Buying a flat in Latvia in 2026: who can, prices, residency
Russian and Belarusian citizens have been banned from buying property in Latvia since 2025, and since 15 September 2026 buying no longer gives residence. Other foreigners buy flats freely.
In short
- Russian and Belarusian citizens have been banned from buying property in Latvia since 2025.
- Exceptions are inheritance, a court ruling and a single home with permanent residence obtained before the ban.
- Residence for buying property was abolished from 15 September 2026.
- A standard flat in Riga costs about $1,100-1,200 per square metre, a new project about $2,700.
- The state duty for registering ownership in the land register is 1.5% of the value.
In detail
Citizens of Russia and Belarus can no longer buy a flat in Latvia: a 2025 law banned them from acquiring real estate, with exceptions for inheritance, court rulings and a single home for those whose permanent residence predates the ban. Citizens of other non-EU countries can buy freely, but since 15 September 2026 buying no longer gives residence. How we select and check properties is explained on the page property in Latvia.
Who can buy a flat in Latvia in 2026
- EU citizens and citizens of most other countries - flats and houses freely; special rules apply to certain categories of land, such as agricultural and border land.
- Citizens of Russia and Belarus - buying real estate is banned. The ban also covers companies in which they hold 25% or more or are the beneficial owners.
- Exceptions - inheritance, a court ruling and a single home if Latvian permanent residence or EU long-term resident status was obtained before the ban took effect.
How much a flat in Riga costs in 2026
| Type of home in Riga | Average price per m², first half of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Flat in a standard Soviet-era block in a residential district | ~$1,100-1,200 |
| Flat in a new project outside the centre | ~$2,700 |
The gap between new and standard housing reaches threefold: in 2026 prices in new projects are easing slightly while standard flats are getting more expensive. Example calculation: a 50 m² flat in a standard block costs about $59,000, and in a new project about $140,000. Districts are covered in the guide to Riga.
Taxes and costs when buying
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| State duty for registering ownership in the land register | 1.5% of the value for individuals |
| Notarisation of signatures | at the notary's tariff |
| Annual property tax | at the municipality's rate |
Example calculation: on a $140,000 flat the state duty is about $2,100. Dollars are at the European Central Bank rate, rounded up. Taxes for residents and non-residents are on the page taxes in Latvia.
First whether you may buy, then what to buy
In Latvia a deal can fail before the deposit: ownership will not be registered for a buyer with Russian or Belarusian citizenship, or a company in which they hold 25% or more, and since 15 September 2026 buying gives no residence. We check whether you are allowed to buy and whether an exception applies, review the property in the land register, prepare the contract and file the registration.
The cost of support depends on the property and your status; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
Does a flat give residence in Latvia
No. The new Immigration Law, in force since 15 September 2026, removed buying property from the grounds for residence. Only applications filed by 14 September 2026 inclusive are considered under the old rules, and permits already issued remain valid until they expire. The investor route remains through investing in the capital of a Latvian company, but it is closed to citizens of Russia and Belarus. Details on the page Latvian residence by investment.
Descendants of Latvian citizens have another route, citizenship by descent: see Latvian citizenship by descent and how much Latvian citizenship costs.
How to buy a flat in Latvia: step by step
- Check whether you are allowed to buy: citizenship, company shares, exceptions.
- Check the property in the land register: owner, mortgages, bans and debts.
- Sign the sale agreement and have the signatures notarised.
- Pay the state duty and apply to register ownership in the land register.
FAQ
Can a Russian citizen buy a flat in Latvia?
Does buying a flat give residence in Latvia in 2026?
How much does a flat in Riga cost in 2026?
What are the costs of buying a flat in Latvia?
Can a foreigner from another country buy a flat in Latvia?
What happens to residence obtained earlier for property?
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