Startup Visa (Jaunuzņēmuma vīza)

The Startup Visa, officially a temporary residence permit, was established to attract innovative entrepreneurs and support the growth of Latvia's technology ecosystem. Created to fill the gap for high-potential, scalable business models that may not yet have the capital of traditional businesses, this program allows up to five co-founders to relocate to Latvia to develop their projects. The visa is supported by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), which evaluates the business plan to ensure it meets criteria for innovation, technological value, and scalability, providing a streamlined entry for global talent.

This visa is specifically for founders of innovative, technology-driven startups who are looking to build their companies in a supportive European environment. It is ideal for teams working on SaaS, fintech, deep tech, or other scalable digital solutions. What makes this visa distinctive is its focus on potential rather than immediate high-revenue history; it allows founders to bootstrap or seek investment while residing in Latvia. It is a family-friendly option that provides access to the Schengen Area, provided the founders remain committed to their innovative business goals.