Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Latvia is attracting more and more expats: a low-population-density country, a lively and relatively affordable capital, a very preserved environment, EU and Schengen membership, and a generally good security climate. But for a truly smooth relocation, you need to go beyond the clichés and understand what “safety” means in daily life: crime, climate, environment, health, cybersecurity, legal framework, social integration, transportation, and residence procedures.
This article is based on recent data and international reports to provide a comprehensive overview, allowing you to concretely prepare your move with full knowledge of the facts.
A generally safe country with specific challenges
Latvia is regularly ranked among low-risk destinations. U.S. authorities place it at Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions“), and Canada calls the threat “low.” Several international indicators confirm this image, even if some points deserve special attention.
Safety indices, crime, and risk perception
The available figures paint a fairly nuanced picture: Latvia is neither a crime-free paradise nor a dangerous country on a daily basis. It falls more in the low European average for crime, with a few areas of vigilance.
| Indicator | Value / Rank | Summary Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Index (perceived safety) | ≈ 80 / 100 | Overall level considered “safe” |
| Crime Index (perceived crime) | ≈ 36.4 / 100 | Crime considered “low” |
| Homicide rate (2020) | 4.9 / 100,000 pop. | Down sharply since 2000 but high for the EU |
| Recorded homicides (2023) | 79 | Mostly linked to private contexts |
| Recorded homicides (2024) | 67 (42 classified as homicides) | Continuing downward trend |
| Terrorist threat level | Level 1 out of 4 | “Low” level according to security service |
Latvia remains one of the EU member states with a relatively high homicide rate. This often-cited statistic, however, needs to be put into context: a large share of homicides occur in a domestic setting or between people who know each other, often fueled by alcohol or domestic violence. For an expat applying basic precautions, the risk of being a victim of violent crime in public spaces remains low.
At the same time, the incarceration rate (around 165 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants) remains high by European standards, which also reflects a fairly strict penal policy.
Mostly opportunistic crime in tourist areas
For a newcomer, the main threat is petty crime, especially in Riga and places frequented by visitors: pickpocketing, bag snatching, bar or taxi scams, credit card fraud in some establishments.
The most sensitive areas include the central train station, bus station, central market, tourist districts of the old town, and some poorly lit parks. The Maskavas Forštate neighborhood has more petty crime. Conversely, neighborhoods like Sarkandaugava are described as quiet by residents.
The table below provides an overview of safety indices reported in several Latvian cities:
| City / Area | Safety Index (≈) | Crime Index (≈) | Quick Read for an Expat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riga (capital) | 61.5 | 38.5 | Large city, usual vigilance in tourist areas |
| Jurmala | 64 | 35.9 | Seaside resort, generally safe |
| Ventspils | 64 | 33 | West coast port, reputedly calm |
| Dobele | 75 | 20 | Small town perceived as very safe |
| Cesis | 77 | 2 | Very peaceful historic town |
| Jekabpils | 56.5 | 43.5 | More marked crime, caution at night |
| Ogre, Tukums, Jelgava | ≈63–65 | ≈35–37 | Regional towns, same reflexes as elsewhere in Europe |
The majority of expats concentrate in Riga and its region, sometimes in Jurmala. In these areas, the level of precautions is comparable to many European capitals: avoid deserted streets at night, keep an eye on your belongings in transport and crowded places, prefer official taxis or ride-hailing apps, and monitor your payment methods.
Scams, drugs, and gender-based violence: real but avoidable risks
Security reports detail a range of risks that mainly affect unwary travelers, isolated revelers, or people considered vulnerable.
Among the typical situations reported in Riga:
– “Spiked” drinks in certain bars or clubs, leading to theft, sometimes sexual assault;
– “Forced consumption” bars, where a stranger lures you in and the bill skyrockets without prices being clearly stated;
– Unofficial taxis charging exorbitant fares;
– Fraudulent rental listings online, especially in high season;
– Illicit drug use, in a country where penalties remain severe and substance use (cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines) is still significant in some circles.
For women and LGBTQ+ individuals, the risk of verbal harassment or assault exists, particularly at night and when alcohol is flowing. NGOs and authorities mention underreporting of gender-based violence, and official statistics show that women are heavily represented among domestic homicide victims. Travelers and expats are therefore encouraged to avoid walking home alone late in isolated areas, to watch their drinks, and to prefer group travel or taxis.
Broadly speaking, Latvia remains a country where you can walk around without a constant feeling of insecurity, provided you adopt the basic reflexes of any large European city.
Climate, environment, and natural risks: a very healthy setting, but a demanding winter
Daily safety is not limited to crime. Climatic conditions, air and water quality, and the management of forests and rivers matter just as much for a serene expatriation.
An environment highly ranked internationally
Ecologically, Latvia is a good performer. The Environmental Performance Index 2023 ranks it 15th in the world, a very high position, and it even took first place globally for the share of protected terrestrial and marine areas in the 2022 edition. Almost half the territory is covered by forests, much of it certified for sustainable management, and natural areas (bogs, coasts, meadows, national parks like Kemeri) are vast and preserved.
A few figures illustrate this context:
| Environmental Indicator | Latvia’s Result |
|---|---|
| Share of forested territory | ≈ 50% |
| EPI 2023 ranking (environmental performance) | 15th worldwide |
| Share of protected land and marine areas (EPI) | 1st worldwide (2022 edition) |
| Share of renewables in total energy | ≈ 50% |
| Share of renewables in electricity production | ≈ 80% |
For an expat, this translates to easy access to nature, sparsely urbanized landscapes, abundant water, Baltic beaches, and numerous lakes and rivers. Air in Riga is generally considered “good” and low in pollution, even though the average exposure to fine particulate matter remains slightly above the new, very strict WHO thresholds.
A temperate climate, long winters, and increasing extreme events
Latvia officially enjoys a temperate climate, with moderately warm summers and cold winters. But for many newcomers, the Latvian winter is one of the main shocks: long, dark, damp, sometimes harsh.
Average feels-like temperature in the capital in summer, with higher peaks during heat waves.
Climate change is gradually altering this pattern. Recent data mentions:
– a warming temperature trend;
– more frequent heat episodes (heatwaves, droughts);
– more unstable weather, with more numerous storms and extreme precipitation.
In late July 2024, a violent storm left nearly 30,000 households without power, triggered over 850 emergency calls, and caused localized flooding. This example illustrates the need to adapt to these rare but intense phenomena: secure your home, plan backup solutions in case of outages, and follow emergency service instructions.
Latvians themselves are well aware of this: a 2024 survey indicates that 80% of residents say they have experienced at least one extreme weather event in five years (severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, drought), and 77% of them report having suffered direct consequences (power outages, disrupted transport, property damage). Half the population believes they need to change their lifestyle to adapt, while acknowledging they don’t always know how.
Air, water, waste: a generally reassuring level
On the health front, several elements are reassuring for an expat.
– Air: Emissions of major air pollutants (NOx, SO2, fine particles) have dropped significantly since the mid-2000s. Latvia has met its international targets for 2020 (Gothenburg Protocol). However, the vehicle fleet is aging and fairly CO2-emitting, which affects local air quality, especially in cities and during heating season.
Finland has immense freshwater resources (over 12,000 rivers and 2,000 lakes) and low water stress. Advanced wastewater treatment is expanding. Although the ecological quality of water bodies could be improved (only a third in “good or very good” condition), mainly due to agricultural runoff, this does not affect the drinkability of tap water in cities, which is generally safe to consume.
– Waste: Municipal waste generation per capita remains below the OECD average, and the country modernized its waste management as early as the 2000s. Landfilling, though declining, still accounts for nearly half of municipal waste, but recovery is progressing. Pilot projects like the Getlini complex demonstrate the will to turn waste into a resource.
Latvia thus appears as a country where the environment does not pose a daily health threat, but where winter, extreme weather events, and sometimes functional urbanization (depopulated neighborhoods, aging buildings) require an adjustment period for an expat.
Health and healthcare system: get good coverage to avoid nasty surprises
The issue of health security is crucial when changing countries: what happens in case of an accident, chronic illness, pregnancy, or mental health needs?
Healthcare system architecture
The Latvian system combines a large public sector and a rapidly developing private sector. The Ministry of Health sets policy, and the National Health Service (NVD) implements public coverage. The principle is based on residence: citizens and affiliated residents receive essential care at little or no cost, but foreigners must meet a number of conditions to access it.
In practice:
Entitlement to covered healthcare varies depending on your situation. Latvian citizens and permanent residents receive public coverage (doctor, specialists, hospital, etc.) with co-payments. EU/EEA citizens on temporary stays can use the EHIC to access public care under the same conditions. Third-country nationals generally need a residence permit and meet specific requirements; many are not eligible for public coverage and must take out private insurance.
Out-of-pocket expenses remain high: about 27% of health spending is paid directly by households, compared to 15% on average in the EU. Hence the importance, for an expat, of taking out a solid private health insurance, even international, especially at the start of the relocation.
Access, quality, waiting times: what to expect?
Latvia has good-level public hospitals, particularly in Riga: university hospitals, specialized facilities (orthopedics, maternity, psychiatry), and modern private clinics. The country ranks very honorably (14th out of 195) in a global health security index published in 2021, reflecting good capacity to handle epidemics and public health crises.
However, daily life can be more mixed:
Waiting times for specialists and major exams can be long, there is a relative shortage of medical staff and aging equipment, and territorial inequalities exist, sometimes requiring long trips in rural areas.
This is why many expats – and Latvians too – combine use of the public system for emergencies and basic care with private consultations for planned procedures, to reduce waiting times and benefit from more individualized care, often in English.
Typical costs and insurance
Observed price ranges provide a useful idea for the expat budget:
| Type of Service | Indicative Range (without EHIC / public reimbursement) |
|---|---|
| General practitioner visit (private) | €15 – €50 |
| Specialist visit (private) | €50 – €100 |
| Hospital stay per day | €100 – €500 |
| Exams (MRI, advanced radiology…) | €50 – €300 |
| Private health insurance (per month) | €50 – €150 |
| Private health insurance (per year) | €250 – €800 |
Expats employed by large companies may be offered supplementary insurance negotiated by the employer. For others, local or international contracts (Cigna, Aetna, APRIL, etc.) can cover some or all of these costs, including medical evacuation if needed.
Medical emergencies and useful numbers
In a critical situation (severe trauma, acute chest pain, respiratory distress…), calling 113 dispatches an ambulance 24/7, free of charge for everyone in the territory. The European number 112 also reaches emergency services (police, fire, medical) even without a SIM card or if the phone displays “emergency calls only.”
When calling emergency services, dispatchers systematically ask precise questions: exact location (including door code and landmarks), number of victims, approximate age, state of consciousness and breathing. They may refuse to send a team if the situation is not life-threatening and instead direct you to a family doctor or the nearest medical office. It is therefore crucial to plan ahead with good health coverage to avoid paying for an unexpected hospitalization out of pocket.
Finally, Latvia has specialized helplines: the “Skalbes” crisis center, a line for victims of violence, a number for children and adolescents, etc. This psychosocial support network also contributes to overall safety, especially for expats facing isolation or adjustment difficulties.
Cybersecurity and data protection: a pillar of daily security
Living in Latvia also means operating in a highly digital environment: online administration, remote banking, transport platforms (Bolt, car-sharing), health services, e-signature. This advanced digitalization brings a major challenge: cybersecurity.
A strengthened legal framework and structured governance
Latvia has thoroughly overhauled its cybersecurity framework by adopting a National Cybersecurity Law that came into force in September 2024. This law replaces the previous information technology security legislation and transposes the requirements of the EU NIS2 Directive, which aims to raise the cybersecurity level across the EU.
In concrete terms, the law:
Number of entities affected by the new cybersecurity obligations in sectors such as energy, transport, or health.
At the center of the system is the National Cybersecurity Center, operational since September 2024, which coordinates national policy, in support of the Ministry of Defense, the Constitutional Protection Bureau (intelligence services), and the national incident response team CERT.LV.
High exposure to cyberattacks, but a structured response
Latvia is highly connected, which also makes it vulnerable: according to available data, about 16% of all Russian cyberattacks targeting the EU in 2022 targeted Latvia, placing it among the top attacked countries. Attacks range from mass phishing to ransomware, attempted intrusions into critical systems, social media disinformation, and denial-of-service attacks.
The country has implemented several structuring programs to strengthen its capacities and support its growth.
Development of modern transport networks and renewable energy systems to ensure a resilient future.
Investment in technological research and high-speed connectivity to boost the economy and public services.
Vocational training programs and academic curriculum reform to align skills with market needs.
Modernization of healthcare facilities and prevention campaigns to improve access and quality of health services.
– several national cybersecurity strategies (2014-2018, 2019-2022, 2023-2026);
– a National Cybersecurity Council and a Digital Security Council;
– specialized units, including in the National Guard, to intervene in IT crises;
– information campaigns targeting children, seniors, civil servants, and businesses;
– a range of university cybersecurity training programs.
For an expat, the consequence is twofold: on one hand, online services are very advanced (eParaksts, electronic identities, paperless administrative procedures); on the other, it is essential to maintain good digital hygiene (strong passwords, vigilance against phishing, backups) and to use official tools for exchanges with authorities or banks.
Feeling safe also means feeling legitimate, informed, understood, and integrated into your environment. Latvia combines a strong affirmation of the national language, a complex history with a large Russian-speaking minority, and a highly structured legal framework around the protection of the Latvian language and minorities.
A linguistic mosaic regulated by law
The Latvian Constitution, supplemented by the Official Language Law, establishes Latvian as the state language while recognizing rights for national minorities (to preserve their language, education, culture). Livonian is recognized as an indigenous language, Latgalian as a historical variant of Latvian, and all other languages are classified as “foreign.”
In practice, the linguistic landscape looks like this:
Overview of the country’s ethnic composition and linguistic situation, based on provided data.
Approximately 63% of the population is ethnically Latvian, 23% is of Russian origin, and 11% comes from other nationalities (Ukrainians, Belarusians, Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, Roma…).
Russian is the mother tongue of over a third of the population. A large portion of Latvians also speak it as a second language.
Proficiency in Latvian as the language of work and education has been strengthened. Minority language programs have been gradually reduced in favor of instruction in Latvian, including in private schools for non-official EU languages.
For an expat, this means that: the process of adapting to a new country and new culture can be both rewarding and challenging. You often have to face obstacles such as language barriers, isolation, and cultural differences.
– English is very widespread in large cities, especially among young people and in the service, IT, and tourism sectors;
– Russian remains widely used in some neighborhoods and in the east of the country;
– but the language of administration, most contracts, and many formal interactions remains Latvian.
Not speaking Latvian does not prevent you from living or integrating socially in Riga, but it limits access to certain jobs, slows down administrative procedures, and can create dependence on colleagues or friends for paperwork. In the long run, learning Latvian is also a safety factor: better understanding instructions, alerts, interacting with public services, and accessing justice if needed.
Integration programs and support for newcomers
Latvia has set up “Guidelines for a Cohesive and Civically Active Society”, along with successive action plans (2022-2023 and beyond). With financial support from the EU (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, plus other European funds), various schemes exist for third-country nationals and beneficiaries of international protection:
Several services are offered to facilitate integration, including Latvian language courses (sometimes free or subsidized), orientation workshops on how institutions work, rights and duties, and local values. Individual support, interpretation services, and psychological support are also available. Targeted aid exists for people under temporary protection, such as those from Ukraine.
Organizations such as the Society Integration Foundation, specialized NGOs, or the Latvian Language Agency coordinate these actions. In parallel, many online resources exist for learning Latvian (valoda.lv, maciunmacies.valoda.lv, e-learning platforms).
For a “typical” expat (employee, entrepreneur, retiree), these programs are not always accessible, but they reflect an environment where integration is taken seriously, which contributes to long-term social stability.
Migration framework and residence permits: securing your status
To live peacefully, the first security is legal: having the right permit, meeting your obligations, and understanding the rules.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens must register their stay after three months. Third-country nationals need a residence permit (temporary or permanent), materialized by a biometric electronic ID card. Accepted grounds are numerous (work, studies, investment, family reunification, etc.). As of 2025, temporary permits are generally issued for three years, renewable. The application requires a complete file (legalized documents, proof of resources, health insurance, etc.) and is usually submitted in person at a Latvian diplomatic mission abroad.
Understanding this process and planning ahead avoids irregular stay situations, unnecessary stress, or difficulty accessing services (banking, health, work). For complex profiles (investors, entrepreneurs, blended families), it is often wise to seek specialized local legal advice.
Transport, roads, and mobility: a safety angle not to be underestimated
Latvia shows a low risk for public transport and taxis in international assessments. However, one black spot clearly stands out: road safety.
A road network with relatively high risk
European statistics show that Latvia is among the EU countries with a high road accident rate. Several factors combine:
– driving that is sometimes aggressive or does not respect the rules, especially excessive speed;
– drink-driving still too common;
– poorly lit country roads, uneven pavement, presence of wild animals;
– severe winter conditions (snow, black ice, reduced visibility).
The regulatory framework is rather strict:
Driving is on the right. Headlights must be on day and night, all year round. Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 1. A reflective vest, warning triangle, and safety equipment are mandatory in the vehicle. The blood alcohol limit is particularly low (0.05%, and 0.02% for novice drivers).
For an expat driver, it is highly recommended to:
– prefer driving during the day, especially in rural areas or over long distances;
– equip your vehicle with appropriate tires and accessories from autumn onward;
– strictly respect speed limits and alcohol regulations;
– learn about local specifics (black ice, animals on the road, signage).
Outside built-up areas and at night, pedestrians and cyclists must wear reflective accessories. This safety measure, which may surprise, is justified by the fact that more than half of accidents abroad involve pedestrians. For a newcomer, wearing light-colored clothing or a reflective armband in poorly lit areas is an essential safety gesture.
Taxis, ride-hailing, public transport: generally reliable
In Riga, public transport (buses, trams, trolleybuses, commuter trains) is considered safe. A few precautions suffice: keep an eye on your belongings during rush hour, validate your ticket or risk an on-the-spot fine, and avoid empty cars very late at night.
For taxis:
– It is advisable to use official companies (BalticTAXI, RedCab) or apps like Bolt;
– Check for a meter or agree on the price in advance;
– Avoid hailing an unknown taxi on the street, especially at night;
– Be wary of individuals who spontaneously offer “taxi?” outside bars or the train station.
Ride-hailing services add a layer of traceability (trip tracking, driver history) but do not replace checking the license plate and driver’s name before getting in the vehicle.
Mental health, support, and crisis management: don’t stay alone
Expatriation, even in a generally safe country, can be taxing: isolation, climate shock, language barrier, confusing administrative procedures. Latvia has a set of services that indirectly contribute to the safety of foreign residents.
Key information on helplines, consular support, and access to mental health care.
The “Skalbes” crisis center offers 24/7 listening at 116 123. A dedicated line for victims of violence (116 006) and a line for children and adolescents (116 111) complete the system.
Embassies (United States, India, EU member states, etc.) and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintain phone hotlines for emergencies involving their nationals.
Public psychiatry and addiction services can be saturated. Many private clinics and psychologists in the city offer faster access, at a cost of around €40 to €80 per session.
Knowing that these resources exist – and daring to use them – is part of an expat’s personal safety strategy, just like being vigilant on the streets or taking out insurance.
Conclusion: solid overall safety, to be complemented by good reflexes
Latvia brings together many assets for a serene expatriation: politically stable country, EU and Schengen member, low population density, one of the best-preserved environments in the world, moderate urban crime level, improving healthcare system, advanced digital infrastructure, robust cybersecurity framework.
The main challenges to anticipate are:
A long and harsh winter climate requires material and psychological preparation. Driving demands heightened vigilance due to the road network and driving behaviors. Petty crime is present in some tourist and nighttime areas, especially in Riga. Access to public healthcare is uneven, making solid private insurance almost a must for expats. Finally, optimal integration and administrative security require learning Latvian, the demanding institutional language.
By combining this knowledge with simple actions – caution at night, digital vigilance, winter equipment, integration into local social networks, understanding of stay rules – most expats can fully enjoy Latvia’s assets while managing risks. Safety there is above all a matter of preparation, information, and gradual adaptation to a country that, behind a sometimes reserved exterior, offers a remarkably stable and healthy living environment.
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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.
