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Latvia's parliament has enacted sweeping changes to its golden visa programme, closing two of its most popular routes while the intended replacement remains legally unavailable.

For clients considering European residency, the landscape has shifted considerably.

What this article covers:

  • Which Latvia golden visa routes have been closed and what has replaced them
  • Why the new fund route is not yet operational
  • The current status of the company investment pathway
  • What this means for clients evaluating European residency options in 2026

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Latvia's Golden Visa Overhaul: What Changed in June 2026

Latvia's parliament passed a new Immigration Law in June 2026 by 65 votes to 17, eliminating the €250,000 real estate route and the €280,000 bank deposit option that had been the programme's primary entry points.

A replacement €150,000 fund route was introduced alongside a €10,000 state budget contribution, though the required state-run alternative investment fund does not yet exist and cannot accept applicants.

The company investment route (€50,000 to €100,000) remains open but now confers a two-year permit rather than five.

Latvia's president has since returned the law for reconsideration, with any further vote expected in the autumn session.

What This Means for Clients Considering European Residency

For clients who had been evaluating Latvia as part of a broader European residency by investment strategy, timing now matters considerably. With two established routes closed and the fund option pending enabling legislation, only one operational pathway into the programme currently exists.

Clients weighing Latvia against alternatives such as Portugal, Italy, or Greece should treat this as a prompt to review their position with fresh urgency.

Those already holding Latvian permits are unaffected, but new applicants face a markedly narrower entry window than existed a few months ago.

If you are reassessing your European residency options in light of these changes, Marlow Bray's advisers can help you evaluate the alternatives that remain open and align your approach with your longer-term goals. Speak with our team to arrange a consultation.