Comparison of Latvia and Greece — “Golden Visa” without extra overpayments

Choosing a country for obtaining a residence permit through investment is a strategic decision that must consider not only cost but also legal reliability, flexibility of conditions, and future prospects. The programs of Latvia and Greece are often mentioned together as the most accessible within the European Union. However, upon deeper analysis, it becomes clear that the Latvian model offers a unique combination of transparency, flexibility, and investment efficiency.

Entry level: €50,000 vs €250,000

The Greek program requires an investment of €250,000 in real estate, and in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other high-demand areas — from €500,000. These funds are frozen for the entire duration of the residence permit, without the right to partial withdrawal. In contrast, in Latvia it is enough to invest €50,000 in the company’s share capital and pay a one-time state fee of €10,000.

For an investor, this means:

• lower liquidity burden,
• opportunity to participate in a real business,
• a mechanism for partial return of funds after 5 years.

Structure and Legal Basis

The Greek program requires an investment of €250,000 in real estate, and in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other high-demand areas — from €500,000. These funds are frozen for the entire duration of the residence permit, without the right to partial withdrawal. In contrast, in Latvia it is enough to invest €50,000 in the company’s share capital and pay a one-time state fee of €10,000.

The Latvian model is an investment in a registered company with a transparent corporate structure. The investor receives:

• a share in the business,
• reporting,
• ability to participate in the company’s advisory board.

For a wealthy investor, this is more of an entry into the European business ecosystem than just an immigration service.

Flexibility, Control, and Choice

In the Latvian program, you can choose the investment direction: tourism, human resources management, IT projects, B2B services — with a focus on real profitability. At the same time:

• no physical presence in Latvia required,
• no tax obligations for non-residents,
• transparent contract and personal support at all stages.

Greece, despite its mass popularity, offers a standardized product where the investor is a passive property owner with limited flexibility.

Conclusion

The Greek residence permit program is a solution for those who want to safely park their capital.

The Latvian program is for those who strive for smart asset allocation, obtaining European status with minimal costs, and reasonable diversification.

Latvia is an investment in flexibility, transparency, and involvement. Without unnecessary bureaucracy and overpayments.