Property in Latvia: buying and support
Riga and Jūrmala: buildings and apartments are open to foreigners; separate conditions apply to land for non-EU citizens.
Why Latvia
EU, eurozone, Schengen
A clear legal framework and no currency risk for a European buyer.
Riga, a UNESCO-protected centre
The largest city in the Baltics, with a historic centre under UNESCO protection.
Jūrmala — an established resort
An established resort destination on the Baltic coast.
Honestly, about land
Non-EU citizens face separate conditions on land plots — we check these before the deal if the property comes with land.
Honestly, about residency: no unconfirmed figures
The investment-residency programme has repeatedly changed and tightened — we do not publish thresholds we cannot confirm as current.
Smaller budget — we'll source it
Tell us the amount and the goal, and we'll come back with options from developers and partners that are not in the catalogue.
Send a requestHow the purchase works
- 1
We map your goal
Goal, budget and city — Riga or Jūrmala.
- 2
We check the property in the land book
Owner, encumbrances and mortgages.
- 3
We confirm the land conditions
If the property comes with land and the buyer is a non-EU citizen.
- 4
The sale contract
We sign the contract on agreed terms.
- 5
Registration in the land book
We register the title.
- 6
We set up the property tax
The rate is set by the local government — we register the property accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Latvia?+
Yes, foreigners acquire apartments and buildings. Separate conditions apply to land plots for non-EU citizens — they are checked before the deal if the property includes land.
Is the residence-by-property programme still running?+
The terms of this programme in Latvia have been changed and tightened repeatedly. We do not publish thresholds we cannot verify as at today's date: current requirements are confirmed with a lawyer at the time of application.
What is checked in the land register?+
The owner, encumbrances, mortgages and third-party rights. It is the principal state register of property rights in Latvia, and an extract is obtained before any deposit.
What taxes does the owner pay?+
On the transaction, a state duty for registration of title. Annually, property tax at a rate set by the local authority; the amount depends on the property's rateable value and use.
Are there particularities in Riga's historic centre?+
Yes. The historic centre is protected, and restrictions apply to reconstruction alongside requirements to preserve the appearance of buildings. That affects both maintenance costs and the timing of any works — factor it in before buying.
Riga or Jūrmala?+
Riga offers steadier rental demand through the year. Jūrmala is a markedly seasonal resort destination where annual yield must be modelled allowing for vacancy out of season.
Will a bank lend to a non-resident?+
Latvian banks lend mainly to residents with local income, with credit available to non-residents on a limited basis. Purchases from abroad are normally planned on the buyer's own funds.
Do you have property in Latvia?+
Yes, there are listings in our catalogue. We will match to budget and purpose and clarify the land conditions if you need a property with a plot.
Overview
Latvia is a small EU market with Riga's historic architecture and the Jūrmala resort segment. Foreigners acquire apartments and buildings; the conditions attaching to land for non-EU citizens require separate checking.
Why buy here
Membership of the EU, the eurozone and Schengen: a clear legal framework and no currency risk for a European buyer. Riga is the largest city in the Baltics, with a UNESCO-listed historic centre. Jūrmala is an established resort destination on the Baltic coast.
Taxes, costs and yield
Benchmarks for taxes, purchase and holding costs and rental yield. Exact figures depend on the property and your situation.
On the transaction, a state duty for entry in the land register. Annually, property tax at a rate set by the local authority.
A state duty for entry of title in the land register is payable on the transaction, with notarial and legal services and agency commission charged separately. Annually the owner pays property tax; the rate is set by the local authority and depends on the property's rateable value and use. Exact figures are confirmed by a local lawyer for the specific property.
1. Check the property in the land register: owner, encumbrances, mortgages. 2. Clarify the conditions attaching to land where the property includes a plot and the buyer is from outside the EU. 3. Sale contract. 4. Registration of title in the land register.
Latvian banks lend mainly to residents with local income; credit is available to non-residents on a limited basis.
Latvia's residence-by-property-investment programme has been changed and tightened repeatedly. Current conditions and thresholds should be confirmed at the time of application: descriptions from earlier years are out of date, and we do not publish figures we cannot verify.
Rental demand is concentrated in Riga; Jūrmala is markedly seasonal. Riga's historic centre carries restrictions on reconstruction and requirements to preserve the appearance of buildings — which affects maintenance costs and the timing of any works.
What to bear in mind: — the conditions attaching to land for non-EU citizens differ from those for buildings and are checked before the deal; — heritage protection requirements in central Riga limit alteration and raise maintenance costs; — the terms of the investment residence route have changed — earlier descriptions are not a safe guide; — the market is small and liquidity outside Riga is lower. Checked in September 2026. Thresholds, rates and programme terms change — confirm the current requirements with a lawyer in the country before you buy.
Request a selection in Latvia
Figures are indicative, change over time and depend on the specific property and your circumstances. Obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before any purchase.
Get a personal property shortlist
Tell us your goal and budget — we'll send a curated selection from trusted local partners, with no obligation.