key aspects such as the economy, taxation, society, climate, and culture, based on recent data.
A small country highly connected to Europe
Latvia is a republic of the European Union, located in the north of the continent, in the heart of the Baltic region, between Estonia and Lithuania, with Russia and Belarus as its eastern neighbors. It belongs to the eurozone, the Schengen Area, NATO, and the OECD, and uses the euro as its currency. Its capital, Riga, is the largest urban center in the Baltics and concentrates about one-third of the national population.
Latvia has approximately 1.9 million inhabitants, a small population that shapes its labor market and social dynamics.
For an expatriate who is an EU or EEA national, settling is simplified: no visa required, but a mandatory registration with the authorities if staying more than 90 days. For non-Europeans, things get more complicated, with a real process involving residence permits, long-stay visas, or even a Golden Visa for those who invest.
Nature, environment, and quality of life: a major asset
One of the most powerful arguments in favor of expatriation to Latvia remains its nature. More than half of the territory is covered by forests, the country has about 12,000 rivers, over 3,000 lakes, and more than 500 km of coastline on the Baltic Sea. Two iconic national parks, Gauja and Ķemeri, along with very rich biodiversity (nearly 658 protected species), offer an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Latvia, each inhabitant has on average ten times more land and renewable water resources than a resident of the Netherlands or the global average. This abundance translates into quick access to nature: forests are reachable within minutes from Riga, the sandy beaches of Jūrmala are a 30-minute train ride from the capital, and historic towns like Cēsis are surrounded by nearly untouched nature.
The country is ranked in the global top 30 in terms of environmental performance, and it also ranks among relatively peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index. For a remote worker or an entrepreneur seeking a calm, secure, and green environment, Latvia checks many boxes.
The downside is that this environment is heavily influenced by the local climate, far from the image of a temperate, sunny Europe.
A climate that shapes daily life… and mood
Latvia experiences a semi-continental and humid climate, halfway between the maritime influence of the Baltic and a more pronounced continental climate. Concretely, this means four very distinct seasons, long, cold, and dark winters, and short but mild summers.
Winter, from December to March, is characterized by temperatures that can drop below -30°C, low light, very short days, and high humidity that intensifies the cold sensation. These conditions can seriously weigh on the morale of unprepared expatriates.
Spring arrives late, with possible snowfall until early April. Autumn is often rainy, with low cloud cover and quickly shortening days. Summer, on the other hand, is often pleasant, with average temperatures around 20–24°C, and peaks at 30°C during heatwaves. The Baltic Sea remains very cool, peaking at 17–19°C in summer, which limits the idea of “comfortable swimming” for many foreigners.
Despite the absence of hurricanes or tornadoes, Latvia faces increasing violent storms, floods, and heatwaves, with an average temperature rise of about 1.2°C between 1960 and 2020. Regarding adaptation to climate change as a priority, the country has implemented national plans including dozens of specific measures to adapt to these changes.
For an expatriate, this climate is one of the main drawbacks: the succession of cold, dark, and humid months can lead to fatigue, low morale, or even seasonal depression. You need to be ready to invest in good clothing, a richer indoor life (culture, sports, socializing), and sometimes tools like light therapy lamps.
Cost of living: affordable but needs perspective
On the budget front, Latvia has a cost of living significantly lower than many Western European countries. Comparative indices place the country around 49 out of 100, in the lower range of global costs. Living in Riga would be about 40% cheaper than in some major US cities like Seattle, and rents would be on average more than 70% lower than in the United States.
For a single expatriate, monthly expenses (including housing) roughly range between €1,300 and €1,700, depending on the standard and neighborhood. A family of four can live on about €2,700 to €3,400 per month, including housing. Estimates strictly “excluding rent” put the costs for a single person at around €800 per month.
A numerical overview of typical expenses provides a more precise idea.
Sample monthly budget
| Expense item | Indicative monthly range |
|---|---|
| Rent for 1-bedroom in Riga center | €409–700 |
| Rent for 1-bedroom outside center | €250–450 |
| Rent for 3-bedroom in center | €400–1,300 |
| Rent for 3-bedroom outside center | €330–900 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | €180–350 depending on season |
| Food per adult | €150–300 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | ~€30 |
| Home internet | €10–25 |
| Smartphone (plan with data) | €10–28 |
Meals at restaurants remain reasonable: about €12 for a dish at a cheap eatery, from €40 to €100 for dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant. Fresh produce, however, is not always as cheap as expected; some expatriates note the relatively high price of certain groceries and recommend sourcing from local producers for meat, milk, or vegetables.
For expatriates paid from abroad or in international remote work, Latvia offers an excellent quality of life / cost ratio.
The overall cost (housing, leisure, services) remains significantly lower than in Western Europe.
The country offers a fairly high level of safety and quality of life for residents.
Conversely, for an expatriate paid at local standards, the perception is more nuanced.
The Latvian economy is diversified: services, logistics, information technology, financial services, construction, wood processing, and agri-food are the main pillars. The country is considered an advanced market, strategically positioned as a gateway to Northern and Eastern Europe. The capital concentrates most of the added value: Riga generates more than half of the national GDP.
In terms of average wealth, GDP per capita is well below the EU average but growing: around €20,600 in 2022, about 40% less than the European average, with a 36% increase between 2018 and 2022. The national minimum wage is set at €740 gross per month in 2025, up from €700 the previous year. The average monthly gross salary is around €1,750–1,800, with an average net of about €1,200.
The salary structure clearly illustrates the duality of the market: relatively high pay in some skilled sectors, and very low levels in low-skilled services.
Average gross salaries by sector (order of magnitude)
| Sector of activity | Average monthly gross salary |
|---|---|
| Information & communication | ~€2,850 |
| Financial & insurance activities | ~€2,780 |
| Scientific & technical professions | ~€2,180 |
| Public administration | ~€2,060 |
| Electricity, gas, steam | ~€2,060 |
| Industrial manufacturing | ~€1,630 |
| Wholesale & retail trade | ~€1,530 |
| Education | ~€1,500 |
| Real estate | ~€1,460 |
| Accommodation & food service | ~€1,160 |
The minimum wage remains very close to the subsistence level, making daily life difficult for Latvians paid at this level, especially in cities. Expatriates who take local jobs in low-skilled sectors should be aware that salaries are far below French, German, or British standards.
About 74% of Latvian employers have difficulty recruiting skilled workers. Sectors particularly under pressure are IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, as well as certain construction and industrial trades. For qualified profiles such as engineers, developers, or financial specialists, this situation represents a real professional opportunity.
Social benefits and work framework
Latvian labor law provides for a standard 40-hour workweek, a minimum of 20 working days of paid leave per year, in addition to public holidays, and a fairly protective framework for sick leave, maternity, and paternity leave, with a large portion funded by public social insurance.
Typical situations include:
– at least four weeks of paid leave,
– 140 days of paid maternity leave at about 80% of salary,
– 10 days of paid paternity leave,
– long-term parental leave schemes with partial salary replacement,
– sick leave co-financed by employer and state.
More and more companies, especially in IT and services, offer flexible hours, telecommuting, and supplementary private health insurance. Remote work, while still less widespread than in some Western countries, is steadily increasing.
For an expatriate in a skilled sector, the salary/cost of living trade-off can therefore be quite favorable, especially compared to much more expensive capitals. On the other hand, those arriving in Latvia with a low-paying job offer or in oversaturated sectors (administration, certain applied science fields) may find the economic equation disappointing.
Taxation: a progressive system but fairly heavy on labor
Latvia applies a progressive personal income tax. The main rates are around 25.5% on income up to a certain annual threshold, then 33% beyond that, with an additional 3% for very high annual incomes exceeding €200,000. A non-taxable allowance of about €510 per month applies, adjusted for personal circumstances, and tax residents (present more than 183 days per year) are taxed on their worldwide income.
Added to this are significant social contributions, shared between employer and employee, to fund pensions, healthcare, and unemployment insurance. The overall charge rate exceeds 34% of gross salary, with about 10.5% borne by the employee and nearly 24% by the employer.
Despite a tax landscape perceived as heavy for workers, Latvia has signed double taxation agreements with more than 60 countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.). It applies a corporate income tax rate of about 20% and offers a favorable tax mechanism for reinvested profits.
For a self-employed expatriate or investor, Latvia is not a tax haven, but it offers a relatively stable environment, with the euro as currency, a standard VAT of 21% (with reduced rates), and schemes such as the Golden Visa, accessible notably through a real estate investment of at least €250,000 or a business investment starting from €50,000.
Housing and real estate: affordable but needs close analysis
In the rental market, the main advantage remains the level of rents, much lower than in major Western capitals. In Riga, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically rents for between about €400 and €700 per month; on the outskirts, it can drop to €250–450. A three-bedroom central unit often ranges between €400 and €1,300, depending on condition, location, and standard.
Price per square meter for quality downtown properties for purchase in this European capital.
This affordability attracts some expatriates looking to buy a primary residence or a pied-à-terre. However, the market, especially in Riga, is not without pitfalls: overcharging practices for newcomers, high security deposits, sometimes poorly maintained or insulated properties that can lead to soaring heating bills in winter.
It is generally recommended to look for housing on the ground, visit physically, ask already settled expatriates, and use major local portals rather than less transparent classified ads.
Healthcare system: accessible but improvable
Latvia has a universal healthcare system, funded by taxes and social contributions, and managed by the Ministry of Health and the National Health Service (NVD). Residents, including foreigners with a valid residence permit, can access public care with some coverage, while transient foreigners can receive free emergency care and, for European nationals, coverage under the European Health Insurance Card.
The share of health expenses directly paid by households in France, a level well above the European average of 15%.
Some price ranges for medical services
| Type of service | Price range (without coverage) |
|---|---|
| General practitioner consultation | €15–40 |
| Specialist consultation | €50–100 |
| Hospitalization per day | €100–500 |
| Imaging exams (MRI, CT scan) | €50–300 |
| Private health insurance per month | €50–150 |
The majority of expatriates choose to take out international or local private health insurance, which provides easier access to private clinics, better equipped, with significantly shorter wait times, and often English-speaking staff. These facilities are mostly concentrated in Riga and major cities.
Latvia has high preventable mortality, a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, smoking, alcoholism, and obesity, as well as a historically high suicide rate. For an expatriate, daily life is not dangerous, but one must anticipate a healthcare system under strain, requiring compromises, especially if relying exclusively on the public sector.
Education: good level, strong equity, but some weaknesses
For expatriate families, the schooling question is central. The Latvian education system is generally well-ranked, with results above the OECD average in math and science, and a high place in assessments of creative thinking or digital skills among adolescents. Basic education is considered fairly equitable, with the influence of socio-economic background on performance less marked than in many other countries.
Education is compulsory from ages 7 to 16 in a unified “basic education” system. It is followed by general or vocational secondary education up to age 19. Higher education follows the bachelor’s-master’s-doctorate model and includes about thirty institutions, such as the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and Riga Stradiņš University, the latter being renowned for medicine and dentistry and hosting many international students.
For expatriates, two points are decisive.
On one hand, language: Latvia has undertaken a rapid transition to nearly entirely Latvian-language instruction in public schools, including in minority language schools. English-language programs exist at universities but remain limited in primary and secondary public education. International schools, mainly in Riga, offer programs in English (or German in some cases), often around the International Baccalaureate, but at high tuition costs.
Order of magnitude for private school fees
| Type of institution | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Private daycare/preschool (monthly) | €250–700 |
| International primary school (annual) | €7,000–23,000 |
| University (international program, per year) | €1,800–15,000 |
On the other hand, geography: outside Riga and a few large cities, the supply of quality schools, especially for specialized or bilingual education, is more limited. The public school network is very dense for a small population, which strains budgets and accentuates differences between rural and urban schools. In some regions, schools lack teachers, and teacher salaries remain relatively low.
For a French-speaking or English-speaking family, Latvia is feasible if you settle in Riga and have the budget for an international school. However, for settling in a small town or the countryside, you must accept schooling in Latvian, which will require significant language support.
The official language is Latvian, a complex Baltic language, very different from Romance or Germanic languages. It is considered difficult for English speakers, with seven grammatical cases, extensive declensions, and vocabulary far from Latin or Germanic roots. Estimates for learning time to reach B2 level are around 1,100 hours of study, i.e., 1.5 to 2 years of regular effort.
In large cities like Riga, English is common among young people and Russian remains widespread, facilitating daily and professional interactions. However, outside urban areas, the language barrier becomes significant, especially for administrative procedures, medical care, shopping in rural areas, and interactions with the local population.
The role of language goes beyond mere practicality. Learning Latvian is seen as a sign of respect and a willingness to integrate. Authorities actively promote its use, with subsidized courses, language requirements in many professions, and a school policy focused on Latvian as the language of instruction. To access certain positions, especially in the public sector or regulated professions, a language proficiency certificate is required.
It is possible to live without speaking Latvian in Riga and major cities, especially using English or Russian. However, for deep integration, a job in the public sector, or a long-term career, proficiency in Latvian is essential. Staying in a foreign language bubble can lead to a lasting feeling of marginalization.
One of the main surprises for expatriates often concerns sociability: Latvians are frequently described as reserved, undemonstrative, and attached to their personal space. Superficial contacts can seem cold or distant, whether on public transport, at the supermarket, or in the office. This cultural restraint, reinforced by the country’s political history, can be interpreted as coldness by foreigners used to more extroverted codes.
Once the relationship is established, Latvians are described as reliable, loyal, and helpful friends, with authentic hospitality in private settings. Bonds form slowly but become very strong. Events like the summer solstice festival (Jāņi), song and dance festivals, or gatherings in nature illustrate this deep community dimension, centered on the seasons and the natural world.
Social integration opportunities are plentiful in Riga: expatriate communities, book clubs, sports groups, associations, networking events for entrepreneurs or tech professionals. The city, very compact, offers a rich cultural life (museums, galleries, concerts, festivals), remarkable architectural heritage (especially Art Nouveau), and many cafés, bars, and restaurants. Other smaller towns, like Cēsis or Liepāja, offer a slower pace, very nature-oriented, with even lower costs.
Integration for expatriates can be a slow and frustrating process, with a persistent feeling of not belonging, especially without language skills. Qualitative studies also highlight cases of discrimination and social cohesion difficulties, particularly for non-European immigrants.
Safety and crime: a generally safe country but not without risks
In terms of safety, Latvia is generally considered a safe country. International indicators rank crime levels in a low to moderate zone, and travel advisories from major Western countries mainly mention the need to “take normal precautions.” The capital remains generally peaceful, with a relatively low rate of violent crime and a high sense of safety during the day.
Travelers and expatriates should be wary of pickpockets, bag snatching, and scams (inflated bills in bars, unofficial taxis, fake money changers), especially in tourist areas like the Old Town, markets, train stations, and underground tunnels.
More structurally, Latvia has to contend with the proximity of large flows of drug and human trafficking, and a history marked by organized crime partly stemming from Russian-speaking networks. The country remains a transit point for certain forms of crime (narcotics, money laundering, trafficking), although authorities have strengthened their fight and the number of identified mafia groups has sharply decreased in recent years. Corruption has not disappeared but tends to decline, under pressure from international institutions and NGOs.
For an expatriate, the feeling of insecurity in daily life is rare, but more mundane risks are present. These include dangerous roads in winter, aggressive drivers, drinking and driving, and falls on icy sidewalks. With one of the highest road accident rates in Europe, particular vigilance is necessary, especially during the bad season.
Residence, visas, and specific frameworks: from EU to Golden Visa
Administratively, expatriates fall into two main categories.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens benefit from freedom of movement: they can come to live and work without a visa or work permit, but must, after 90 days, register their residence with the authorities, provide an address, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Access to the labor market is then free.
For nationals of third countries, long stays require a Type D visa. Obtaining a work permit is tied to a specific employer, and residence permits (temporary or permanent) are conditional on an employment contract, studies, family reunification, or investment. The procedures, often perceived as cumbersome, involve processing times of several weeks and the production of numerous supporting documents (contract, proof of resources, insurance, criminal record).
A significant attractiveness factor is the presence of a residence-by-investment program (Golden Visa) among the most affordable in the EU, with a minimum entry ticket of about €50,000 in a Latvian company, or a real estate investment starting from €250,000, or a substantial bank deposit. In exchange, investors obtain a five-year renewable residence permit, granting access to the Schengen Area. Citizenship, however, is only possible after ten years of legal residence, with passing language and constitutional knowledge exams.
This scheme mainly attracts nationals from non-European countries seeking a gateway to the EU. For a French, Belgian, or Canadian expatriate already in the Schengen Area, the interest lies rather in the relative simplicity of administrative procedures within Europe and the possibility of considering a more permanent settlement in the long term.
Three city profiles for three life projects
The expatriation experience in Latvia strongly depends on the place of residence.
Riga, first, is the economic and cultural heart of the country. This is where professional opportunities, highest salaries, international schools, private clinics, expatriate communities, and most urban leisure activities are concentrated. The city remains compact, easily walkable or navigable by public transport, with a dense offering of cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and concerts. For a young professional or a family seeking services, it is often the first option.
Cēsis is a small historic town offering a nature-focused living environment, with activities like hiking and Nordic skiing, and an intimate cultural life. Rents and cost of living are lower, with a slower pace of life. However, the local job market is more limited. This setting is particularly suitable for remote workers, freelancers, or retirees.
Jūrmala, finally, is the major seaside resort on the coast, half an hour from the capital, with its beaches, pine trees, and wellness centers. The town attracts many vacationers, especially in summer, and also hosts year-round residents, often with comfortable incomes, seeking a compromise between proximity to Riga and life by the sea.
Other cities, such as Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Ventspils, or Rēzekne, each offer a different mix of costs, demographic profile, and professional opportunities, but for most expatriates, Riga remains the natural gateway.
Main advantages and disadvantages: a nuanced assessment
In summary, expatriation in Latvia revolves around a few major strengths and structural weaknesses.
Among the most tangible advantages are:
– a cost of living and especially housing significantly lower than in Western Europe,
– an exceptional and easily accessible natural environment,
– a generally good level of safety, with a low rate of violent crime,
– real opportunities for skilled profiles, especially in IT, finance, engineering, healthcare,
– a rich culture, marked by traditions, music, nature, and remarkable architectural heritage (especially in Riga),
– full connection to the European Union, eurozone, and Schengen Area,
– human-scale urban life, particularly in Riga, with a good cultural and leisure offering,
– a certain family quality of life, thanks to relatively generous parental leave and uncrowded environments.
Against this, the structural disadvantages are far from negligible:
Several factors should be considered before settling in Latvia: the climate, with long, dark winters impacting well-being; generally low salary levels; strong language barriers outside Riga; a reserved culture that can complicate integration; a public healthcare system under strain; a largely monolingual public education system in Latvian; and a bureaucracy that can be slow and opaque for administrative procedures.
The final trade-off therefore strongly depends on the expatriate’s profile.
A developer or finance expert, paid at a comfortable level, able to telecommute from Riga or Jūrmala, and willing to learn Latvian, will enjoy very good purchasing power, a serene environment, a decent leave system, and a labor market eager for their skills.
A recent graduate accepting a job in hospitality or retail at near minimum wage, without speaking Latvian, risks experiencing a much more precarious situation, with a tight budget, complicated integration, and limited prospects.
For a family, Latvia can offer a privileged setting if they can afford a good school (public or international depending on language strategy), private health insurance, and if parents anticipate the issue of long winter and language.
Conclusion: a country with high potential… for well-prepared projects
Latvia is neither a hidden Eldorado nor a dead end for naive adventurers. It is a small European state that has changed a lot in three decades, combining an exceptional natural environment, dense culture, still moderate cost of living, strong European integration, and a clear need for foreign talent. But it is also a country facing an aging population, a youth exodus, a healthcare system under strain, harsh winters, and a jealously guarded linguistic identity.
To succeed in your expatriation project in Latvia, it is crucial to prioritize a realistic, documented approach rather than relying solely on enthusiasm. This means: researching salaries in your sector; simulating your real cost of living; anticipating the climatic conditions; honestly evaluating your motivation to learn the Latvian language; understanding how the healthcare system and school system work. If possible, it is highly recommended to come and test life on the ground for a few weeks, both in winter and summer, before committing definitively.
Those who accept this preparation, and enter Latvia with a clear vision of what it can offer and what it cannot, often discover a discreet but endearing country, where nature, safety, and a certain seasonal art of living make up, despite their shadows, a deeply unique living environment in Europe.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
