Latvia
Latvia’s rhythms flow from Riga’s art nouveau streets to pine forests and a wild, sandy Baltic coast.
Overview
Latvian language and the euro tie together city and countryside, from Riga’s historic core to river towns and coastal villages. Forests cover much of the landscape, shaping recreation and community life, while the Baltic Sea and regional heritage anchor the country’s cultural identity.
At a glance
Languages
- Latvian(Official)
- Russian(Widespread)
Population1,856,932
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
1 EUR = 1.1654 USD
1 USD = 0.8581 EUR
Popular places
Latvia
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerWeaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexLowSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexLowSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for EU Blue Card, Work (Employer-Sponsored), Family Reunification, and 1 more.
EU Blue Card
European Commission Immigration Portal EU Blue Card route for highly qualified non-EU workers in Latvia.
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Employed Worker Residence Permit
European Commission Immigration Portal route for non-EU citizens who want to work in Latvia as employed workers.
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Family Reunification
European Commission Immigration Portal family reunification route for eligible non-EU family members joining a sponsor in Latvia.
Self-Employment
Languages
- Latvian(Official)
- Russian(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Latvia.
Canada
Take normal security precautions
Advisory effective · Verified
Take normal security precautions in Latvia.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Latvia. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory effective · Verified
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Advisory summary Latvia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for Latvia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. If you decide to travel to Latvia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Latvia. Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Visit the Centers for Disease
Start planning your move
Choose a scenario to get started:
