Moving to Latvia

Moving to Latvia is a unique expat experience, as the country offers a rich blend of the old and new. Though a little off the beaten path, this Baltic country, situated between Estonia and Lithuania, has much to offer with its rich history and beautiful natural scenery.

A lush and green country, Latvia has a landscape dominated by forest and is famous for its stunning rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Mires make up close to 10 percent of Latvia’s land and are largely untouched by civilisation. As a result, these wetlands provide refuge to many unique species of plants and animals.

The historic centre of Latvia’s capital, Riga, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where medieval buildings stand alongside chic coffee shops and glass skyscrapers. Many expats in Riga are attracted to the city’s high quality of life, fantastic shopping opportunities, and cosmopolitan nightlife and restaurants.

Living in Latvia as an expat

Formerly a territory of pre-war Russia and later the Soviet Union, Latvia has since opened its borders to trade. The country has almost completely privatised since its formal independence in 1991. In 2004, Latvia joined the European Union (EU) and has seen a steady increase in foreign investment; it adopted the euro as its official currency in 2014.

Latvian is the official language spoken by the majority of locals, while Russian is still the primary language for close to a third of Latvia’s population. English is widely understood in business and tourism hotspots, though, so expats in these circles should have little trouble communicating. If living in a rural area or simply wanting to make the most of the Latvian experience, learning even just the basics of the local language can be very rewarding.

Cost of living in Latvia

The cost of living in Latvia is relatively low. Although cities such as Riga are more expensive than rural areas, most expats still find it generally cheaper to live in than other European hubs. Riga is notably less costly than some Western European capitals like Bern or London.

There are few restrictions on property investment, making Latvia a popular holiday home spot for expats fond of skiing and other outdoor pursuits. First-time buyers should be wary of corruption and red tape, though, and it’s a good idea to hire a reputable English-speaking lawyer to handle transactions. Renting is affordable, and it's often a safer and more practical option than buying.

Families and children in Latvia

Healthcare in Latvia is free, but expats moving with families should note that the quality of public healthcare is likely to be below the standards they're used to, especially outside of Riga. Expats are advised to get private international insurance.

The public education system is also likely to be below expat standards and, with Latvian being the primary language of instruction at state schools, many expats choose to send their children to one of the international schools in Riga instead.

Climate in Latvia

Latvia has a temperate maritime climate, with cold winters and cool summers. The average temperature in July, which is the warmest month, is around 63°F (17°C), and about 23°F (-5°C) in January, the coldest month. The summer months see the most precipitation in the form of heavy rainfall. The country is also impacted by Atlantic storms, which bring strong winds and copious amounts of rainfall.

Fast facts

Population: 1.88 million

Capital city: Riga

Geography: Latvia lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. The country's territory is mostly made up of low-lying forested plains, with some small lakes and swamps dotting the countryside.

Neighbouring countries: Latvia is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east and Belarus to the southeast.

Political system: Parliamentary republic

Major religions: Christianity

Main languages: Latvian is the official language. Russian is also spoken, while English is understood in most business circles.

Time: GMT+2 (+1 additional hour from the last Sunday of March till the last Sunday of October).

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Round, two-pin plugs are most common.

Money: The official currency of Latvia is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are readily available in urban areas, but may be scarcer in rural parts of the country. Opening a bank account is fairly easy, although non-residents may be charged additional fees.

International dialling code: +371

Emergency numbers: 112

Internet domain: .lv

Transport and driving: Latvia has efficient public transport, with trains and buses available across the country. Trams and trolleybuses operate on numerous routes in Riga. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road.