October has been an eventful month for Latvia's international community. New immigration regulations are reshaping the rules for foreign residents, international investors are showing continued interest in the country, and Riga has been particularly lively with film, music and art events.

For expats, entrepreneurs and anyone considering moving to Latvia, here are the developments worth knowing about as of 30 October.


Immigration: A new era of residence permits

The biggest development affecting foreign residents is the implementation of Latvia's new Immigration Law, which entered into force on 15 September 2026. October was the first full month in which applicants and employers had to navigate the new framework.

The main changes include:

Stricter document language requirements. Applications for first-time temporary residence permits and visas can be submitted in Latvian or English. However, applications for permit renewals and permanent residence must be submitted in Latvian. Documents provided by sponsors must also be in Latvian.

Changes to residence permit validity. Temporary residence permits are now issued for specific periods corresponding to the validity of the residence card. The previous annual registration requirement has been abolished.

Investment-based residence permits. The real estate purchase and bank subordinated investment routes have been discontinued. Existing permits remain subject to transitional arrangements.

A new investment option. A €150,000 investment in a state-established alternative investment fund is envisaged as a new route. However, the fund has not yet been established, so this option is not currently operational.

Restrictions on self-employment. Self-employed individuals and individual merchants can no longer obtain temporary residence permits through the previous routes.

Start-up opportunities. The possibilities for start-up founders to obtain residence permits have been expanded, subject to eligibility requirements.

Students and family reunification. The right to bring family members is now restricted to students who are NATO-country citizens or doctoral students.

Another important change is the introduction of a maximum four-month period for processing residence permit applications.

The law also introduces future integration requirements, including Latvian language learning and knowledge of Latvian history and culture. These provisions are scheduled to take effect on 31 December 2027.

Meanwhile, on 22 September, the government approved a comprehensive plan containing 71 measures aimed at tightening immigration controls and strengthening national security.

What this means for expats: Anyone planning to renew a residence permit, change employment arrangements or apply through an investment route should review their legal situation carefully. The old rules are no longer a reliable guide.


Business: Latvia continues attracting international investment

Despite the relatively small size of its domestic market, Latvia continues positioning itself as a gateway to the Baltic and wider European markets.

Several developments in October deserve attention:

Investment figures look promising. According to the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), investment projects attracted during the first nine months of 2026 reached €886.8 million, approximately 90% of the annual target. The projects cover energy, real estate, defence technology, fintech and logistics.

Japanese investment in Riga. On 26 October, Japanese technology company Epson officially opened a European Business Services Centre in Riga, representing an investment of €6 million.

Swedish investment connections. During the visit of Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria on 21 October, Latvian entrepreneurs met Swedish investors to discuss financing and business development.

Green technology. On 27 October, Swedish company Cemvision was selected to receive up to €27.5 million from the EU Innovation Fund for a low-emission cement plant in Latvia.

South Korean cooperation. The Port of Riga, South Korean company ECOMETHANOL and Latvian company AE Risinājumi signed a memorandum on developing green methanol production.

Another important business event took place on 29 October, when Riga hosted the Site Selectors Guild European Conference for the first time in the Baltic states. International investment consultants gathered to explore Latvia's potential as a location for manufacturing, technology centres and other projects.

For foreign entrepreneurs, these developments suggest opportunities in technology, green energy, logistics and professional services.


Culture: October brings international flavour to Riga

October has offered plenty of opportunities for expats to discover Latvian culture and meet the international community beyond the office and supermarket.

Some notable highlights:

  • Riga International Film Festival (15–25 October). RIGA IFF brought nearly 100 films to the city, including Latvian premieres, international cinema, short films and family screenings. It was an excellent opportunity to explore contemporary Baltic filmmaking.
  • Open House Riga (10–11 October). The architecture festival opened the doors of buildings and architectural spaces to the public, offering a different perspective on the city's history and urban development.
  • RIXC Art Science Festival (22–23 October). This year's programme, themed Climate Imagination, brought together art, science and technology to explore environmental and digital questions.
  • ARĒNA New Music Festival (27 October–13 November). The 25th edition opened in Riga with a programme combining contemporary classical music, experimental sounds and world premieres.

International community events. English-language stand-up comedy, jazz concerts, creative workshops and electronic music events have also provided plenty of opportunities for newcomers to socialise.

For those who want to experience Latvian traditions more directly, folk-dancing workshops were also organised in Riga during the month.